Shahzad Ahmed
The event saw the gorgeous Radhika Apte in attendance, along with designers and members from the LGBTQIA+ community Grazia India, the most credible name in fashion and lifestyle, honoured the one-year anniversary of the reading down of Section 377. The brand has dedicated its September issue to celebrating pride and inclusivity. The brand invited 22 prominent designers to give their interpretation of pride by lending the basic white Tee a fierce do-over. The wonderfully colourful collection was then donned by members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community for an exclusive editorial feature in the magazine. The brand also hosted a special evening at Soho House, Mumbai on September 14 to commemorate the issue, where all 22 designs were displayed – driving home the message: It’s all about love.Speaking about the special occasion, Mr. Deepak Lamba, CEO, Worldwide Media said, “Pride by definition is about embracing your true self. A year ago, as a country, we freed love from the existing societal stereotypes and restraints. This September issue is an extremely special project that brings forth the pride colors and celebrates diversity and inclusivity. The LGBTQIA+ community has struggled and remained hidden in the background for too long. Now is the time to celebrate their honour, resilience and embrace them as a part of our mainstream society. Celebrating the occasion, Mehernaaz Dhondy, Editor of Grazia India, said, “Grazia India has always delighted its readers each month with the latest trends across the fashion and lifestyle industry. To mark one-year of the reading down of Section 377, we decided to put together a special feature with allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. 22 designers partnered with us to create this.”Commenting on the occasion, Actress Radhika Apte said,” It’s about equality and freedom and nobody should be without the two. People should have the complete freedom and rights to love the way they want.” The evening witnessed a discussion moderated by Mehernaaz Dhondy, with Radhika Apte, Parmesh Shahani of the Godrej India Culture Lab, and Megha Sheth, Counseling Head at The Humsafar Trust on the panel.
