Conceptualised and shot by the students of Symbiosis Institute of Design, this submission, “The Red String of Fate” is a concept in East Asian folklore that describes the belief that two people destined to be together are connected by an invisible red string tied around their pinky fingers. The string is said to be unbreakable, and it will stretch or tangle, but it will never break. It is believed that the red string of fate can be influenced by our actions and choices. If we make choices that align with our destiny, the string will become untangled and we will be brought closer to our soulmate. However, if we make choices that do not align with our destiny, the string will become tangled and we will be separated from our soulmate.
“Through this intricate story/folklore that might seem unreal, I want to portray the reality of it, the humanness of it, the vulnerability and emotiveness of it. This is not some love story or tragedy but the portrayal of destiny and how human beings connect and persevere. The hard reality between real people is what I aim to depict, weaving my own narrative and perspective, from how people connect to how they forge and maintain these connections because I believe there is an aspect of divinity in all these universal links. The concept would evoke feelings of freedom, togetherness, and a haunting timelessness, emphasising the strength of the red string.” – Mehak Sirohi
L to R: Jacket and dress: Iro Iro; stockings: Amazon; Jewellery: stylists own
L to R: Wrap, skirts: Iro Iro; jewellery: stylists own
This project was part of the Fashion Communication Project 3, completed during the 7th semester at Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune, in October 2023. Each student undertakes a project in their chosen specialisation, and this particular one was under the focus of Styling, led by Mehak Sirhoi. Although Favina’s specialisation was in Branding, Fashion Photography has been a passion of hers, pursued through various workshops and shoots during their time in college.
Credits:
Stylist, Concept & Creative Director: Mehak Sirohi @styledbysunkissed
Photographer & Editor: Favina Chauhan @favinachauhan
Assistant Photographer: Saashi Agarwal @_saashi_ & Shireen Thakur @_.shireenthakur._
Hair & Make Up Artists: Arya Nallachery @aryanallachery, Khushee Parekh @khusheeparekh & Manaal @manaaaaaaaaaaaaalll
Models: Hemani Luhana @ok.hem, Natalia Akoijam @natalia_akoijam & Priyaditi Sindhi @priyaditi_sindhi
Brand Collaborations: @disguisecosmetics@riteshkumar_in@iroirozerowaste