Cultural events

VogueStar 2024: Forces of Fashion “Women”

By Himshikha Shukla

April 20, 2024

From April 11th to April 16th, VogueStar teamed up with Le Meridien Hotel. In the bustling city of Jaipur, amid the opulent surroundings, bring the VogueStar Fashion event to the pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, with an international expert line-up sharing insights on fashion, trends, diversity, and its challenges for women and womanhood, as well as strategies for success. With discussions evolving from the first event held in 2022, the second edition brought conversations around the representation of women across India.

The event was hosted at the Le Meridien Hotel in Jaipur, which also provides several outdoor spaces on site, aiming to build a culture of collaboration with a strong focus on fashion. The event was also supported by VLCC, one of India’s biggest beauty and grooming chains. The event saw speeches from our esteemed jury and dignitaries, including Kirti Choudhary, founder of VogueStar, Kavita Kharayat, an official grooming expert and one of India’s OG supermodels, Alison Woodham, the official show choreographer, and Jigyasa Jolly, the official mentors for all the up-and-coming fashion designers. 

VogueStar unfolded, casting a spotlight on women from all walks of life. VogueStar isn’t just a fashion event; it’s a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and the essence of womanhood. Unlike conventional beauty pageants, VogueStar prides itself on being one of the only platforms that gives voice and face to women of all ages, backgrounds, and marital statuses.

This year, the event welcomed 300 finalists from across the country, chosen from thousands of women who dared to dream and participate in the beauty pageant. Months of meticulous grooming by industry experts such as Kavita Kharayat, Sunny Kamble, and the legendary show choreographer Alison Woodham transformed these finalists into epitomes of grace, confidence, and style.

VogueStar 2024 has provided a showcase for Indigenous designers, up-and-coming models, and artists. In promoting and honouring the vibrant cultural expression of Indian communities through the artistry of fashion, the event offers a crucial platform for breaking down stereotypes, challenging misconceptions, and fostering a more inclusive fashion and beauty landscape.

In the Miss category, the crown was claimed by Akanksha Mahat, a beacon of diversity hailing from the north-eastern region of India. Her victory symbolizes the rich tapestry of cultures that often go unnoticed in mainstream beauty events. Veda Desai and Anjali Chauhan secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, adding to the celebration of womanhood in its varied forms.

In the Mrs. Category, Anjali Rathee, a wild card entrant from Delhi, emerged victorious, proving that unconventional paths can lead to triumph. Sneha Patil and Kirti Chaurasia followed suit as the first and second runner-up, showcasing the strength and resilience of married women in pursuing their dreams.

Notably, Rashmi Kashyap stood out in Mrs. Category G2, exuding confidence and grace, ultimately claiming the crown. Dr. Surpreet Chopra and Pooja Sharma gracefully secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, reflecting the multifaceted nature of married women’s roles in society.

Speaking of fashion week, Kirti Choudhary, the founder of VogueStar, says, “Creativity, innovation, quality, and sustainability are the main levers for the continuous development of the Indian fashion system. The remarkable change we are presenting today proves to be full of events that demonstrate the embodiment of fashion is all about you putting efforts into the non-changeable things that we are all blessed with.”

Behind the glitz and glamour of the VogueStar Fashion Event lies a network of esteemed sponsors and partners who have contributed to its success. BMW, as the commute partner, adds a touch of luxury to the winners’ journey.

VLCC: Our official runway beauty partner, led by Mrs. Vandana Luthra, brings expertise in beauty and wellness that elevates our contestants into runway royalty. Sixteen team members, consisting of makeup artists and hairstylists, curated looks for the 300 candidates.

Isaac Luxe: Our esteemed skin partner, Isaac Luxe, ensures our contestants radiate confidence from head to toe. During the crowning, state reps were presented with hampers from Isaac Luxe, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the event. We want to appreciate the spontaneity of Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta for showing such grace and generosity towards the winners and showering them with such an excited hamper and services from ISAAC Luxe, one of India’s premium skin clinics, which has multiple chains across India.

Face Magazine, Aadamya, and Indian Women Impact (IWI) have played pivotal roles in enhancing the contestants’ beauty, confidence, and social impact.

Moreover, the event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of media partners Connectspace, Makespaace, and production teams Tales by Earth and V, along with the photography team Lights Camera Action, who captured the essence of VogueStar in every frame.

Last but not the least Kirti says “The VogueStar Fashion Event isn’t just about crowning winners; it’s about celebrating the essence of womanhood in all its forms, empowering women to embrace their uniqueness, and inspiring them to reach for the stars. As VogueStar continues to pave the way for inclusivity and empowerment in the fashion industry, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women across the nation”.