A Viral Transformation

A remarkable fashion shoot featuring a group of underprivileged school children in India has taken the internet by storm, transforming them into local celebrities almost overnight.

Creative Outfits and Backdrop

The captivating video highlights these children, primarily girls aged 12 to 17, donning vibrant red and gold outfits creatively crafted from discarded clothing. What sets this project apart is that the teens not only designed and tailored these outfits but also took on the role of models, strutting their stuff against the gritty backdrop of their slum in Lucknow.

Filmmaker and NGO Support

Captured by a resourceful 15-year-old filmmaker, the video caught the attention of social media after being posted on the Instagram account of Innovation for Change, a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting local children. This NGO aids around 400 children from the slums, providing them with education, meals, and essential job skills. The fashion models featured in the viral video are all students of this charitable initiative.

Inspiration from Bollywood

Mehak Kannojia, one of the talented models, shared with the BBC that she and her friends frequently draw inspiration from Bollywood actresses on Instagram, often replicating their styles. “This time, we decided to pool our resources and work together as a team," the 16-year-old explained.

Influence of Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Their project, aptly named "Yeh laal rang" (The Color Red), was influenced by the iconic Sabyasachi Mukherjee, one of India's foremost fashion designers, who has dressed numerous Bollywood celebrities as well as international stars like Kim Kardashian. Mukherjee is celebrated as the "king of weddings" in India, renowned for crafting exquisite bridal wear worn by A-listers, including Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra.

The Creative Process

To create their unique outfits, the girls sorted through a collection of donated clothes, deliberately selecting red items that resonated with Sabyasachi's celebrated bridal collections. In just three to four days, they sewed about a dozen outfits, relishing every moment of the creative process.

Capturing the Fun

Their ramp walk was a fusion of creativity and enthusiasm, as the girls studied Sabyasachi’s model videos for inspiration. Mimicking professional poses, they included playful elements, such as wearing sunglasses and sipping from straws, adding to the video's informal charm. Mehak recounted a spontaneous moment during the shoot that perfectly captured their fun and carefree spirit, further enhancing the video’s authenticity.

Going Viral

This ambitious project, executed on a minimal budget with donated materials, garnered widespread acclaim after Mukherjee himself shared it on his Instagram, complete with a heart emoji. The impact was instantaneous—the video went viral, attracting attention from various media outlets.

Surge of Interest

As a result, the charity experienced a surge of interest, with several TV channels visiting their school, and children receiving invitations to popular FM radio shows. Even Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia took time to visit these young stars, showcasing the immense reach of their artistic endeavor.

Unexpected Fame

Reflecting on their newfound fame, Mehak described the overwhelming response as "totally unexpected." She expressed her exhilaration, saying, "It feels like a dream come true. All my friends are sharing the video and saying 'you've become famous.' My parents were overjoyed when they heard about the attention."

Dreams for the Future

Their aspirations don’t end with this viral success; Mehak exclaimed, “Now we have only one dream left – to meet Sabyasachi.” This heartwarming tale of creativity and resilience beautifully illustrates how passion can transform lives, bringing hope and inspiration to children who dare to dream big against all odds.