WIFW goes ethical as Hemant-Nandita join hands with PETA

New Delhi: Leather may be one of the most popular fabric for fashionistas but designer duo Hemant and Nandita, who dedicated their collection to the cause of animal rights, highlighted how one can be cool without being cruel. The collection supporting PETA`s global fight against the use of leather and hides used animal inspired digital prints, faux leather and rexine. "Non usage of leather was on our minds but then we met Ambika Shukla from PETA who strengthened our belief. I know leather is very popular in winters but even if the message gets across to five people, I will think we have made a difference," Nandita told reporters. The collection primarily showcased creations in velvet, synthetic fibres and imitation leather in versatile silhouettes. However, the gathering missed out on Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor as the probable showstopper, who has lent support to PETA for promoting vegetarianism in India. "Shahid may not have been here but Divya Seth who played his mother in `Jab We Met` was there in the audience cheering for us. So you see the connection was there," Nandita said. "Hemant and Nandita represent a growing breed of young trendy designers around the world that include Stella McCartney, Hemant Trivedi, Anita Dogre and Rohit Bal who oppose the use of animal parts for fashion accessories. These are truly people who combine style and substance," said Ambika Shukla, Director Communications, PETA India. Although the designer-duo are non-vegetarians themselves, Nandita who is pregnant admits she is trying her best turn vegetarian. PTI