HIGH FASHION MEETS HIGH ALTITUDE WITH SUSTAINABLE CAUSE

On a crispy January afternoon at 5,340 meters (17,515 ft) elevation at Kala Patthar, the lap of world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest, models walked the runway creating a new history for Nepal and the world. Ignoring the freezing temperature and the chill wind, models from various parts of the world including Nepal, Finland, Italy Sri Lanka and Singapore participated in the fashion show named “The Mount Everest Fashion Runway”.The show was not just any regular fashion event filled with striking lights and regular setting, but it created a new Guinness World Record for the Highest Altitude Fashion Show on Land ever. The record-holding event was organized on Jan. 26, 2020, by RB Diamonds, KASA Style in support of NTB and Visit Nepal 2020.With the close-up view of mesmerizing crystal mountains including Everest shining in the background, the models presented a range of designs, patterns and the materials, which were all natural, organic and of Nepali brand, introducing sustainable fashion show. All the materials used during the show were Nepali products from KASA. The specially designed clothing line was made of Nepali Pashmina, felt and yak wool, ideal for winter wear. The showalso had beautiful display of jewelry especially designed by RB Diamonds each depicting significant Nepali culture theme. The exclusive Kainite stone jewelry was also highlight at the show.In a place where even breathing is sometimes difficult due to lack of oxygen, walking on the ramp was quite a struggle for the models. However, they were able to maintain their ramp walk, posture, beauty, confidence and grace.Beside the runway walk, the professional models also shared their background activities and stories in the various social media platforms, that reflected the rich beauty of the mountains and Nepal as a whole to audience across the globe. The walk amid the colorful prayer flags swinging in the surrounding made the scenery more colorful and vibrant.The main objective of the fashion show in the highest altitude was to raise awareness about climate change and also to give the message to the world that Nepal is the destination for all activities. This event is one of the first highlight events of Visit Nepal 2020 that aims to welcome two million foreign tourists.Prior to the show, a team of 48 people had trekked from Lukla, the nearest airport in the Everest region, on Jan. 18, towards the event venue Kala Patthar, literally meaning “black rock” in Nepali language. Beside the models, the team comprised of a video crew, makeup artists, medics, clothing and jewelry designers, and the organizers themselves.All the members of the team took pledge not to use any product that could impact climate change and were able to save up to 8,000 liters of water during their journey. The team used Cleansta waterless bath and shampoo for their daily routine hygiene. Apart from the Guinness World Record title, the entire journey of the models in the Everest Base Camp route is being made as reality show which will be telecast on MTV USA and Canada during April/May 2020.Nepal is often known as destination of wonders, and the latest fashion show on the highest altitude has helped it further to introduce self not just as a tourism destination, but also as a sustainable fashion destination.As they say, once is not enough, Nepal has immense possibilities to offer to the world for lifetime experience.