We regularly rave and rant about Bangalore's crumbling infrastructure, endless traffic jams and parking problems. So, when one decides to take off to a leisure hotel to unwind after hours of road rage, one is only in for a bigger shock.
At a recent fashion event, cars snaked up to this seven-star luxury hotel on Airport Road only to find a big sign board, held by a stubborn security at the gate, screaming loud — ‘Parking full’. If that ain’t enough, luxury sedans and select top officials were given way, while denying entry to small and mid-segment cars. Anger and impatience filled the air as all recalled the good times other hotels and restaurants have provided in the name of hospitality. Soon, we spotted an annoyed Captain Gopinath (of Air Deccan) stepping out of the backseat of his car, stuck outside the gate, walking up to the hotel porch. This alone should make the hotel reconsider it's star status. However, the much-heated arguments with the security and valet boys ended, as a fantastic fashion event kicked off with supermodel Nina Manuel opening the show with a trendy metallic cocktail dress in gold. The smart snazzy lines by new age designers Amit GT and Kamaal Dixit took away all the remorse.
Amit GT
With a clientele list to boast of (the Bachchan and Sahara parivaar), Amit GT showcased a line of cocktail dresses and gowns to begin with. With simple yet razor sharp silhouettes, his line flaunted sophistication and simplicity. Strappy, strapless, off-shoulders, balloon silhouette, fluid fabrics to evergreen velvet - the dresses came in black, browns and metallic shades. Representing red carpet fashion, the collection would bring out the cosmopolitan in you. “My women’s wear is aimed at the clubbing divas. It’s apt for this City because Bangaloreans love to dress up to go clubbing. The silhouette is inspired by the English movies from the 50s and 60s like Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Actresses like Goldy Hawn, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and pop icon Madonna truly inspire me. Dresses are making a comeback and India is accepting it with both hands,” said Amit, who believes that actress Preity Zinta best represents his style.
Amit's men's wear comprised ethnic wear for the modern grooms. From exquisite sherwanis to kurta churidaars in contrasting colours like blues, oranges, reds and blacks - the garments had controlled opulence. Talking about his collection, Amitsaid, “My men’s wear is sharply in contrast to my women’s collection. This is the first time I have launched my wedding line for men. I have taken on the royalty of the maharajas, grand architecture and art in my design philosophy. I strongly felt that men’s wear was neglected. That’s the only reason why I started designing for men.”

Kamaal Dixit
Yellow is the colour of the season and Kamaal played on it beautifully with fluid fabrics. Softly contoured, the all-women’s collection was an amalgamation of international styles and Indian twists. Traditional kurtis over leggings, salwaar kameezes in a variety of necklines and georgette sarees comprised the collection. The finale sequence played on a colour story of white and gold on beautiful women’s coats, lehengas and kurtis.
The event also gave a sneak peak into the Spring Summer styles by Vignettes of June 2007 - Tarun Tahiliani, Anamika Khanna and Anupama Dayal. Kipling also showcased their fun and travel bags. Choreographed by Prasad Bidapa, model Nina Manuel walked the runway with some of City models like Smitha Rao, Priya Nayak, Carun, Rakesh among others.
All the collections are available at the ffolio stores in Bangalore.

SBK