Rina Dhaka highlights migrant workers' struggles with 'Book of Courage' at LMIFW Digital

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Oct 19, 2020

Designer Rina Dhaka highlighted the struggles of migrant workers during lockdown through her digital presentation for new collection ‘Book of Courage’ at Lotus Makeup India Fashion Week’s first digital edition.

 
On the final day of the Fashion Design Council of India’s LMIFW’s first-ever digital season, Rina Dhaka presented a sombre fashion film. The film began with a simple animation showing migrant workers on the long walk to their homes necessitated by the pan-India lockdown, and lack of support for workers. Models then appeared barefoot on the runway against the backdrop of a barren road. 
 
One model pushed a bicycle and, as they showcased Dhaka’s latest ethnic wear designs, clips of workers walking along empty roads were interspersed along with closeups of the intricately embellished designs.

“My line titled 'Book of Courage' mirrors the austerity and simplicity with which those, who are living on the fringes of society, faced the worst crisis of the decade,” said Dhaka, the FDCI shared on Facebook.
 
The film was shot in black and white and the subsequently released photos shows that the colour palette was white, cream, light pink, and beige with silver embellishments, frills, and pearl details. Models wore large red tikas and black kajol on their eyes for a traditional aesthetic. Notable looks included heavily ruffled sarees and kurtas featuring sheer textile layers.
 
The film ended with a message: “In gratitude to the workers behind the scenes."

Dhaka has long been vocal about the need to support Indian craftspeople and shared her concerns for workers at the beginning of lockdown.