Global IndianstoryFrom battling rare heart condition to winning Miss World America 2021: Shree Saini’s incredible journey

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From battling rare heart condition to winning Miss World America 2021: Shree Saini’s incredible journey

Written by: Global Indian

(October 11, 2021) Shree Saini erupted in joy when her name echoed at the Miss World America headquarters in Los Angeles after she was crowned the Miss World America 2021, making her the first Indian American to achieve the feat. The 25-year-old scripted history and how. Her childhood dream of becoming a Miss World translated into reality, but not without her share of trials and tribulations.

Saini had to fight a rare heart condition and a near fatal accident to walk those last few steps on the stage towards the coveted crown. Here’s the inspiring journey of this Global Indian who braved her way through adversities to create history.

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A heart condition that put her dreams on hold

Born in 1996 in Ludhiana, Punjab in a traditional family, Saini moved to Washington in the United States at the age of five. Seeing the Miss World pageant on television, Saini was intrigued by the world of glamor and service at a very young age. She was just six when she dressed up as Miss World for her school event, and knew that this was something that she would want to become someday. But amid the starry dreams, life was set to take a U-turn for this young girl when she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition at the age of 12. Her condition caused led her heart to beat only 20 times per minute as opposed to the normal 70 times per minute. She had to undergo an open heart surgery where a pacemaker was inserted to help her heart function properly.

“That was a huge turning point for me. I was told that I couldn’t dance or play sports, and it felt like my life just stopped. I thought I would have to live on a machine. But I wasn’t going to let that adversity stop me,” she told Spokesman in an interview.

An advocate of mental health

While Saini was going through her health crisis, her days in school were equally nightmarish as she was subjected to bullying for years. She felt like an outcast at school for being a person of color. However, she didn’t let any of this affect her as she became an advocate of heart health and mental health. At 15, when her mother fell seriously ill and had to be put on life support, Saini decided to start her own NGO to help others, who were dealing with depression like her. Her difficult times helped her adopt a solution-oriented mindset, and that’s what kept her afloat all these years.

“My parents taught me about the ‘charity of spirit’ that means overlooking offenses and highlighting only the good in others. We should always try to defuse the negativity in any situation and focus on the light within all of us. Your life’s legacy is defined by how you make people feel, with each vibe/interaction/conversation and the positive difference you make in other’s lives in your lifetime,” she told India-West.

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With a pacemaker in her heart, Saini had to bid adieu to dance for some time but she used that time to enroll in public speaking courses. “In elementary school, I began dancing in my living room. At that time, I didn’t have dance lessons because we lived in a small town of 2,000 people. In middle school, when we moved to a bigger town, I received a pacemaker, so I had to take years away from dance, but I used that time to enroll in public speaking courses. In high school, I officially started my nonprofit and found ways to give back at every fundraising and speaking events during weekends,” she added.

If she started finding solace in giving back, she also put on her dancing shoes after a hiatus to get back to something she loved the most. Two years after her surgery, Saini trained in ballet and was soon accepted to the New York City Joffrey Ballet, an offer she did not take up. Instead, she took a gap year, and spent some time in India travelling to Kolkata and Punjab. She later studied non-proft management at Harvard, acting at the Yale School of Drama, social entrepreneurship at Stanford and journalism at the University of Washington.

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A near fatal accident

Things once again took a hard turn for Saini when during her college days she met with a near fatal accident. While driving on an icy patch in Moses Lake in 2016, her car skid off the road and rolled into a ditch. She wasn’t just extensively bruised but her face suffered partial burns. “I had to wear a giant hat and a face mask or my skin would burn because of the sun.” Seeing the gravity of situation, her doctors gave a year of recovery time but the 24-year-old bounced back strong in less than a month. “My parents really helped me in that moment of adversity. They told me to constantly choose resilience. And I think in our life, we are going to always, be met with hardships but what truly defines our life is our choices that we make,” she told ABC7.

Journey to stardom

A year later, she dipped her toes in the world of glamor when she participated in Miss India-USA and won the title. In 2020, she won the World Peace Messenger Award from Passion Vista. But it was in October 2021 that Saini scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American to win the Miss World America 2021 title. “I am happy and quite nervous. I can’t express my feelings (in words). All the credit goes to my parents, especially my mother because of whose support I am here. Thank you Miss World America for this honour,” she said in a statement.

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She also holds the position of Miss World America National Beauty with a Purpose Ambassador, something she earned by working tirelessly to help those less fortunate and in need. Among her many accomplishments, her work has been recognized by UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, Susan G Komen, and many others.

Shree Saini has fought many adversities to reach the top and is the perfect example that anything is possible if you are determined to persevere.

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Published on 11, Oct 2021

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Jayati Sinha: The Indian environmental designer solving the homelessness crisis in LA

(November 9, 2021) Did you know that at least 63706 people are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County? It's almost an 13% increase from the previous year, and this alarming situation has made LA Mayor Eric Garcetti feverishly look for a solution, which he has found in a prototype built by Indian environmental designer Jayati Sinha. Sinha along with her team has come up with smart foldable and easily transportable houses that seem like the perfect solution for homelessness crisis in the US. In fact, LA Mayor has given his nod to the prototype which is now on its way to becoming a reality. Here's the story of Sinha, the Indian visual and environment designer, who is solving homelessness crisis in LA. From making Barbie dresses to designing innovative products Sinha was quite young when a fortune-teller told her mother that she would do something with scissors when she grows up. The only interpretation that the Sinha family could derive from the prophecy was that their daughter would be a surgeon someday. Sinha did pick up the scissor as she grew up but not to cut through flesh. Instead she cut materials to design Barbie dresses when she was all

erials to design Barbie dresses when she was all of 9. It was then she realised that she wanted to be in creative field. "I also started playing with new gadgets and technological things that my dad, a scientist, brought from his foreign trips. My amazement of building something from scratch grew into a desire to blend technology and mindsets to make experiences better for people," she told Voyage LA. Eventually, she stumbled upon product design, and there has been no looking back since then.

After completing her studies from Delhi Public School, Sinha enrolled herself in National Institute of Fashion Technology for Bachelor of Design. These years at NIFT gave her the perfect exposure which led her to interning at Viya Home, DeMuro Das and Artecnica. "At college, I was part of a craft project where we went to a village that practised metal crafts. We interacted with the craftsmen, stayed with them for a few weeks, and learned the process. We basically redesigned products for them – products more relevant to current times. That was one of the most important projects because it set me on a journey that was much more than just designing pretty objects," she told YourStory in an interview.

[caption id="attachment_15381" align="aligncenter" width="588"] Jayati Sinha with local artisans.[/caption]

Working with artisans helped change Sinha's perspective on life as she saw that they were not paid enough for the beautiful products that they created. This was a turning point for Sinha who now wanted to have a thought behind each of her act and was keen to make the lives of people better in an impactful way.

In 2017, Sinha moved to the US for her Masters in Environmental Design from Art Center College of Design. A year into her Master's degree, Eric Garcetti, the Mayor of Los Angeles, reached out to her college for guidance in designing bridge housing for homeless people. The mandate was to build structures that felt private and secure and also instilling a sense of community for the homeless. That's when she along with her team that was led by Professor James Meraz came up with the idea of Pop Hut. "This project was extraordinary and very attractive to me because it was directly transferable to any country in the world that faces some version of homelessness," she told Better India.

Making designs that create an impact

Taking a leaf out of her personal experience, this Global Indian knew how important it is for everyone deserves a safe place to stay. "I've been followed, threatened and taken advantage of by strangers. Even these small experiences instilled so much fear in me. Not having a place to go back to at night must feel immensely vulnerable. Imagine feeling like that every second of every day. People deserve to feel secure and have a safe place," added Sinha, who works as a visual designer at Fjord, a global design and innovation consultancy.

Her prototype of the Pop Hut was accepted by the Los Angeles mayor and is now in the process of gathering funds. The pandemic put a screeching halt to the plans in 2020 but now things are back on track. The Pop Hut is a foldable and easily transportable house with a shaded entry and a front door with keyed lock.

[caption id="attachment_15383" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Pop Hut designed by Jayati Sinha[/caption]

Her prototype is a perfect solution to curb the homelessness crisis in America. When Sinha moved to the US in 2017, she was stunned by the extent of homelessness she encountered. "In San Francisco, where I live, you will see people lying on the roads, with nowhere to go. India has long been a place of poverty and inequality, but living in the US made me realise that poverty is bad here too. I'd say the poorest people of India are less isolated than their counterparts in the US. Additionally, fewer people sleep while being exposed in public spaces in India as they have least semblance of a space even if it's very substandard," she told Mid-Day.

Sinha, whose prototype is on its way to become a reality, believes that it could be replicated for use in India too. With 1.8 million population of homeless people in India, Sinha's prototype seems like a perfect solution. "Today, India is developing fast with an emphasis on infrastructure development, which typically demands moving or migrant labour. This concept prioritises empathetic design values, while providing a low cost solution that could be of high value for a populous country like ours," she added.

[caption id="attachment_15384" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Jayati Sinha[/caption]

Sinha, who calls herself a T-shaped designer, likes to bridge function with a strong visual silhouette. The 26-year-old, who has slowly made a name for herself in the world of environment design, had to overcome her share of challenges. "I think a woman always have these power struggles. In the US, I have had the privilege to work with some very successful women designers and it is very encouraging to see that is something every woman can achieve. Of course it's sad that sometimes we have to try harder just to prove our worth," she told Your Story.

Sinha is on a mission to create an impact in the society with her designs. For someone who started learning the basics at a young age, she has come a long way with finding meaningful solutions that benefit from her designs.

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Embroidering her way to glory: Ruma Devi is putting Rajasthan’s handwoven designs on the global fashion map

(May 18, 2022) The term fashion world often brings to mind the image of well-known designers, supermodels, and ramp walks. But Ruma Devi is unlike any fashion designer, she is a superwoman for her peers. Responsible for single-handedly placing the handwoven designs of the artisans from Rajasthan on the global fashion map, the 33-year-old handicraft artisan, in the process, has empowered the lives of thousands of rural women from the Barmer region. From providing job opportunities in embroidery work to making local women participate in fashion shows across the world, Ruma has done everything. A school dropout, Ruma is a national awardee, a TedEx speaker and already a towering personality when it comes to women empowerment. She was also honoured by Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2019. [caption id="attachment_24583" align="aligncenter" width="792"] Ruma Devi[/caption] Early life Ruma was only four when her mother passed away and she spent most of her childhood at her grandmother's house. "I used to see my grandmother doing embroidery work. In fact, almost every house in the Barmer district used to wear clothes with embroidery done by women of the house. I never thought that I’d do it one day, but learnt it anyway," Ruma tells Global

er doing embroidery work. In fact, almost every house in the Barmer district used to wear clothes with embroidery done by women of the house. I never thought that I’d do it one day, but learnt it anyway," Ruma tells Global Indian.

Coming from a conservative rural family, Ruma dropped out of school at an early age and was married at 16. She didn't even understand the responsibilities of her marriage when a tragedy struck. "I was lost and I was coming to terms with it when the most devastating thing happened. I lost my first child due to an illness. I didn't have enough money to get my child the right treatment. It angered me so much and I went into depression," recalls the handicraft artisan.

Still in her late teens, she knew she had a long life ahead, but the child's face kept haunting her. "I couldn't do anything and felt aimless. I decided to distract myself with something that could keep me occupied." She had two options, either to work as a maid in someone's house or take up embroidery and try her luck. "I decided to pick embroidery. I could do embroidery on bags that villagers carry when they visit their relatives. But I had no money to get the bags in the first place," laughs Ruma. In 2008, she convinced a few women to come together and buy a sewing machine for stitching bags and do embroidery on them. "We bought a second-hand sewing machine and that's how we started, she adds.

Few months into it, Ruma realised there wasn’t enough work. "After all, how many bags could we sell to the people in the village," she says. That’s when the search for new customers began which brought them to Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan (GVCS), an NGO that works for the upliftment of women in the region. "They gave us three days to finish an embroidery assignment and bring the bags to them. Everybody was so thrilled that we worked the entire night, and were done with our job by the next day," laughs Ruma, for whom there was no looking back as she kept getting more work from the sansthan, which she would head a few years down the line!

[caption id="attachment_24588" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Handicraft Artisan | Ruma Devi Ruma Devi receives Nari Shakti Award from Ram Nath Kovind[/caption]

The challenges along the way

While Ruma and her group of women were expanding to nearby villages and had become a big collective of talented artisans, voices of discouragement tried to dampen their spirit. Many women were not allowed to step out of their homes despite their success. But Ruma convinced them to work from their homes while those allowed to step out would do the marketing bit in districts outside Barmer. Soon people started liking their work and more work followed.

It was time to step out of Rajasthan, and a trade show in Delhi in 2011 was the perfect opportunity to do that. But the decision didn’t find much support from her family members as she was charting into an unknown territory. Ruma had butterflies, but she feared nothing. Although the business was not great, it helped her understand the market well. The next year brought with it ₹11 lakh, which was way beyond their expectation. This helped the women to believe in themselves and in the leadership of Ruma.

What began with Ruma is now 30,000 strong. Currently women do applique and various types of embroidery work on upholstery items and everyday clothes. "We have uplifted many families from poverty," she beams with pride.

In 2010, Ruma took over as the president of GVCS and under her leadership, it has expanded operations to 75 villages and trained 11,000 artisans so far. The organisation is now collaborating with tribal women and taking it across India and to the world. The 32-year-old also collaboratively started sister producer company, Applique Handicrafts Producer Company for artisans.

The Fashion Diva

The ramp bug bit Ruma after she witnessed a fashion show in Jaipur a few years ago, and since her band of women were designing clothes too, she wanted to give it a try.

“Again, people within and outside said that our clothes were not made for the ramp and that we should stick to what we were doing. But since we had come this far, I saw no harm in trying something new," says Ruma, adding, "I felt a fashion show would be a good platform to showcase our work yet I had no clue how to go about it. A few designers told me, 'You are supposed to stitch and not just embroider. Stitching is not your thing’.” These hurtful remarks made Ruma more determined to participate. She wanted people to see the artisans who often remain voiceless and faceless in the glamourous world of fashion.

In 2016, Ruma and her team designed clothes for a fashion show at the Rajasthan Heritage Week, and they were an instant hit. Soon designers started making their way to Barmer to know more about their work and designs. Since then, she has not only worked with best in the Indian and global fashion circuit like Bibi Russell and Abraham & Thakore, she has also visited Germany, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the US and UAE to promote the arts and craft. "Our designs are now sold in various parts of the world. We have also started shipping our line of home furnishing lines of products to USA, Dubai and UK," reveals the handicraft artisan.

Memorable moments

Life has taught Ruma that the sky is the limit if one is determined to overcome obstacles. A school dropout, Ruma received an honorary PhD from Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University, Jaipur in 2020. In 2019, she made an appearance at Kaun Banega Crorepati, "I was very nervous that I would sit next to Amitabh Bachchan. But he was so warm and gentle that I felt very comfortable," Ruma shares.

[caption id="attachment_24586" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Ruma Devi with Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati[/caption]

The very next year, she organised a crafts workshop at the Harvard University, wherein she was invited as a speaker for their 17^th annual India Conference. But she procrastinated it for a bit as she was “shocked” by the invite and “ignored it for a few weeks.” Recalling the time, she says, “Firstly, I didn't dare to reply to that mail. Secondly, it was an expensive trip to go to the USA." But with the help of Bajaj Group, who sponsored her trip, she could do it.

Ruma might have been born in a small village in Rajasthan, but once she discovered the talent inside her, she never looked back. "I am a very ordinary woman who didn't know about her purpose, but things happened, and I never lost faith in my ability or in the women who trusted me," the handicraft artisan signs off.

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Reading Time: 7 mins

Unveiling the icon: Fashion maestro Rocky S redefines luxury and comfort

(June 26, 2023) Rocky S is a renowned fashion designer who has made a significant impact in the industry. With a passion for transforming fabric into art, Rocky S has dressed numerous celebrities, including Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Paris Hilton. His work has been showcased at international fashion weeks and his brand has gained recognition for its luxurious couture, bridal wear, and accessories. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship, Rocky S has established himself as one of India's top designers, captivating the fashion world with his innovative and exquisite designs. From a young age, Rocky Star found himself irresistibly drawn to the captivating allure of fashion. Whether it was observing trends, experimenting with styles, or simply appreciating the artistry behind clothing — he knew deep down that his destiny lay within the world of fashion design. He would help his friends select the perfect outfit for different events, and found he could style them flawlessly. “Even when I was in school, I was deeply captivated by the fashion world,” Rocky tells Global Indian. From Beyoncé and Paris Hilton to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Carrie Underwood, Danielle Campbell, Kangana Ranaut and Nora Fatehi among others — Rocky S,

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Carrie Underwood, Danielle Campbell, Kangana Ranaut and Nora Fatehi among others — Rocky S, as he is popularly known, has styled many celebrities across the world. He has also done six international shows including London Fashion Week (2016), Milan Fashion week (autumn/winter 2016), Dubai Fashion Week (2021) and LA Fashion Week (2022).

[caption id="attachment_40672" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Rocky S[/caption]

The Mumbaikar

Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra in October 1970, a city he describes as brimming with culture and creativity, Rocky faced the loss of his father at a young age. “But my mother’s unwavering strength became a guiding light in my life,” informs Rocky, who has two elder brothers, one a chartered accountant and the other has made his mark in the realm of business construction.

Even back then, Rocky showed a deep interest in sartorial pursuits. “I still remember during holidays, my grandmother would create stunning outfits from scratch and lovingly gift them to us. I was truly captivated by the artistry of transforming a single piece of fabric into such garments,” smiles the ace designer. Alongside his passion for fashion, Rocky discovered an affinity for swimming, a sport that has influenced his life and values and remains indelible.

He went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, but swiftly transitioned to pursue his dreams in fashion design, enrolling at the esteemed JD Institute in Mumbai.

Brand Rocky S

His process begins with inspiration. "It consumes a significant portion of my time," he admits, "but serves as a catalyst for my creative flow. Once I find the perfect inspirations, my sketches come to life effortlessly." This inspriation springs from the people who hace influenced him, and played role in shaping his creative vision.

Rocky’s art is shaped by his love for travel, which he says ignited a passion for exploration. During his travels, he encountered remarkable gothic and baroque designs, which became a fount of inspiration for the ace designer. “These influences, combined with my unwavering vision, propelled me to establish my own brand in 1995, with a resolute mission to create relevant and luxurious couture for the ever-evolving women of today,” recalls Rocky, who is well known for his artistic mind and penchant for invention.

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Over time, he nurtured a self-sustaining unit, housing skilled master craftsmen and artisans, who breathe life into each intricately designed piece. “At our atelier, we prioritize the art of precision, focusing on cut, comfort, fit, and finish, resulting in exquisite haute couture, bridal wear, luxury pret-a-porter, and accessories,” says Rocky.

Rocky now ships his creations worldwide, marking a remarkable evolution from his humble beginnings. “Today, we showcase our collections in prestigious multi-designer stores while maintaining our flagship store in Mumbai—a physical manifestation of our brand's essence, inviting fashion enthusiasts to immerse themselves in our world of style and craftsmanship,” he says.

Dressing up Beyoncé

Back in 2007, Rocky was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from the manager of superstar Beyonce, who was expected in Mumbai for a performance. The manager requested Rocky to bring a selection of outfits for the upcoming concert. “I swiftly gathered my team of assistants and headed to the hotel, armed with a carefully curated collection of 10-12 exquisite ensembles.”

As he presented the options to Beyonce, her eyes lit up with delight and after careful consideration, she ultimately chose the resplendent pink lehenga-choli for her stellar performance, says Rocky. He doesn’t just cater to the stars and their high-profile events, however. He works with the common people as well, and has established a reputation in the fashion community for offering a combination of style and comfort.

Association with ‘Miss India’

For many years, Rocky has served as the fashion director for Miss World, and has had a long association with the Miss Indian pageant – he was an official designer for Femina Miss India 2023 as well. He curates wardrobes for winners at events and red carpets.

This year, he says, his association with the pageant grew stronger as he had the honor of designing every gown for the state winners. “The collection of gowns exudes classic sophistication with a contemporary twist feature simple appliqué patchwork of cut Dana and stones. The delicate embroidery adds just the right amount of sparkle and texture to the gowns,” he explains. Only the finest silk, taffeta and velvet were used to create the meticulously-crafted gowns.

Future plans

Currently immersed in creating his newest collection, Rocky is pouring all his creative energy into the smallest details. “My strategy is to expand the brand’s presence by opening new stores both within India and abroad,” he says. “This decision is driven by the growing demand from our esteemed clientele, who hail from diverse locations such as the US, Canada, London, and Dubai,” Rocky adds.

Rocky’s other interests

Rocky is someone whose interests encompass a wide range of sources that fuel his creative spirit. “While I don't have a specific hobby per se, I find immense joy in traveling, immersing myself in different cultures, and drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of the world.” He also enjoys techno music, which he says resonates with his artistic sensibilities and serves as a backdrop for his creative process.

Fashion in India

Coming to the fashion scene in India, Rocky says people are currently embracing and celebrating a captivating neon revival, which has brought a fresh burst of energy and vibrancy to the scene. “Alongside this exciting trend, they are also exploring a myriad of captivating variations in saree styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional attire. These variations encompass a wide spectrum of design elements, ranging from unconventional draping techniques to experimentation with fabrics, textures, and embellishments,” explains the fashion designer.

Moreover, the anticipated rise in luxury spending in India by 2030 presents a promising landscape for the industry, he feels. “This upward trend in luxury spending suggests a growing demand for exclusive and high-end fashion products, creating a favorable environment for designers to showcase their craftsmanship and creativity as well,” he says, adding that opens up exciting opportunities to cater to the discerning tastes and aspirations of affluent clientele.

Rocky S stands as an extraordinary force in the realm of fashion, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with his visionary designs and impeccable craftsmanship. From dressing global celebrities to captivating audiences with his runway showcases, Rocky S has cemented his position as a leading fashion maestro in India and beyond. With his unwavering dedication to excellence and his ability to breathe life into every ensemble he creates, Rocky S continues to inspire and shape the world of fashion, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends trends and time.

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Priya Ahluwalia: The London-based designer is saving the planet with every new collection

(October 18, 2021) Her eponymous label found its roots in heritage and sustainability. Who could have thought that a trip to Lagos in Nigeria and Panipat in India would give birth to a fashion label that will become the face of sustainable fashion in international market? Meet Priya Ahluwalia, a London-based designer who is making people rethink their choices in fashion like no one else. The 29-year-old, in a short span, has become a name to reckon with and is making people sit up and take notice of her designs, one collection at a time. The designer, who made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list last year, is rising up the ladder with her craft that is hugely influenced by her Indian and Nigerian heritage. Here's the story of this Global Indian who is consciously working to save the planet with every design that she creates. [caption id="attachment_13328" align="aligncenter" width="658"] Priya Ahluwalia with her models[/caption] A trip to two countries set the course for her career Born to an Indian mother and a Nigerian father in London in 1992, Ahluwalia was always fascinated by colors and fashion. In her words, her mother was quite stylish and she loved

g" alt="Priya Ahluwalia" width="658" height="369" /> Priya Ahluwalia with her models[/caption]

A trip to two countries set the course for her career

Born to an Indian mother and a Nigerian father in London in 1992, Ahluwalia was always fascinated by colors and fashion. In her words, her mother was quite stylish and she loved trying on her clothes constantly. This love for clothing gave birth to her desire of becoming a fashion designer. But since Ahluwalia was quite studious, her mom was keen to make her a lawyer. So when she decided to fulfill her childhood dream and enrolled in the University for the Creative Arts, Epsom for a course in fashion, her family was quite shocked. However, Ahluwalia was sure about her decision.

But during her graduation, something peculiar happened and it set the course of her career. It was on a trip to Nigeria to meet her father in 2017 that Ahluwalia noticed hawkers on the streets of Lagos wearing some obscure items of British clothing. An inquisitive Ahluwalia rolled down the windows of her car to indulge in a chit-chat with them asking them about their clothes. That small rendezvous and some research on the internet led her to the the second-hand clothing market in the city that has stocks coming in from unwanted donations to British charity shops and then sold by various traders for profit. The journey of these clothes left Ahluwalia fascinated and she was keen to explore more about the huge amounts of clothes that are discarded by Western countries each year.

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This led her to Panipat in India, a city that's often described as the garment recycling capital of the world. Seeing the colossal amount of waste clothing that was stacked into mountainous piles and sorted by color, Ahluwalia was both disturbed as well as moved with the scale of the problem. Since the 29-year-old was studying on the Menswear MA course at London's Westminster University, this inspired her collection during her MA.

"All of this shocked me in a number of ways. Firstly, I couldn't believe that secondhand clothing was such a big business. I was also completely shocked at the sheer amount of clothes that are discarded, I had never really thought about it properly before. I suppose it is easy to ignore something that you don't really see. It also really made me cherish craft and tradition in textiles," she told Ignant in an interview.

The birth of her label

During her trip to both the countries, Ahluwalia began to document what she saw as photographs and soon released a book titled Sweet Lassi that had the imagery of these places as well as the pictures from her MA collection which was made from repurposed fabrics. It was the success of the book and collection that brought the second-hand garment industry onto fashion agenda. Her graduation collection was purchased by British retailer LN-CC and this eventually led to launch her label, Ahluwalia with sustainable principles.

Her debut collection was proof of her conscious choices as she used second hand garment reworked as menswear to highlight the industry's problem with waste. It's not just her technique and material choice but also her production methods that set her apart as a designer. For her Summer Spring 2019 collection, the beading on her patchwork pants was done by Sewa Delhi, an organization that specializes in getting rural Indian women into fairly paid work that fits around their family schedule. The collection was such a hit that it won her the H&M Global Design Award 2019. The same year she collaborated with Adidas at Paris Fashion Week for Autumn/Winter 2019 and took over the ramp at London Fashion Week 2020 with her Spring/Summer 2021 collection.

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Sustainable fashion is the key

All the pieces at Ahluwalia are made exclusively from recycled deadstock. She is one of those rare young designers who are openly addressing issues like climate crisis and sustainability. "I think the correlation between young designers talking about these issues is that more young designers are of BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) backgrounds than ever before. This means that for the first time, designers from ethnic minorities are able to share their stories and work through their own voice," the Forbes 30 Under 30 designer told CNN.

Since the launch of her label, Ahulwalia has been drawing inspiration from her Indian and Nigerian roots for her collection, and that's what makes her work unique and intriguing at the same time. "I am always inspired by my heritage and upbringing. I am Nigerian and Indian, and I was brought up in London, they are all places with such a wealth of culture and inspiration. I love the vibrancy of Lagos style, the craftsmanship of Indian textiles and the typical mixed wardrobe of a London man. They fuse together to create collections that are serious and playful at the same time," she told GQ.

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In just three years, Ahluwalia has become a rising star in fashion - someone who is making the world rethink about their sartorial choices and asking the fashion industry to make conscious choice to reduce the carbon footprint by opting for sustainable fashion.

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The World is mine: Megha Sudha Reddy, business tycoon, fashion icon, philanthropist

(November 14, 2022) Megha Sudha Reddy can often be spotted in the company of Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Elizabeth Hurley, a galaxy of Hollywood stars and the world’s most influential leaders. Her iconic red-carpet appearances on the world stage are just too many. From the Global Gift Gala to the MET Gala, Paris Couture Week and the First Ladies Luncheon — Sudha Reddy has stunned the global audience like no other. But that is only one part of her introduction. Philanthropy forms the other, more important part. “I am an avid connoisseur of art, fashion, and the finer things in life,” smiles Megha Sudha Reddy, the Director of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited MEIL) in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_31722" align="aligncenter" width="413"] Sudha Reddy at the Met Gala 2021, wearing a Falguni Shane Peacock gown and Chanel stilletos. Photo: ANI[/caption] One of the leading business tycoons of India, a global fashion icon, socialite, philanthropist and globe trotter, Sudha Reddy gets into the distinct roles with such elan that she stuns the world in everything that she does. A brief conversation with her will tell you that Sudha lives life on her own terms. Fashion Icon “My style

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One of the leading business tycoons of India, a global fashion icon, socialite, philanthropist and globe trotter, Sudha Reddy gets into the distinct roles with such elan that she stuns the world in everything that she does.

A brief conversation with her will tell you that Sudha lives life on her own terms.

Fashion Icon

“My style is a replica of my personality. It is versatile and unique,” says Sudha Reddy, who was among the few invitees to the prestigious F4D (Fashion 4 Development) Annual First Ladies Luncheon during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York this year. Powerful women from various fields including fashion, politics and business ventures attended the mega event.

The fashion icon was honoured with the Fashion 4 Development Philanthropy Award by New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. Previous winners include Charlize Theron, Diane Kruger, Arianna Huffington, Diane Von Furstenberg, Naomi Campbell, Amber Heard, Ellie Goulding and Victoria Beckham.

Leaving a mark in the global fashion circles, the billionaire walked the red carpet at the 2021 Met Gala. She is also the first woman from south India to have been invited by the committee of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in 2022.

Showcasing India's artistic heritage

“My sole aim for this trip was to highlight India’s rich artistic heritage. Indian craftsmanship is something that has to be celebrated on the world stage,” says the billionaire who has attended private dinners hosted by some of the most prominent designers, including Christian Dior, Rahul Mishra, Giambattista Valli, Alexandre Vauthier, Armani Privé, Zuhair Murad and Rami al Ali, and Fendi.

She says that engaging in discourse with world’s most influential leaders at all the prestigious events she attended, offered her an opportunity to share her vision with them. “I feel blessed to represent my country on a global stage,” says the fashionista.

Her inspirations ? “Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe,” says the MEIL director, who was the first guest in the new Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Lucerne, Switzerland, recently, which is a rare honour for an Indian.

Globe-trotting and attending the mega events have enabled Sudha Reddy to expand her horizons and gain exposure. “Most importantly, I have learnt that there is always room for learning more,” says Sudha, who received a personal invite from Paris Hilton, requesting her presence at the launch of her fragrance in Mumbai last month.

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At work

When it comes to her work at Megha group of industries, the wife of top industrialist Megha Krishna Reddy and mother of two says that while there have been challenges, it has been a fulfilling journey. “Our focus is to take India’s infrastructural capacity to newer heights, in terms of road and highway infrastructure,” says the company’s director.

Born and brought up in Andhra Pradesh, she credits her husband Krishna Reddy, whom she describes as a great source of learning. “Sheer hard work has ensured that we and our family of 7,000 employees have turned dreams into reality,” says Sudha Reddy.

One of the major ongoing projects of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) is the Zojila Pass tunnel, with which they have created a place for itself by drilling a tunnel in the Himalayan range, the first of its kind in such a geographical zone.

Philanthropy

Making the world a better place is a mission Megha Sudha Reddy has chosen for herself.

“I have witnessed the struggles of the underprivileged communities across India. We all have something to give back to the society and do our bit. I am doing mine,” says Sudha.

Through the Sudha Reddy Foundation, the business tycoon is working tirelessly towards affordable healthcare, accessible education for the underprivileged even as she has taken massive steps in spreading awareness about cancer and other chronic diseases.

“Working for these causes is my mission. It keeps me motivated and drives me to do more for the people,” says the recipient of “Champions of Change” award from the Telangana government. She firmly believes that donating time, money or skills positively impacts lives of many people.

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She is actively associated with Action Against Hunger and Poverty, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Fight Hunger Foundation.

“Anyone who is in a position to give back to society should do their bit,” feels Sudha Reddy, who advocates for equitable medical care and literacy while providing women and children with a forum to have their voices heard.

With kindness and compassion at the centre of her mission, she aims at aiding and uplifting many more lives across the length and breadth of India.

Not only does she work alongside American actress Eva Longaria to raise awareness about children suffering from chronic diseases, Sudha Reddy, she previously collaborated with Elizabeth Hurley to work toward breast cancer awareness.

Fitness freak

Whether she’s working, travelling or attending mega events around the world, the business tycoon makes it a point to devote some time to fitness. She never misses her 90 minute workout schedule, five days a week.

“I also practice yoga and eat in moderation. Regular exercising keeps stress at bay,” smiles Sudha Reddy, who regularly takes to meditation and indulges in various religious activities. “Prayers have healing powers,” is her firm belief.

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