In a vibrant celebration of culture, design, and community passion, JD School of Design students brought their design talents to the much-awaited platform of the Catholic Club, Bengaluru, at the vibrant event “Mango Showers.” This blend of the Mangalore and Goan dance, music, and fashion traditions was brought to life in an evening of merriment, friendship, and brilliance in creativity.
Tightly planned by Catholic Club members, Mango Showers was more than a social gathering but a beautifully crafted cultural exercise. One of the highlights of the evening was the fashion show “From Black Magic to The Mango Royals,” which was notable for its depth of storytelling and visual beauty. Conceived, choreographed, and styled by JD School of Design students, the show was a grand paean to how fashion can preserve heritage in the face of evolving social sensitivities.
Fashion as Narrative: A Two-Part Exhibition
The fashion show was choreographed as a two-act narrative of revealing the richness and depth of Indian cultural fashion from the West Coast. Act one was one emotion and era inspiration, facilitated through music, dance, and careful styling.
“Black Magic” – A Journey into the Depths of the Past
The opening chapter, “Black Magic,” enveloped the audience in mystery, magic, and lost elegance. Tempted by clandestine Mangalorean and Goan influences, the collection applied rich colours, formal silhouettes, and an otherworldly soundscape to reinterpret an ageless myth that had disappeared over the centuries. Models walked under a shroud of purple light and darkness, faces assuming the unspoken histories of a civilisation, tough yet refined; ancient, yet pulsating.
With careful design decisions and stagecraft, that show proved the students capable of investigating and reinterpreting historical styles, reviving them as fresh couture full of passion.
“The Mango Royals” – Festival in Full Bloom
From the dark conspiracy of the past, the show moved towards a vibrant celebration of heritage, luxury, and life in the form of “The Mango Royals.” Inspired by the royal traditions of Mangalorean and Goan royals, the segment was in celebratory colours, layered drapery, and vibrant fabrics.
What set this collection apart was that it was dedicated to sustainability. Each outfit was draped, not fitted, showcasing the flexibility and eco-friendliness of traditional Indian techniques. Even more distinctive was the fact that the members of the Catholic Club themselves got on the runway with confidence and pride and represented the very heritage they were celebrating.
JD School of Design at the Helm
This revolutionary production was a result of an entirely student-driven initiative, mentored and guided by JD School of Design instructors. The experience was an experiential learning space and live project, allowing students to step out of the classroom and engage directly with a live audience.
The runway was choreographed by Mr. Siddhant, a JD School of Design, Bengaluru student. His expertise in integrating concepts with performance provided the overall production with structure, storyline, and continuity. His contribution did not impress alone, but also acted as a motivational model of vision and student leadership.
The designs that graced the runway—from idea to what fabric and design to choose—were brought to life by a talented team of JD student stylists. The detail-oriented nature of the students, their sense of cultural context, and their openness to work together to create something made the showcase not only a visually stunning event but also a logistically perfect one.
Such flawless production was only possible owing to the collaborative efforts of an unimaginable team. JD School of Design would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the following individuals and teams:
Ms. Shrishti Jaiwal, Mr. Nadeem, Ms. Nitika, Ms.Derrin, JDC Members, and all JD Student Volunteers, for their untiring efforts behind the scenes for coordination, garment handling, and arranging for the timely and smooth conduct of every detail.
Special thanks to Ms Jane from the Catholic Club for organising this event and encouraging the young, talented design enthusiasts to showcase their abilities on such an incredible platform.
Embracing Community Through Design
From Black Magic to Mango Royals was more than a fashion show—it was a cultural exchange, a tradition’s celebration, and a display of student ingenuity. It was the epitome of JD School of Design’s philosophy: learning by doing, embracing heritage through design, and empowering students with the confidence to lead through creativity.
As the curtain fell and all around it was applause, it was clear that this evening was not merely a highlight of the academic year but a synergy turning point between design education and cultural fiesta.
JD School of Design remains happy to nurture such talent, and projects like Mango Showers reaffirm its dedication to producing not just good designers but also sensitised designers who are culturally and socially sensitive as well as industry-ready professionals.
