Mumbai:
As nearly two hundred school children participate in the India Kids Fashion Week in Mumbai, critics are asking if this is exploitation?
"This is exploitation of children. Children should not be wearing skimpy clothes and walking the ramp," says fashion designer Shaina NC.
However, the organisers disagree, saying it's like an 'extracurricular activity' and all designers are given guidelines.
"It's just like an extracurricular activity like how it happens in schools. There are no skimpy clothes. Designers have been guided before the event," says Manoj Mhala, organiser of the India Kids Fashion Week.
The India Kids Fashion Week is showcasing 20 brands and designers. All of participating children come here with the permission of their schools and are accompanied by parents. Each kid is allowed to participate for three hours for which they will not get any prize or money. Only certificates would be given.
The reason schools and parents are keen about the event is the fact that the fashion shows are tied up with the charity - Each One Teach One.
"Parents should know where to draw the line. It should never be about money. They should not miss school or regular activities because of this," says Poorvi Kothari, parent of a participant.
Fashion designers at the event too say there is no question of 'exploitation'.
"It's about creating clothing for them, not exploiting them," says Zainab, a fashion designer at the event.
Child Psychiatrist Harish Shetty says, "As long as the children are doing it for enjoyment, and there is no pressure, it's fine. With pressure comes trouble."
But, here emerges the grey area - the pressure is almost always invisible and swept under the carpet.
The question critics are asking is there a need for a kids fashion week or do the kids stand to gain something from their participation in an event like this?
"This is exploitation of children. Children should not be wearing skimpy clothes and walking the ramp," says fashion designer Shaina NC.
However, the organisers disagree, saying it's like an 'extracurricular activity' and all designers are given guidelines.
"It's just like an extracurricular activity like how it happens in schools. There are no skimpy clothes. Designers have been guided before the event," says Manoj Mhala, organiser of the India Kids Fashion Week.
The India Kids Fashion Week is showcasing 20 brands and designers. All of participating children come here with the permission of their schools and are accompanied by parents. Each kid is allowed to participate for three hours for which they will not get any prize or money. Only certificates would be given.
The reason schools and parents are keen about the event is the fact that the fashion shows are tied up with the charity - Each One Teach One.
"Parents should know where to draw the line. It should never be about money. They should not miss school or regular activities because of this," says Poorvi Kothari, parent of a participant.
Fashion designers at the event too say there is no question of 'exploitation'.
"It's about creating clothing for them, not exploiting them," says Zainab, a fashion designer at the event.
Child Psychiatrist Harish Shetty says, "As long as the children are doing it for enjoyment, and there is no pressure, it's fine. With pressure comes trouble."
But, here emerges the grey area - the pressure is almost always invisible and swept under the carpet.
The question critics are asking is there a need for a kids fashion week or do the kids stand to gain something from their participation in an event like this?
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