Gurgaon, May 3, 2025: In a landmark collaboration, eight young women from rural India, known as the ‘Dream Weavers’, supported by the M3M Foundation, got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work backstage with all the designers, including the iconic Neeta Lulla, at the Times Lifestyle Fashion Week in Gurgaon. From dressing models to coordinating looks, these young talents—who were trained last year with Jaipur-based start-up Jaipuri Banno—stepped confidently into the world of fashion.
The runway at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon lit up with flair and purpose as the Times Lifestyle Fashion Week unfolded a dazzling evening of creativity. Featuring nine of India’s most dynamic designers—Neeta Lulla, Shweta Aggarwal, Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor, Charu Parashar, Prarena Grover, Rajdeep Ranawat, Reynu Taandon, Samant Chauhan, and Varija Bajaj—the event was not only a celebration of fashion, but also of empowerment and inclusivity. At this edition of Times Fashion Week, the spotlight wasn’t just on the ramp—it was also on the talented young girls from M3M Foundation’s Dream Weavers program who supported all designers backstage with dedication, creativity, and skill.
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, shared, "This is what real impact looks like—where fashion meets purpose. Giving these girls a backstage pass to India's top fashion event is not just about exposure—it is about equity, empowerment, and blending creativity with social change. We need more cross-sector efforts like this that champion the under-served and redefine what opportunity looks like."
The Dream Weavers campaign has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation, shining a light on what is possible when rural talent is nurtured and given a platform to thrive. At a time when rural empowerment is key to India’s inclusive growth, this initiative stands as a powerful example of how grassroots potential can seamlessly integrate into urban, cosmopolitan platforms—not as an afterthought, but as an equal, celebrated force.
Alongside their backstage contributions in garment preparation, wardrobe assistance, styling, and accessory management, the young Dream Weavers took a heartfelt step further—personally presenting couture scarves to each designer as souvenirs of their artisanship and gratitude. These handcrafted tokens weren’t just gifts; they symbolized the girls’ journey, pride in their work, and deep appreciation for the opportunity to learn from the very best in the industry. The gesture was met with warmth and admiration, turning a professional collaboration into a deeply human connection between grassroots talent and fashion’s elite.
Last year, the Dream Weavers had stunned audiences by assembling a 16-piece collection of traditional Indian wear, modelled by top national and international talent. This year, they deepened their learning by gaining behind-the-scenes experience with some of India’s biggest fashion names.
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