As the plot thickens and WLIFW starts today, designers are stepping up with drama and more drama on the ramp as presentation seems to be the catchphrase. So apart from the clothes there will a lot more emphasis on accessories, interesting headgear, live performances, stirring music, quirky shoes and props, elaborate sets, distinct use of lights, crazy choreography and impressive make-up among other things to etch the shows in your mind.

Designers say that it widens the canvas for experimentation and gives a platform to their out-of-the-box thinking.
A couple of weeks ago, for Kolkata’s master engineer Sabyasachi’s finale show a replica of an old English cottage was erected complete with teak tables, candle-stands, aged tomes, large mirrors, vintage trunks and antique lamp shades.
Similarly Paras and Shalini of Geisha designs are going to design a set using large wooden cutouts of ducks, trees and bridges with lanterns to create the feel of an English summer afternoon outdoor party. “The theme for the collection is ‘a long Edwardian Summer’ and this set will create the ambience befitting the soft, sensual nature of the collection,” informs Paras.
Khotachiwadi-born James Ferreira’s collection features hand-paintings by textile artist Bhamini Subramaniam. And music by Susheela Raman will set the mood. “There will be Ganesha Shlokam describing the childhood of lord Ganesha. The idea is to promote other fashion professionals and Ganesha paintings, so Ganesha Shlokam was the apt choice,” says James.
Kavita Bhartia has designed interesting headgear to give a carnival-like feel to her collection, inspired by Eastern Europe. She says, “It’s a very happy collection and I wanted to create a gypsy feel with the headgear crafted using pipes, chiffon doris and beads. They add a finishing touch to the collection.”
Her line “The Nile and Kalinga” fuses Egyptian influences with the ikkat of Odisha and so Anupama Dayal has done kitschy headgear as well as Egyptian neckpieces and Indian tribal jewellery to define her thoughts. “The accessories help convey your message in a more effective way. They also let you have masti on the runway without being risky with the clothes,” says Anupama.
Nikasha Tawadey highlights the beauty of Chandni Chowk through her window-style neckpieces which are symbolic of the architecture of the city’s iconic bazaar.

Fashion fiesta...

Nikasha adds, “I share a special bond with this bazaar. The little windows are like a channel through which I want to introduce the little universe of Chandni Chowk.”
Inspired by the nooks and crannies and street art of India, Nida Mahmood’s latest collection brings alive “the psychedelic dreams in technicolor cinemascope”. She believes that the garments deserve to be presented well so giving a thought to accessories and music helps. “These non-garment elements help tell the story better. They are a strong visual connect between the wearable interpretation on garments and the non-wearable poetic influence of the concept and teaming all this with the right kind of sound brings the entire idea together. ‘High on Chai’ was one such example where the imagery of the street chai stalls came together strongly with the help of headgear, props and music.”
However, purists believe that the trend is a bit like remembering the scent but forgetting the name of the perfume. Designer Poonam Bhagat agrees that it’s interesting but gimmicky and adds it leaves an impact but the clothes get forgotten!
Seconds Nil of Dev r Nil, “We have never believed in outward gimmicks of styling to show off our belief.”