7 years ago, I walked into a room of suits. Men and women, students and professionals but it was a usual room of suits at a networking event in a hotel. I started getting stares and interesting looks and that was because I walked in wearing my outfit from India. The event was the International Business Gala (IBA) and my thought was that if it is international business, why not come dressed in international/ethnic wear!? That evening, I had many come around and say they wish would have known so they could have worn something international.
Last night I went to the IBA Gala and the students did a great job. They had interesting speakers, engaged students and a professionally run event. This night, as usual, I came dressed in international wear. I wore my entire highland kit. Right from the glengary hat to the kilt hose and everything in between. I don’t get to wear my kilt as often as I would like, so this was a great opportunity. Sure, I got one or two people who giggled because here is an Indo-Canadian wearing a Scottish kilt and they did not know what to make of it, but because I played in a military pipe band for 11 years, I think I have enough justification for wearing it (but you don’t need to play in a pipe band to wear a kilt…just do it) What I liked was the number of people at the IBA Gala this year, that wore international clothes and enjoyed the experience. I also had the pleasure of going to the event with one of my favorite people Rebecca Rytir (Becks). She and I have worked together for about two years and we are friends first, work colleagues second (when my son was born, she was the one that was on the receiving end of my texts and announcement). Another favorite person who was at the IBA Gala was Sean Peters from the Global Agents for Change and alumni of our business school (considered part of my family). He came dressed in traditional clothes of India and here I was in my Scottish kilt…we flip/flopped on our international wear ?
I guess this is a reminder that as events and opportunities come up, you can change it up a bit instead of just being a face in the crowd. I had fun dressing up yesterday and seeing others who also dressed up. I took the initiative years ago and walked into a room knowing I would be the only one dressed differently. While it might take a bit of risk and personal courage to go against the grain, what have you got to risk or lose? If you enjoy yourself, it is infectious and you will garner support from others. International business, international clothes, international understanding…it is a great formula to build a great event and kudos to the organizers. IBA Gala 2013 – I now have to think what I might wear next year ?