World renowned Indian designer, Little Shilpa, has created a bespoke headpiece made entirely from the ingredients of Cobra Beer. The creation, modelled by actress Laila Rouass, was unveiled on the Alchemy Cobra Catwalk last night at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Little Shilpa, Mumbai-born Shilpa Chavan, acquired international recognition when Lady Gaga revealed that she was a fan of the milliner – who has since featured in this year’s Cobra Beer ad campaign. British Fashion Council accredited, the fashion show is a pivotal part of Southbank Centre’s Alchemy Festival and is considered the biggest catwalk show for emerging Indian designers outside of India.
The headpiece incorporates the raw materials of Cobra Beer: barley, hops, maize and even the bottle itself. Visitors to Alchemy, a 10-day celebration of Indian culture in the UK, at Southbank Centre can see the creation for themselves – which will be displayed until the end of the festival, Sunday 22nd April.
Little Shilpa, who has been named ‘Accessory Designer of the Year’ by Marie Claire and ELLE magazines said: “As part of my involvement with Cobra’s take on modern India, I’ve created an unusual and unique piece which captures contemporary Indian fashion, using elements of the beer itself. The Alchemy Cobra Catwalk is a fantastic opportunity for Indian designers to showcase their work in Britain.”
Actress and TV presenter, Laila Rouass, commented: “I met Little Shilpa when I worked on TV in Mumbai, so I was already familiar with her wonderful work and I was flattered to be given the opportunity to take to the catwalk and unveil the headpiece.”
The third annual Alchemy Festival, which takes place from the 12th-22nd April, aims to explore the richness, contrasts and connections between the UK and India culture through a wide programme of music, dance, fashion, literature and film.
The partnership with Little Shilpa and Alchemy Cobra Catwalk coincides with the new Cobra TV and cinema advert, which celebrates the brand’s origins and embraces the bright new culture that is emerging in today’s India. At the heart of the new advert are key figures in fashion; including Vogue fashion blogger, Manou. Little Shilpa features in footage set in her hometown Mumbai which accompanies the advert.
Every year, the British Fashion Council offers one Indian designer the opportunity to reveal their collection in the UK at the Alchemy Catwalk. The selected fashion designer showcases their work along with three runners up who have been selected by the Southbank Centre. This year’s winner is ‘Pero’ by Aneeth Arora, who will be joined by designers including Gaurav Gupta, Rahul Mishra, Nachiket Barve and, of course, Little Shilpa.
Love Laurel x
