Curated by Mana Shetty, Isha Mehra, and Sharmila and Shaan Khanna, Araaish: A Day of Festive Shopping’ will feature for the first time a range of neon products by Save The Children India, and a glimpse of the festive collections of well-known designers and jewellers. These include Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, Jewels by Queenie, Janavi, Shehlaa by Shehla Khan, Leena & Tahira, Simar Dugal, Jewels of Kashmir by Ashini Sawhney, Myra by Anju Narain, Falguni Mehta, Aquamarine, The Oak Tree, Aharin by Prasansha & Ashish, Just Exotique by Nitika Malhotra, AnA by Anu Singh & Archana Bhushan, Nascent Jewels, Rriso by Sonu Dharnidharka, Shaaya by Vaitika, Laila Motwane, Omana by Skynique Jewels, Anshu Jain, Studio Vastra, Rivaayat by Meera Rohit (Tradition Unfurled), Valliyan by Nitya, Trupsel, VIVRE by Isha Mehra, ATOSA, and Soutache, to name a few.
Le City Deluxe India spoke to Mana Shetty about Araaish:
How is Araaish being celebrated differently this year, on its 25th anniversary?
It has been 25 years since my late mother, Mrs Vipula Kadri founded Save The Children India. Araaish began as a tribute to her, and it has grown bigger and better with every show. We are fortunate enough to receive an overwhelming response with every show, and we look forward to fabulous collections from celebrated designers, and lots of people coming together to celebrate the spirit of giving.
What are some of the novelties that visitors can expect this year?
Every show is personally curated by me, my sister Isha Mehra, and by Shaan and Sharmilla Khanna. Every Araaish promises a unique collection from some of the most celebrated brands from across the country. With the upcoming show, we expect to see some of the biggest designers showcase their latest collections, and of course the Save The Children India stall with festive, hand crafted, utility oriented beautiful items such as gift bags, batwas, potlis, tissue-box holders, and more, all made by the adolescent girls and young women from the Vocational Training program for women from less privileged backgrounds. The proceeds from the sale of these products go towards enriching the lives of those less fortunate, and we look forward to receiving your support.
How important is it to continue your mother’s legacy, to give back to underprivileged women and children?
It is extremely important. It’s great to have people come out and support the causes that Save The Children India stands for. My mother has left behind a legacy that few can match. It is of utmost importance that her dream be honoured, and that we all work towards her vision of India as a child-friendly nation.
Proceeds will go to STCI’s Special Care Centre School for the hearing impaired and differently abled children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over the years, celebrities like Sridevi, Kajol, Mandira Bedi, Lara Dutta, Sophie Choudry, Suneil Shetty, Malaika Arora Khan, Bobby Deol, and Prateik Babber, have thronged this shopping festival.