Madhu Jain breaks age stereotypes at AIFW

Cutting through ageism with her indigenous designs of handwoven textiles, Indian revivalist Madhu Jain today made her debut at the Amazon India Fashion Week stage.
Madhu, who completed her 30 years in the fashion industry, said the four-day extravaganza was the best platform to project her journey through the inter-weaving threads that translated into the traditional and colourful fabrics.
"I'm trying to show my thirty years of work with this collection. I've never done a show before and I thought this was the best time where I could present my work especially ikat and kalamkari fabrics which are prepared through dyeing process," Madhu said post show.

The show began with live singing which was followed by the models sashaying down the ramp to the tunes of Carnatic music.
The event witnessed the models of different ages donning saris, suits and long skirts in the shades of red, black, blue and off-white with straight hair and flat mojadi.
Talking about choosing the models from different age groups, Madhu said, "Most of the models are really close to me. I even share a personal equation with them. In fact the guy who started the show with live singing is also family."

"People, who enjoy her work, have been wearing it for many years. What she does is absolutely original. I believe she's India's most authentic designer because she actually choses things from where they belong. Unlike many designers she does not pick them up from anywhere," said one of the models who walked for Madhu.

Apart from Madhu, designer Krishna Mehta also presented her collection titled 'Parted Lips', which saw unique pieces of art by amalgamating the traditional with nouveau elements.
With a keen eye for detailing, each of the handwoven piece appeared complete in itself which showcased the designer's zest for life.
"The idea of Parted Lips is just a sensuous feeling. It's an expression and as designers we have the prerogative of doing, writing and singing whatever we want to do with our collection," Krishna said about her collection.
Krishna chose an unusual concept to start her show by sending a trained male dancer on the ramp, who introduced the designer's models to the flirtatious beats of Salsa.

From a cropped sleeveless stylised jackets to ombre draped dress with patchwork and a stretch, cross-over blouse worn with a blue duppatta, decorative highlights in shaded colours in Krishna's collection offered a feeling of sensual femininity, and act as a perfect foil to the bolder, more daring silhouettes and stand-out elements like patchwork.