Fashion and culture often go hand in hand, especially during a time when celebrating diversity is at the core of our current conversations and social awareness. That is why fashion and travel editor, AJ Gibbson, and renowned Indian photographer, Rid Burman, joined with a creative group of Indian models and designers to honor the stunning modern fashion of Mumbai and the rich culture it represents.

“The original idea behind the shoot was to take a look at traditional Indian fashion and to observe how local techniques and style palettes translated in modern fashion in the country. After just a few weeks leading up to the project, the diversity of India’s population is what moved me and manifested itself in the shoot,” says Gibbson.

He adds, “The entire crew for this project, models, designers, and all were all Indian, except myself, a collection of various skin colors, religions, genders, and genetic features. This diversity showed not only in the way that they looked but also in the way the clothes were made and worn. I think the shoot was a commentary on not only what they have in common, a beautiful country rich in color and culture, but also the differences between them and the adversity they face because of them.”

See these photographs in all of their colorful glory below: