In 2010, renowned Bollywood designer and couturier Manish Malhotra adopted the Centre and the rest is history. By giving them gainful and sustained employment Manish has been a major catalyst for change, says Sanjogita (chief trainer), “The women come to the Centre just like men go to office and our status within the family structure has changed. We are now a part of the decision-making process at home.”
Sangeeta who does exquisite chikankari says with pride, “When my sister got widowed I took on the onus of educating her daughter with the money I earn. In fact I even contribute to my husband’s needs.”
Starting with one centre in Mijwan with 40 women MWS now has 10 centres in UP and a work force of 400 women.
The wonderful collaboration between Mijwan and Manish is not only about financial investment but also the time spent on refining and reviving the art form by fashioning it into comtemporary silhouettes. A craft that has been around for years is being brought into the limelight by giving it a characteristic “nowness”, reflecting Manish’s signature contemporary design aesthetic.
