Nutkhut’s Platinum Jubilee Sustainable Sari returns to London on the weekend of the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence to the stunning Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels.
Ten of Nutkhut’s Platinum Jubilee Sustainable Sari’s have been packaged, posted and stamped with a wax seal of approval to cities across five continents, including Commonwealth countries, and they have returned to the stunning Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels on the weekend of the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence.
Nutkhut are delighted that individuals have been wearing the Platinum Jubilee Sustainable Sari in front of iconic backdrops and how it has connected each country and individual, with the greater purpose of highlighting Climate Change and the need for a more sustainable future. Tina Gupta who wore the sari at Brooklyn Bridge, New York said: ‘Fashion exists in every corner and neighbourhood of this city – it’s been an excellent way to show how tech and heritage can work together to highlight a campaign.’
The Sari is made from sustainable recycled plastic bottles and embodies the spirit of the Platinum Jubilee and the Commonwealth. Vineeta Maharaj who was photographed outside the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco said: ‘Here in California we are working towards many solutions to make our planet more sustainable – it’s been an honour to participate in this excellent initiative’, and Shivani Satya who stood in front of The Colosseum, Rome said, ‘The G20 summit which was here in Rome in 2021, highlighted huge disparities in the Climate Change debate, particularly the role of Women. This initiative is one way to begin to enrol a wider body of people.’
Nutkhut’s Artistic Director Simmy Gupta said ‘We are delighted that Nutkhut’s Sustainable Sari has returned from its world tour to the Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels, where together we will champion sustainability in the arts, fashion & hospitality industry.’
Jyoti Maharaj dressed in Suva is the cultural centre of Fiji, they said: ‘Climate Change is affecting our islands and our way of life – it’s not an idea of the future, it’s happening now and anything we can do to raise awareness is important, I’m honoured to be part of this brilliant campaign.’
The final destination of the Sari is back to its home in London, photographed with model Kiara at Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels with the Tower of London & the Shard standing tall in the background. Nutkhut and Blue Orchid Hotels are collaborating in leading sustainability in the fashion and hospitality industry.
Tony Matharu, Chairman of Blue Orchid Hotels and Central London Alliance C.I.C said: ‘I am delighted that we can support the world’s first sustainable sari, setting new trends within the industry. The sari helps to place a spotlight on one of the most important issues of our time. The creativity and innovation demonstrated by Asian creative talent, continues to set new world standards whilst drawing positive attention to the global sustainable cause.’
The Platinum Jubilee Sustainable Sari is the first in a series, and a further collection of Nutkhut’s Sustainable Saris are in the making. Nutkhut are working across many sectors including the arts, hospitality, universities and communities to make sustainability part of our everyday lives. Each collection will be created with well-known celebrated institutions to educate about Climate Change through, the Sari, a timeless piece, which is more than 5,000 years old and considered to be among the oldest form of garment in the world still in existence.
Photo Credit © Nutkhut; left to right: New Delhi – Smriti Chhabra, Blue Orchid Tower Suites London – Model; Kiara, Rome – Shivani Satya, Blue Orchid Tower Suites London – Model; Kiara.
Left photo: Tony Matharu, Chairman of Blue Orchid Hotels and Title Sponsor and Patron of the film festival with model Kiara | Right photo: Cary Sawhney LIFF Director with Tony Matharu and Kiara.
We were delighted that our specially designed Sustainable Platinum Jubilee Sari, part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, was worn by model Kiara on the red carpet at the Blue Orchid Hotels London Indian Film Festival (LIFF). It was the Opening Night screening at BFI Southbank of the World Premiere of DOBAARAA on Thursday 23rd June 2022 from 5pm. The film, directed by the acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, stars award-winning actress Taapsee Pannu.
We were delighted to champion sustainable fashion as our stunning sari design, embodying the spirit of the Platinum Jubilee and the Commonwealth, is made from recycled plastics.
Tony Matharu, Chairman of Blue Orchid Hotels and Title Sponsor and Patron of the film festival said, ‘Fashion plays an integral part in films, and the arts & culture sector. I am delighted that we can support the world’s first sustainable sari, setting new trends within the industry. The creativity and innovation demonstrated by Asian creative talent, whether in film or fashion, continues to set new world standards. We must continue doing all we can to foster, support and celebrate such talent.’
Nutkhut’s Co-Artistic Director Simmy Gupta said ‘We are delighted that Nutkhut’s Sustainable Sari will be presented at the Blue Orchid Hotels London Indian Film Festival. Fashion plays a crucial role in films and for the film industry to lead on sustainability, Nutkhut’s Sustainable Sari is an ideal opportunity to amplify that message.
Nutkhut’s stunning Bollywood themed Wedding Party, as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, was watched by a billion people and featured across the BBC, Sky News and major newspapers such as The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sun and The Mirror.
“One of my personal favourite bits was the Indian Wedding, I thought the whole thing just came alive. The British Asian community represented so beautifully, bringing colour to life and bringing a richness to British society that was not there in 1952, a billion people watching around the world today.”
BBC journalist and broadcaster Kirsty Young in her summary of the day
The Wedding Party celebrated the universal joy of families and communities uniting through the coming together of two people. Drawing on the collective talent of Mela, it was performed by two hundred and fifty wedding guest performers of all ages, from London and across the country.
Artistic Director and Choreographer of The Wedding Party, Simmy Gupta,
‘It’s mind-blowing to see our vision come to life as a bird’s eye view. It has been a wonderful experience and so heart-warming to see this dream of bringing both professionals and everyday people of all ages, backgrounds and religions together, to create a high energy party atmosphere, of an authentic Asian Bollywood Wedding on the Mall for the Royal family, dignitaries, and the world to see on such a momentous occasion for Her Majesty. Reflecting Britain’s diversity and representing different communities from the South Asian Diaspora on the world’s stage is an honour and a privilege for me. These moments will stay with me forever. Thank you Platinum Jubilee Pageant for having faith in us.’
Do you want to be part of a dancing, wedding party procession for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant? YES YES and YES!
Everything makes sense now!
Dance is my saviour, my healer and my utmost bliss! I mean who doesn’t relish in that feeling of liberation and euphoria, which can release the stresses of everyday life?
Suddenly, events took a turn for the worse in my life… I was forced to give up my love, my passion, my joy. My hidden disability decided to progress and I experienced complete paralysis chest down.
You see, I have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica. Both are neurological disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord which cause symptoms such as vison loss, balance issues, and numbness. I have experienced all these and more…
My paralysis in 2020, denied me the ability to walk. I’m saying… to walk at all. My dreams to dance, to one day open my own dance school for children, were shattered in a sheer moment.
Put aside dancing… I had to relearn how to walk again. This is when you realise that there’s a reason why your family kept your grandmother’s walking aids! At the age of 40 something, of course you don’t wanna be busting a zimmerframe, however I had no choice.
In the subsequent weeks, Covid became my excuse to hibernate, whilst I experienced perhaps the lowest moments in my life.
Being someone in their early forties who is going through severe debilitation, leads to a natural analysis of your life’s direction and purpose. I encountered a variety of emotions and kept questioning myself:
Why is this happening to me?
What have I done that is so bad to deserve this?
Will I ever live a normal life again?
How will I take care of my children?
I spent much of the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 regaining my physical strength and ability to walk again. As a Primary School Teacher, I was unable to work, so utilised my time effectively to train as a Jay Shetty Certified Life Coach. I feel a passion and calling to support others through their hurts, pains and disappointments. After all, I have experienced these all first hand, so if anyone gets it, I do!
Perhaps I have a story to tell, which will inspire others…
It is all making sense to me right now!
You see I can now walk again…independently, freely and carefree! It’s when you lose a basic function such as the ability to walk, that you appreciate each day you can place one foot in front of the other.
I am incredibly ecstatic to be part of this wonderful wedding party procession for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant! I do so hope that I can make her proud! Let the celebrations begin!
Niketa Vakani