Ramp for Champ - A fashion show with a difference, to make a difference
There were styles on display and there were models walking the ramp. But this wasn’t just another fashion show. The Ramp for Champs event at Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, on Saturday, saw little models sashaying down the catwalk amidst loud cheers. And, surely, there were a few misty eyes, too. For, these tiny tots were underprivileged children supported by the Smile Foundation which does a remarkable job of working with them and bettering their lives.
The fashion show was one of the highlights of the Orion Festival of Giving running from May 12th to 29th, a unique initiative encouraging customers to bring in things they once loved and no longer use – clothes, footwear, accessories, books, toys – and receive shopping vouchers in return. The donations go towards Smile Foundation.
Now in its second year, the Orion Festival Giving has become a rewarding and meaningful way for customers and retailers to join hands and make a difference in the lives of the less privileged. Speaking about this year’s event, Mr. Vishal Mirchandani, CEO- Retail & Commercial, Brigade Group said, “An initiative such as this provides the perfect motivation for people to give generously, have fun while doing so and make a difference.”
The fashion show with a difference, choreographed expertly by Fashion Guru Prasad Bidapa, was staged at the charming lakeside of Orion Mall and opened with a sparkling salsa recital. Then it was time for the little ones to show off the children’s collection of Scullers and later Chicco. Supermodel and Miss Earth Nicole Faria lit up the catwalk with her presence, as did actress Madhuri Bhattacharya. Their outings on the catwalk were interspersed by a beautiful performance by the young singing sensation Nilanjana Jayant.
Adding glamour and star power to the evening was a line-up of Bangalore celebrities who walked the ramp with the children, lending their support to the cause and helping to carry the message further. Among them were Chef Abhijit Saha, Atul Ujagar, country director of Nike, musician Behram Siganporia, brand specialist Harish Bijoor, salsa exponent Sneha Kapoor, dancer Vyjayanthi Kashi, actress Shrutakeerthi and model Rakesh Chengappa, among others. Priyanka Upendra was a glittering presence among the stars on the ramp and then it was time for Femina Miss India Earth, Sushruthi Krishna, to walk the ramp as show-stopper. Her radiant smile lit up the finale – it was a perfect way to wrap up an evening dedicated to spreading smiles.
You can join the movement and spread those smiles, too, by donating old apparel, footwear, accessories, toys and books in condition to Orion Mall at Brigade Gateway and Orion East Mall at Banaswadi Main Road.
