It was a line for the GenNext Show at LFW Spring Summer 2010 that got young designer Sabah Khan a laurel from none other than the Prince of Wales.
For this line (her first), the theme was titled ‘No Class’ and was inspired by the lifestyles of the people dwelling in slums of Dharavi. The blend of colour, traditions, colour schemes and digital prints incorporated aimed to reflect the joy and energy of a ‘city within the city of Mumbai’.
Later when she came across Prince Charles’ recently released book, Harmony where he had described Dharavi as a model for sustainable living that British town could follow, Sabah used this as a reference point and wrote to him congratulating him on his book and introducing her line. She also mailed few of her sketches.
Two weeks later she got an envelope with a ‘Buckingham Palace’ seal. In it was a letter signed by the Assistant Private Secretary (Commonwealth) to The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall stated that, “His Royal Highness was very touched by your kind words, and was particularly interested to hear that your clothing line was inspired by the spirit of Dharavi.”
The Prince of Wales also sent his ‘Warmest Good Wishes’.
Says an elated Sabah, “I feel proud; I did not expect the letter. The work revolves around an issue that every Mumbaikar identify with.”
