This year has proven to be the “Year of The Woman.” 2018 has brought awareness to the many contributions that women make to our culture and society. From politics to music, there was a sense of women’s empowerment growing in American culture and across the globe. This sentiment was also reflected in this year’s New York Fashion Week events. New York Fashion Week brings the top designers to the city to display their season’s work.
The Women’s Empowerment Movement brought women artists and designers together to display their work for the discerning audiences of New York Fashion Week. One example was the collaboration between Indian designer Archana Kochhar and glass artist Hasna Sal.
Sal is a Harvard-trained architect turned artist and interior designer. Her work features strong colors and flowing shapes inspired by nature. Some of her pieces include glass installments, glass sinks, and bowls. She also creates one of a kind jewelry using her glass techniques.
Archana Kochhar is an Indian artist known for working with Bollywood actresses and Indian Socialites. She is also a world-renowned wedding dress designer.
Hasna first met Archana Kochhar when she walked into one of her boutiques to try to get them to carry her jewelry. Archana Kochhar herself happened to be in the store that day. Their mutual appreciation for each other’s work led to a collaboration for the Maarkah event at New York Fashion Week.
The Maarkah event was a special set of shows that was meant to highlight foreign designers and give them the chance to display their work in the United States in front of critics, buyers, and the press. Designers for the Maarkah Event came from various countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and India. There was also a portion of the show dedicated to modest clothing.
Archana’s show proved to be a success, with Hasna’s jewelry adding an artistic touch to the looks. The show was a collaboration between many women, including the models. The models were from many countries and included the model Kiara, who wears a prosthetic leg. The models were made up to look strong and powerful as they walked down the runway.
Archana Kochhar’s designs included black and white traditional prints with modern silhouettes. Hasna Sal’s jewelry completed it perfectly. She created glass headpieces and earcuffs in matching black and white. Her pieces were a mix of the ancient and the modern with influences that range from ancient Greece and Egypt to modern influences like the movie Avatar. The show was so successful that Hasna Sal was asked back for her own show in February’s New York Fashion Week.
The designers are hopeful that the Maarkah Event will be the influence that brings more inclusion to the New York Fashion Week in the future.
The jewelry is now on sale via Hasna Sal’s website glassconcepts360.com. You can learn more about Archana Kochhar here: http://archanakochhar.com/about

International artist Hasna Sal was tapped to provide unique jewelry for this special runway show. Hasna is known for her glass installations, housewares, and interior design elements. She was asked by Kochhar to create statement pieces in black and white to match the collection. Hasna focused on earcuffs and handcuffs to accentuate Archana’s creations.
Twice a year, buyers, press, and fans of fashion gather in New York City to view the latest collections from all the top designers. New York Fashion Week is the highlight of the fashion industry each season. It’s where the industry meets and where established and emerging designers display their latest work for discerning and judgmental eyes.
Opening the event is renown Indian designer Archana Kochar. Working for over a decade, her collections have been worn by international celebrities and socialites. She is known for revolutionizing the bridal arena with her glamorous looks, Indian-inspired and contemporary silhouettes, and high-quality craftsmanship. As one of the most sought-after bridal designers, she blends traditional embroideries and texturizing techniques with modern color blocked patterns. Her work is in both couture and ready-to-wear, including innovatively styled and draped lehengas, saris, gowns, anarkalis as well as luxe ranges of tunics and kaftans.
“My sculptures are a cornucopia of planes, textures, tonalities, resonances, moods, emotions, morality, chaos and more. And finally, my sculptures are the voice of color. Color is fundamental to the human spirit. It alleviates, invigorates, humanizes us. . . and I let it serenade.” – Hasna Sal. She will be partnering with Archana Kochar as the first show in the New York Fashion Week “Maarkah” Event. Models will be walking the runway with Archana Kochar gowns and Hasna Sal’s Jewelry.





