India to dress the World

Photographs courtesy of Miss World Philippines Miss World chairperson and chief executive officer Julia Morley, Indian designer Archana Kochhar and reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska in an Archana Kochhar creation.

After 28 years, the 71st Miss World is happening on 9 March in Mumbai, India. The seventh largest South Asian country last hosted the oldest existing international beauty pageant on 23 November 1996 when the 46th edition was held in Bangalore, India.

Renowned Indian fashion designer Archana Kochhar, known for her global design sensibilities, has been chosen as the official fashion designer of the 71st edition.

“We are thrilled to have one of India’s most talented fashion designers, Archana Kochhar. Her beautiful work amazes me and showcases the rich culture and heritage of India,” Miss World chairperson and chief executive officer Julia Morley said.

Kochhar has been invited to national and international runways like Lakme Fashion Week, India Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week to showcase her contemporary designs and collections for several seasons. She has been working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s “Make in India” campaign in her various projects, such as Banjara, Ahimsa Silk and Warli.

“I am honored to be the official fashion designer for Miss World. I have been watching Miss World since my childhood and it’s legendary. I would like to thank Julia Morley for giving me this beautiful opportunity,” Kochhar said.

Under the “Make in India” campaign, Kochhar will showcase her new collection promoting different tribal and regional arts of India like the Jamdani weave, Ahimsa silk, Bandani fabric, Varanasi brocade, Kutchi mirror work and a lot more.

The designer shares spoilers on what style the 112 delegates from countries and territories will wear on the Miss World stage.

 

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style that originated in the city of Lucknow, India.


Asia & Oceania

Made from Ahimsa Silk, a non-violence silk made without killing the silkworm, the delegates will be dressed in a floral printed collection comprised of modern lehengas, stylistic Anarkali and draped sharara sets. The prints integrate geometric symbols from Mughal Architecture to pay tribute to the indigenous flora and fauna of India.

 

For her contemporary designs and collections, Kochhar has been invited to national and international runways.


Europe

The Archana Kochhar’s collection uses hand-woven brocade weaves from Varanasi, handicraft mirror work embroidery from the Kachchh district of Gujarat, handloom Jamdani fabric from Bengal and the tie-dye Bandhani technique from Gujarat. The collection pays homage to the timeless grace of Indian weaves and the different adaptations of these silhouettes.

 

Mirrors of different shapes and sizes are hand embroidered meticulously on fabric.


Africa

Taking center stage with delicate pastel hues are meticulously hand-embroidered lehengas and Anarkali sets. From Lucknow, the collection uses chikankari embroidery and is embellished with kardana beads, sequins and stones. The shades draw attention to the diversity of the female form, in all shapes and sizes, worthy of being celebrated as they are.

The new collection will promote the different tribal and regional arts of India.


 
Americas and the Caribbean

Bringing an element of Mumbai to the Miss World stage, this group will be dressed in Bollywood Bling. Embellished with hand-embroidered sequins and stones to create an incredible shine on stage, the collection uses the Indian jewel colors of ruby, sapphire and emerald.

“I was honored to wear a traditional gown created by Archana Kochhar. The craftsmanship, the colors and the embroidery details made me feel like I was wearing India’s heritage. I felt like a true Indian princess for a day,” says reigning Pole Miss World Karolina Bielawska.