Ramp With a Cause Lived Up to its Promise

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Photos: Saurabh Sen Gupta and Murali Santhana.

STAFFORD: It is rare that you see a professional fashion show being organized at the Old Stafford Civic Center, complete with the catwalk ramp and set of professional designers and models. That is what Aalponaa Event Designers made possible at their, “Ramp with a Cause” event last Friday, November 13.

This was an initiative by Aalponaa in collaboration with IDRF – India Development Relief Fund (a 501 C charity organization based in New York) in support of the Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan, a national (Clean India) movement of our current Indian Modi Government. The goal of this fundraiser was to raise funds to build rural sanitation facilities for several villages across Gujarat and Bengal.

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The venue was decked out to its glory, with stunning décor and lighting, providing the perfect ambience for the event. This Gala Dinner Event featured two high end main stream designers, Priya Chhabria from Mumbai who presented her ‘Vivaah’ or Bridal collection and Agnimitra Paul from Kolkata, who showcased her ‘Threads of India’ collection.  Each collection was unique and was presented in an entirely contrasting style. The clothes showcased by the beautiful models were gorgeous. Nina Desai was the elegant emcee for the event.

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The first fashion show was that of Ms. Paul. Agnimitra’s collection was earthy and inspired by the Madhubani and Kalamkari art, Kantha, Ikaat and Dhakai weaves of India, The styling was rustic and the choreography by Raza Hassan was fun and peppy. 21 female and 7 male models walked the ramp showing off a truly diverse array of Indian and Indo Western fusion outfits. The show culminated in the show stoppers Crystale Montanez-Baylor and Mahesh Sriram bringing in the stunning designer herself, Agnimitra Paul.

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This was followed by a special segment ‘Women of Honor’ where the Aalponaa ladies invited 11 women of our greater Houston Community, each highly accomplished in their own fields, to walk the ramp and get the acknowledgement and adulation of those present. Sanchali Basu introduced each lady and they were all presented a token of appreciation by the Aalponaa ladies, Sailaja, Mumu and Piyal.

The second fashion show was the bridal collection of the Mumbai based Bollywood designer Priya Chabria. The models were decked in glorious embroidered and beaded gowns, lehengas and lehenga saris. The young men showed off grooms wear and looked very dapper. The models showcased stunning jewelry as well. The styling and show was truly spectacular and a treat to the eyes.

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With meticulous planning and execution by Aalponaa Event Designers, delicious food by Alings Haka, Mishti Doi by Shondesh Boutique, the attendees were treated to an evening of visual and gastronomical delights while showing their support for a good cause.

Aalponaa is a Customized Event Management Company in the Greater Houston area with a mission of ‘Designing your dreams’. Aalponaa offers a wide range of highly professional event design, management and planning services. As a company spearheaded by three ladies, they believe that women form the backbone of a society and support projects that seek to empower them with education, economic resources to be self-sufficient and facilities to have a healthy and independent life. A staggering number of people in India don’t have access to clean sanitary facilities, something that is taken for granted in countries like the US. With your help and support, the Aalponaa team would like to continue to raise funds to support these initiatives and truly make a life changing difference in the lives of many in these villages.

For further details or to make a donation contact Aalponaa Event Designers: Sailaja Bandyopadhyay, Mumu Choudhury and Piyal Sen Gupta Email: Info@Aalponaa.com  or visit www.Aalponaa.com