How young is too young and how old is too old? Celebrity kids, Anais Gallagher, Kaia Crawford and Lottie Moss have joined the list of models who have not even reached puberty. While the Western fashion industry mourns with concern, one wonders whether India is aping the west, once again.
India Kid’s Fashion Week 2012 evoked “awws” from the audience. But are we setting a trend that we would regret in future?
Confronted with this dilemma, Manoj Mahla, one of the organisers for the Kid’s Week explains that the event was a platform to boost confidence than train them to be future models. He says, “The kids were chosen with the parents’ consent. The practice sessions were held during the weekend keeping in mind their academics. And we never expected these kids to pose like models, they are kids after all,” he says.
The participating designers nod in agreement. For them, it was an experience in itself. “The kids walking for me were aged between four and 14. Every kid dreams of dressing and behaving like a grown up. So, this was a dream come true. After the show, they all came and hugged me. Now, how often does that happen with adult models?” says designer Nishka Lulla.
Forgoing the sugar coated stuff; designer, Rocky S. puts things into perspective. “Obviously, good things always come with some flaws but as long as the youngsters are monitored by elders, there is no harm in them entering the fashion world,” he says. Well, one can only hope that the race to grow up doesn’t end up with them forgoing their childhood.