Candolim (Goa), Dec 2 (IANS) From Indian names including Zeenat Aman, Bipasha Basu, Genelia D’Souza, Shazahn Padamsee to International fashion icons like Paris Hilton, Miss Paraguay Leryn Franco and Nicole Huber, the second edition of India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) was more about glamour than business.
With as many as 30 shows, the four-day festival that was divided into three areas – ‘The Fashion Show’, ‘The Fashion Village’ and ‘The Music Festival’, concluded here Saturday with a energetic performance by Paris, who visited the country for the second time.
The first edition witnessed 15 designers showcasing their talent, but the second edition had more names.
Some of the established names part of fashion fest were Narendra Kumar, Neeta Lulla, Arjun and Anjalee Kapoor, Pria Kataaria Puri, James Ferreira, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rocky S and Babita Malkani.
When asked why there were lesser established names this year, Mumbai-based designer Narendra Kumar said that people in India were little exposed to trends in resort wear.
“I think I understand the value of the resort week, other people probably do not understand or cannot make clothes that are different from one collection to other. Its important that I participated and am sure there will be more designers who will enjoy the mix of fun, fashion and music together in the coming days,” he told IANS.
“I think the resort trend is relevant to India. It is one kind of clothing that is perfect across India. It is probably the best thing one could do,” Kumar added.
Unlike last season, this fashion week was organised in open air, giving more space for designers to showcase their creativity.
While space was provided, there were hardly any collection displayed for the buyers. Almost all the stalls were empty, and there was much leisure and chatting.
Shane and Flaguni Peacock, who were the finale designers for the fashion week, said that organising a resort week is surely going to help the Indian fashion world.
“Resort week is definitely a good thing to do for Indian market and it was our gut feeling that made us say yes to this event,” said the designer duo, who rarely participate in Indian fashion weeks because of their international commitments.
Amit Patel from E-Sense entertainment, who brought some of the international names, including Paris, said that buyers from around the globe had flown in to see the collection.
“Indian fashion is much more appreciated outside India and with IRFW we strive to create a platform for all aspiring designers to showcase their talent globally. It’s a perfect blend of music and fashion. Also there has been a lot of business as buyers from around the globe have flown in to watch the collection,” said Patel.
Visitors at the IRFW seemed more drawn to the music than the fashion.
The four-day event, which began Wednesday, had a robust line-up of Indian and international disc jockeys (DJs).
From Indian DJs like Vijay Chawla, Anish Sood and Clement D’Souza to international names like Sidney Samson, Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike and of course Paris Hilton, the music definitely attracted one and all.
(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)
