Designers who used the runway for a social cause

Recently, designer Craig Green's menswear show at the London Fashion Week showcased models walking in clothes with long strips of fabric attached to cut-outs at the chest. After the show, Craig was quoted as saying, "The breasts? We were looking at symbols of power."

The British designer's aim was to draw attention to feminism through his designs (he also had female models displaying menswear on the ramp). And he isn't alone. There are several others who use the runway to lend their support to causes that are close to their hearts.

Many Indians designers have also used the ramp as a medium to make social statements. We look at some, who, over the years have upheld social causes through fashion.

*Nida Mahmood:During a fashion week in Delhi in October 2009, Nida Mahmood turned the runway into a celebration of old Bollywood movie posters.

(Photo: Getty images)

Her show was an attempt to revive the lost art, and also to bring artists, who used to hand-paint these posters, back into business. The show presented designs printed with posters of famous films such as Sholay (1975) and Don (1978).

*Narendra Kumar:In 2013, during his show at a fashion week in Mumbai, Narendra Kumar took a stand against cops, who had tried to suppress people protesting against the callous attitude of the police in the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. The designer had models walking down the ramp, which was lined with uniformed men on either sides, leading to a restricted view of the designs.

*Archana Kochhar:Designer Archana Kochhar extended her support to the NGO Beti, an organisation that addresses different kinds of injustices done to women, and also helps the ones in need this year.

(Photo: Getty images)

As part of her show in April, actor Shriya Saran walked the ramp with a visually impaired woman, who benefited from the proceeds from the show.

*Shivan & Narresh:To raise awareness about breast cancer, designer duo Shivan & Narresh launched a line of mastectomy blouses. These had an in-built prosthetic breasts. Since then, the designer duo has also tied up with various NGOs so that these blouses can be availed free of cost by underprivileged women, who have undergone mastectomy.

*Anita Dongre: In September 2007, Anita Dongre came up with an organic clothing line to create awareness about environmentalism and ethical fashion.

(Photo: Getty images)

Her show was dominated by greens, yellows and whites, and comprised clothes made from organic fibres.