Art on runway

If you thought, it was only socialite and art collector Shalini Passi who brought art to fashion — stepping out at the Cannes Film Festival in a gown imprinted with Paresh Maity’s latest painting Longitude 77 — Chandigarh had its own standout moment. On Sunday, the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, played host to a fashion presentation by students of the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT), Mohali. In a collaboration, the young designers showcased garments adorned with the signature artworks of Chandigarh-based artist Madan Lal.

Marking the conclusion of Meadows of Life-scape — an exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures — the fashion walk served as a creative tribute. The standout pieces of the show included suits, dupattas, tops and ties, each featuring Madan Lal’s distinctive visual language.

“The apparel bearing my work reflect my unique style — you will see elements such as parrots, folk art and the urban Phulkari, with geometric patterns,” said Lal. “These designs also capture the spirit of our city, Chandigarh.”

NIIFT’s Poonam Aggarwal Thakur, who partnered with Lal on the project, expressed her admiration: “I have long been a fan of Madan Lal’s work. It’s been deeply fulfilling to see his artworks translated into wearable forms.”

While Lal personally hand-painted a few pieces, most of the designs featured high-quality transfers of his original artwork onto fabric. Whether driven by a love for art or fashion, the audience was treated to a memorable show titled A Fashion Walk: Palette to Runway, co-hosted by the Government Museum and Art Gallery in collaboration with the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi. This creative fusion of fine art and fashion was more than a visual delight — it was a testament to the city’s evolving cultural landscape.