One of the highlights of Delhi Fashion Week, Autumn Winter 2012, was the Fashion Design Council of India’s (FDCI) special show. Each year the FDCI takes on a cause as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and this season the spotlight fell on an organisation fighting human trafficking of women: Youcanfree.us
Twelve of India’s leading designers including Manish Arora, Tarun Tahliani, Ashish N Soni and Ritu Beri, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, all lent their support by getting involved in a film documenting human trafficking and by participating in the show to a packed and enthusiastic audience. At a time when the world’s media is focussed on India, the FDCI bravely and elegantly managed to tie fashion with social responsibility. As far as I am aware no other international high profile fashion week gives up an expensive official time slot to a social cause and this is to be lauded.
Youcanfree.us is an international non-profit organisation that rescues and provides pro-active support to women forced into prostitution and kept in extremely inhumane conditions, even cages. They provide healthcare, legal advice and rehabilitation. Sujo John, of Indian origin: 'It is heartbreaking to see the lives of women who are victims of human trafficking. When celebrated individuals from various walks of life - fashion, sport, film and society, come together to raise awareness for these atrocities, it does help tremendously, giving hope and we can begin to rewrite their stories together!'
Sunil Sethi, President of the FDCI “We at FDCI, along with the designers, constantly endeavour to work towards the betterment of the society. In the past we have supported causes like breast cancer awareness, support for the girl child and campaign against child labour. This year we are happy to lend the WIFW platform to 'YouCanFree.Us' in their drive against human trafficking."
The film and fashion show was accompanied by a photography exhibition by Subi Samuel, a leading Bollywood photographer.
Article written by:
Shazia Saleem
Fashion designer
Image Credit- Shazia Saleem
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