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 In all, 25 designers showcased attire, jewellery, accessories and lifestyle refinements at the Fashion Fest 2007 at Hotel Chola Sheraton, Chennai, beginning February 12, 2007. The festival was inaugurated by actor Sarat Kumar.
The inauguration and preview to Chennai's grand fashion exhibition began with a touch of glamour.
Sarat, besieged by a host of women designers who wanted photo ops with him, said, "You should have invited my wife Radhika as the chief guest. She probably would know more about designs than me. In any case, I will ask her to visit the exhibition today."
He even signed autographs in Hindi to the surprise of the guests and the designers.
The 25 designers, who were thoughtfully chosen from across India, showcased their collection in a preview of the trends, colours and designs for the forthcoming season.
Speaking at the inauguration, Arti Bagdy, the organiser, said, "The objective of the biannual exhibition - Fashion Festival - is to bring to Chennai the latest trends in fashion and lifestyle refinements from different parts of India. At the same time we are also committed to providing a common platform to established and upcoming designers to showcase their collections under one banner. The important point here is to make fashion affordable and wearable to people at large. I hope to see Chennai supporting the idea of Fashion Festival."
On show were the exquisite sarees by Anushka's from Kolkata, Shubh-Prabha from Benaras, Pachrangi from Jaipur, Plums from Pune and Maya from Mumbai. Tunics and Indo-Westerns were showcased by Anubha's Kiah from Chennai and Molly Designs from
Mumbai.
Lending an ethnic touch to the show was Poshaak from Delhi, Threads Redesign from Jaipur, Kanchili from Jaipur and Sanskrutie from Chennai. Pakistani suits were on show by Nona's exclusif-Delhi. Hand painted range of garments fromTo be Two from Auroville were very much appreciated.
Complementing the collection was exclusive precious and semi-precious jewellery by Sheel Jewels from Mumbai, JNC from Bangalore, Silver Point from Mumbai, Jusra and Rising Jewels from Jaipur while paper handcrafted jewellery was introduced by Mahalaxmi Creations from
Chennai.
An elegant range of handbags and footwear was brought by Mizu from Mumbai and ANZ designs from
Mumbai.
No exhibition today is complete without home furnishings and they were displayed by 19 sides - Delhi and Jesia Bed Line also from Delhi.
Chennai can look forward to the fashion festival returning with more and fresh talented designers and their collections in August this year, said
Arti.
Chennai no longer has the conservative tag, says Arti, referring to the higher demand for the festival each year and the increased participation of designers from other states. More designers are approaching the organisers for stalls. "In fact, this year we had to turn down several requests as there was not enough space for stalls. We have planned a separate festival for them, may be in August this year," Arti added.
The designers also provide for minor alterations/additions which customers may want, to suit their preferences and tastes, Arti said, adding that some of them have brougth along their tailors and craftsmen for the purpose.
R Rangaraj
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