FASHION SHOWS STEPS UP TO SPREAD OUT SOCIAL MESSAGES, ..
FASHION SHOWS STEPS UP TO SPREAD OUT SOCIAL MESSAGES, VARIJA BAJAJ SHOW “VRINDAVAN”HIGHLIGHTS SOCIAL STIGMA MET BY 15000 WIDOWS AT VRINDAVAN
- Vrindavan popular as a religious destination is known for its temples. Very few know that it is an abode for over 15000 Widows. And this was the inspiration for the designer Varija Bajaj who has always used fashion not only for her creative expression but also for her social messages.
With cropped hair and shaved heads widows are ostracised by their families. Robbed off all colours, they are forced to wear white and commit a social suicide. Varija Bajaj displayed this very strongly on the ramp with models beginning the show draped in white sheets and cropped hair.
“Varija Bajaj’s collection titled VRINDAVAN at India Runway Week was a social revolt against “the discrimination” “the inauspiciousness” and “the stigma” attached to a widow and a demand for her rights to look and be beautiful”
Lehengas are typically worn with cholis and dupattas. But Varija Bajaj teamed them with western white tops to express her revolt against obsolete norms of the society.While the lehengas were beautifully complimented with her signature tassels to symbolise the beauty of life.
In the pre-historic era widows practiced Sati and Jauhar to protect themselves and save their honour against the enemies of war. Something which started as a willful practice was later forced upon the widows against their will.For those widows who decided to live were outcasted. Out lashing at these obsolete practices in present times Varija says “Look around! She might be your Mother, Daughter, Sister, a Relative or even a Friend who is robbed off her right to live because of your ignorance.”
