In a groundbreaking collaboration, eight young women from rural India, known as the ‘Dream Weavers,’ had the extraordinary opportunity to work behind the scenes with top designers at the Times Lifestyle Fashion Week 2025 in Gurgaon. Supported by the M3M Foundation, these young talents—trained last year by Jaipur-based start-up Jaipuri Banno—had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of the fashion world, assisting designers such as the iconic Neeta Lulla and other renowned names. From helping dress models to coordinating looks, the Dream Weavers stepped confidently into the glamorous world of high fashion.
The Grand Hyatt Gurgaon runway was aglow with creativity and purpose as the Times Lifestyle Fashion Week kicked off, showcasing the best in couture. Featuring nine of India’s most celebrated designers—Neeta Lulla, Shweta Aggarwal, Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor, Charu Parashar, Prerana Grover, Rajdeep Ranawat, Reynu Taandon, Samant Chauhan, and Varija Bajaj—the event was a celebration not only of fashion but of empowerment and inclusivity. While the runway was the main stage, the spotlight was also on the Dream Weavers, who provided exceptional support backstage with dedication, creativity, and skill. Their contribution helped bring every ensemble to life, and their journey was a testament to the power of fashion in empowering and uplifting communities.
A special mention was made to Ms. Aishwarya Bansal, Trustee of M3M Foundation and Co-founder of Smart World Developers, for her presence at the event and continuous encouragement of the girls. Dr. Payal Kanodia, Trustee of M3M Foundation, was also recognized as the visionary behind the initiative, offering unwavering support for the Dream Weavers and their development.
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, expressed, “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 underserved and redefine what opportunity looks like.”
The Dream Weavers initiative has become a beacon of hope and transformation, highlighting the potential of rural talent when given the chance to thrive. This campaign is a powerful example of how rural empowerment plays a crucial role in India’s inclusive growth. It shows that grassroots talent can seamlessly integrate into the high-fashion world, not as an afterthought but as an equal, celebrated force. Through the M3M Foundation’s support, alongside Smart World Developers, the Times Lifestyle Fashion Week became a convergence of fashion, glamour, and social impact.
The eight young girls took their contributions a step further by presenting handcrafted couture scarves to each designer as heartfelt tokens of gratitude. These scarves, symbolizing their journey, skill, and pride in their work, were a meaningful gesture of appreciation for the opportunity to learn from the fashion industry’s best. The designers received these gifts with warmth, turning a professional collaboration into a deeply human connection between grassroots talent and the fashion elite.
This exposure marked a significant milestone for the Dream Weavers. Last year, they made their debut by assembling a 16-piece collection of traditional Indian wear, modeled by top national and international talent. This year, they deepened their experience by working behind the scenes with some of India’s top designers, solidifying the M3M Foundation’s commitment to transforming lives through skill-building and creative empowerment.
As the fashion industry buzzed and flashbulbs lit up the event, the real statement came not only from the designers’ collections but from the spirit of inclusion and the vision of change that walked hand in hand with every step on the runway. The Dream Weavers’ journey was a shining example of how fashion can be a force for social change and empowerment.
Related Topics
- Louis Vuitton Unveils Pre-Fall 2025 Menswear Collection by Pharrell Williams
- Dior’s Fall 2025 Icons Capsule Reinvents Menswear with a Refined Vintage Twist
- Lewis Hamilton to Co-Host Met Gala 2025, Celebrating Menswear and Black Style
