LFW hosts maiden auditions in 'exotic' North East

As part of its model hunt for upcoming Lakme Fashion Week's Winter/Festive season in August this year, the cosmetics brand held its first ever auditions in the country's north east region.
According to organisers, the auditions which were conducted in association with the Northeast Fashion and Design Council, were an attempt to nurture and cultivate fashion talent in the region.
"Our country has such beauty in our diversity. I am thrilled to bring the model auditions for LFW to Guwahati for the very first time and see these gorgeous faces make their debut at India's premier fashion platform," Purnima Lamba, Head of Innovation, Lakme said.

The contest held here recently which saw over 100 models showcasing their best, was presided over by a jury that comprised several renowned faces from the fashion fraternity including popular fashion designer Atsu Sekhose, supermodel Sonalika Sahay and Assamese actress Barsha Rani Bishaya among others.
The semi-finalists, who walked the ramp in the creations of three local couturiers - Payal Chadha, Mitrani Kakoti and Kashmiri and Jyoti Kumar Nath - donned specially curated traditional Mekhela Chadors replete with intricate embroidery, motifs and vibrant colours in a bid to celebrate traditional heritage of the region.
Following three competitive rounds, the panel of judges settled on two brand new faces from Guwahati - Suzzane Baker and Jahnabi Deori - to be a part of the gala fashion event from August 24 - August 28 in Mumbai.

"The models from this region have always been exotic and stunningly unique. At the auditions, we discovered some striking new faces who can sashay the ramp with poise and elegance," Sahay said.

Popular actress and theatre artist from the region Bishaya said that North Eastern India has a hoard of talent that still remains untapped.
She said, "I believe the region has an undiscovered oasis of talent!"
Seconding her, designer Sekhose said, "The first thing that comes to mind when you say North-East India, is its beauty and I am very happy that LFW has conducted its first ever female audition here.

"There is a lot of talent and beauty yet to be discovered and this is a wonderful opportunity for all the aspiring girls from this region to come forward and make it big!"
LFW, which is organised by Lakme and IMG Reliance, has in the past introduced faces like those of Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, who went on to become leading Bollywood actresses and continues to serve as a foundation for new and emerging runway talent with its model auditions.