Bhagyashree, Shaheen, Nisha Jamwal at Ramona narang brunch

GAYATRI RUIA & RAMONA NARANG RODELLA HOST BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP OVER BRUNCH AS FUNDRAISER FOR “AHILYA”, NGO FOR WOMEN WEAVERS. Gayatri Ruia, Director, Business Development – Palladium, with designer Ramona Narang Rodella, hosted a fun filled afternoon with a cause for Mumbai’s dynamic women at the luxury destination Palladium in Lower Parel. A a block printing workshop, sale of Maheshwari saris, Ramona’s resortwear and brunch was held at the Veda restaurant, proceeds of which went to Ahilya, the NGO that supports women weavers.

Since the afternoon was all about exploring one’s creativity, many guests worked with blockprinters using rich and colorful motifs on the Maheshwari saris by Ahilya and kaftans, sarongs & kimono tops designed by Ramona Narang, to create a custom printed design. Ramona Narang also displayed her own alluring collection of designer kaftans, sarongs and kimono tops as an inspiration for the women at the venue.
The block printing workshop was held in association with multi-faceted Gayatri Ruia’s NGO ‘Ahilya’ – a non profit organization formed to reincarnate and reintroduce the gradually fading craft of Maheshwari weaves in India. Each design created at this workshop by guests, will be reproduced and sold, proceeds of which will go to the women weavers of Ahilya

Ahilya’s handloom Maheshwari sarees made using a special technique, vegetable dyes and jute, silk and wool designed by third generation weavers from Maheshwar in Indore, were also beautifully exhibited at the venue. Ahilya supports a training program for women weavers and is looking to start a creche for their children where specially the daughters who would have lost out on a nursery/ primary education program can benefit. The objective behind “Ahilya” is to reincarnate and reintroduce the gradually fading craft of Maheshwari weaves. This seasons collection focuses on beautifully gossamer creations inspired by the traditional Maheshwari sarees, dupattas and salwar kameez yardage in silks, organzas and cottons in the purest of colours and finest of weaves and intricately balanced prints, which can be worn for all occasions formal as well as casual.

Guests seen blockprinting, shopping and enjoying the festive ambience included Reena Wadhwa, Bijal Meswani, Sangeeta Assomull, Haseena Jethmalani, Sharmilla Khanna, Madhoo Shah, Nisha Jamwval (who even tried her hand at blockprinting) Shalini Zaveri, Madhoo Shah, Mona Narang, Meena Raheja, Priya Kataria Puri, Shaheen Abbas, Tanya Gupta, Priya Ailawadi, Gayatri Shah, Sangeeta Ahir, Raell Padamsee, Bhagyashree, Mnica Vazirali, Aarti Surendranath amongst many others.

Exciting prizes were also given away to the ladies for the best blockprinting design (Priyadarshini Kanodia), most athletic body (Tanya Gupta), natural beauty (Shaheen Abbas), silver beauty (Monica Vazirali) and princess (Bhagyshree’s mum).There was more in store as the afternoon unfolded…The block printing Workshop was followed by a scintillating performance by renowned singer Savio who performed a medley of Blues, Soul, Lati, Pop as well as Rock.

A lavish spread of ‘New Indian’ cuisine was laid out by Veda, its plush décor with Indian motifs and royal feel made it the perfect venue. Gift hampers from L’Occitane were presented to all guests as mementos.

“I enjoy bringing people together for happy, meaningful occasions. And by lending support to Ahilya, we at Palladium believe in spreading goodness and putting a smile on someone’s face”, Gayatri Ruia added.

According to Gayatri Ruia, “This event celebrates the upcoming holiday and festive season, but not without lending ourselves to a cause and giving back to the less privileged. The block printing workshop gives our guests an opportunity to express their talent and create their very own masterpiece which they could gift or even enjoy wearing themselves. The idea was to get together and support the cause of women weavers who craft the most exquisite fabrics with their deft hands”.