This designer-turned-model is a huge inspiration for others
Most of the fashion designers from Chennai depend on local or international models to campaign for their brand. But Indu Gopirajan, a new fashion designer in town, decided to rewrite the norms. The 26-yearold differently-abled will be modelling for her own brand. “Fashion designers have their reasons to select models for promoting their brands. But none of them ropes in a differently-abled as their model. I thought why not break the rules and become a model for my brand. I am sure this decision will inspire many differently-abled people to come to the forefront,” she says.
After completing her degree from Stella Maris, Indu was helping her father in his business. Fashion was something the youngster loved and she did a two-year course in fashion designing. “I got a chance to style a few actors from the film industry. Before lockdown, I was working on a design for Miss India 2018 Anukreethy Vas. Since that project is on hold for now, I have a lot of time to explore other things. Last week, I got a call from a differently-abled girl saying that she was feeling depressed because of the lockdown. Since all the activities are restricted, differently-abled people are finding it really hard to confined to home. Though a few are making use of the time by learning new skills, some don’t know how to spend time. Social media has become a huge platform for anyone to showcase their talents. You can simply go live and share your life story. That’s enough - you will get a great response and the encouragement will keep you going,” says the wheel-chair bound designer.
Indu also runs an institution of fashion, interior and entrepreneurship skills development. “The theme for the photoshoot will be a boss lady or a free spirit. I have roped in a photographer and makeup artist. Once the venue is finalised, we will be doing the shoot in the coming days,” she smiles.