Fashion & Lifestyle Mela concludes on a high note

Bhubaneswar: The Fashion and Lifestyle Mela organised by INWEC at Patia Paltronics Ground in the capital city here concluded today.

Governor Ganesh Lal graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and visited the stalls, shared experiences with the entrepreneurs and appreciated the entrepreneurs who have extended their support to the Mission Shakti.

Bollywood fashion designer Manish Malhotra was the main attraction of the Mela.  For the first time, he designed clothes with fabrics from Odisha. A ramp show was organised by the members of INWEC by wearing those costumes.  The audience praised the outfits and thanked Malhotra for creating the extraordinary costumes.

Malhotra thanked INWEC Convener Sukirti Patnaik and member Preeti Pallavi Patnaik for inviting him to Odisha and introducing uniqueness in fabrics.  He appreciated the quality of the fabric, the richness of the design and the vibrancy of the colours. He thanked the weavers for keeping the traditional weaving and craft alive.

Malhotra promised to work on more fabrics from Odisha in future. He shared his experience with the audience in a session with Sukirti Patnaik.

On this occasion, Malhotra also encouraged entrepreneurs supported by Odisha Design and Mission Shakti. Seema Tiwari of Tarini Designs, Tania Khosala of Label By Tanya, Tarina Sen of Label Tarina Sen and Zahida Ahmed of Label Zeenat showcased the collection of modern handmade designs.

Two new brands were launched in this Mela. Kalinga Desiagro Foundation started KDF Coffee.  Abarika coffee cultivated in the eastern part of Odisha gives the original flavour to the Koraput region. The coffee is grown by local communities, ethically sourced with the goal of agricultural community inclusion, sustainability and financial sustainability.

Preeti Pallavi Patnaik said technology and innovation in agricultural systems are necessary for farmers for better harvests. In the presence of Aminu Co- Founders Aman Mahant and Sukirti Patnaik, Aminu, an advanced technology-based skin care product, was launched by Indulge. The product was developed in an American lab, with botanicals that are extracted using the latest technology. Formulated with a skin care product that is safe for people of all age groups.

Former Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy addressed the audience and shared the vision and policies of the state government. Tanaya Patnaik, co-convenor of INWEC, spoke about Odisha’s Handicraft Journey. INWEC has created a platform that has brought together so many designers to create a bright future for our textile, fashion and handloom industry.  INWEC Convener Sukirti Patnaik thanked the visitors for making the Mela a resounding success.