JOIN USCollege friends Garima Bajaj and Karishma Gulati always wanted to collaborate in the field of fashion. However, owing to familial pressures, they had to study IT engineering and even dabbled with a couple of jobs including interior design. But six months ago, they set up an uber-luxurious fashion and lifestyle exhibition — La Ombré, which will be held on September 3 in the city.
“Both of us are IT engineers by default. But our passion is fashion. Since 2014, we have been participating in a lot of fashion shows and attending fashion events,” says the 24-year-old Bajaj.
“Through our initiative, we aim to provide a platform to different kinds of labels, both upcoming and established,” says the Faridabad-based founder.
The all-day event will see designers Beena+Malini Ramani, Sidharth K Kakkar, Hina Deck Up, Ruzhan, All about Weaves, Japna Creations, Makeup by Mridula, Stylista creations by Harpreet and Shahana by Ritika among others. “We intend to break the traditional exhibition monotony, which is why, we will not stick to a theme, and have an array of designer wear, delectable accessories, fashion apparel, home decor items and quirky gifting items,” says Bajaj.
How different is La Ombré from the many other lifestyle exhibitions? “A lifestyle exhibition is not something new but definitely, we wanted to add more colours to what the pioneers in this space have done. We have a goal to reach out to as many entrepreneurs as possible, which is why, we are giving an avenue to designers of hand-painted shoes and oversized clothing as well,” Bajaj tells Metrolife.
She says that 70-odd exhibitors are already on board and others are expected to join soon. “We have designers, exhibitors and professionals working from home as well as part-time. Many miss out on exposure despite having experience, and that is what we are providing as a platform. We want to build a family and we are working on a long-term association,” says Bajaj.
Meanwhile, they have also associated with an NGO Das Foundation, which works against women abuse, and will showcase clothes made by the women enrolled in the organisation. “There will be a special show by them and we look forward to it,” says Bajaj.
The exhibition will take place at The Grand, Vasant Kunj on September 3, from 11 am to 8.30 pm.