Nepal to host world’s highest fashion show

Published On: January 9, 2020 09:33 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

20 models, including 15 supermodels from Milan, to walk the ramp at Kala Patthar (5,644m) to set Guinness World Record

KATHMANDU, Jan 9: A fashion event is being organized in the Everest region later this month to set a Guinness World Record.

The Mount Everest Fashion Runway, which is being held at Kala Patthar (5,644 meters) – a popular view point in the Everest region – will attempt to set a Guinness World Record of the highest ramp walk, according to the organizers.

The event is being organized by Kasa and RB Diamond in coordination with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Visit Nepal 2020 Secretariat at Kala Patthar. A total of 20 models – 15 supermodels from Milan (Italy) and five from Nepal – will walk the ramp at Kala Patthar. The fashion event will last for 45 minutes.

The fashion industry is often regarded as one of the biggest polluters of the world as the industry produces 10% of humanity's carbon emissions, and is the second largest consumer of the world's water supply, and pollutes the oceans with micro-plastics. In this context, the event organizer defended the event as an attempt that aims at spreading awareness of how fashion industry could be carbon neutral and sustainable. "Further, use of sustainable fabric and renouncing fast fashion is an important component of reducing impact to climate," Pankaj Gupta, one of the organizers of the event, said at a press meet in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The Mt Everest Fashion Runway is also making an 8-part reality series about the models' journey to Kala Patthar. The series will be aired globally by MTV. It is expected to help introduce Nepal as both a fashion as well as a tourism destination all over the world, say organizers.

"Kasa is using an all Nepali, all organic and all biodegradable line made of felt and pashmina to produce and promote its line and introduce Nepali sustainable fashion to the world," Ramila Nemkul, CEO of Kasa – a Nepali clothing brand – said. "The event will be a great platform to promote the idea of sustainable fashion along with introducing Nepali luxury brands to the world."

Also speaking at the program, Suraj Vaidya, national coordinator for VNY 2020, said that the VNY 2020 Secretariat was looking forward to similar events that introduce Nepal as a new destination. "With these events, we want young people to go in the destination and enjoy," he added.

According to the organizers, an official adjudicator from Guinness Book of World Records is arriving in Kathmandu on January 24, 2020 to oversee the world record attempt.