Curtains descend on the exclusive men’s fashion gala, India Men’s Fashion Fair 2007 (HBIMFF). Complete with great garments, groomed models, top-rank designers, brands and celebrities, this fashion event seems to be gradually metamorphosing into a carnival by each year. Metrolife took a peak into the fashion in the last two days.
If you thought that celebrities walk the ramp only for fashion weeks at Mumbai and Delhi, Bangalore ain’t behind! Local superstars stole the spotlight as they strutted their stuff on the runway on day three.
Kannada actor Puneet Rajkumar surprised the audience by playing the showstopper for Bangalore-based designer and friend Lokessh Ahuja. Actress Suman Ranganathan kicked off designer Dimple Varma’s tribal showcase in a stunning white gown and colourful head gear. Replete with African elements, Dimple’s label Turquoise and Gold, designed a fun collection in a burst of colours using interesting motifs like trademark masks, flags and paintings on fitted jackets, tapered trousers and shirts.
A unique collection, the garments stood apart from the ethnic and formal brigade. One spotted Kannada actress Sanjana walking the runway in a gold wrap-dress by Shantanu and Nikhil, who showcased their all- yellow Spring - Summer 2008 - a colour touted to be the most popular next season.
While on one hand celebs walked the runway, on the other hand celebrity designers showcased their updates.
Master of classicism, Raghavendra Rathore yet again showcased a collection replete with trademark royal elements. Classic clean lines contemporarised with detailing, Raghu’s collection comprised of jodhpuris, Nehru jackets, breach pants, safari suits, textured shirts and the vest-over-kurta look in primarily white and khakhi colours.
Designer Varun Bahl (who could not make it to the event) displayed his line of sherwanis in quintessential classic designs.
Another designer to showcase ethnic line for men was Vijay Arora. Talk about men’s ethnic wear and not mentioning Kolkata-designer Sharbari Dutta is inexcusable. Sharbari, who designed 17 outfits for Abhishek Bachchan from Aishwarya Rai for their wedding, showcased a grand heritage line. Each design looked like a painting in itself as colours did the talking.
The finale day four kicked off with a packed venue as people jostled to make place. But all settled soon for a fashion extravaganza that had all eyes glued to the ramp. Kashmiri designer Zubair Kirmani, who studied fashion in Bangalore, displayed a line that flaunted textures on global silhouettes.
Who took the audience by surprise was City’s very own Namrata G with her fun line celebrating Rajasthan folklore. Models sporting Rajasthani turbans, flaunted angarakha style tops, tapered printed pants and revealing choli tops with tie-up detail, celebrating festivity quite impressively. Explained Namrata, “This collection is aimed at the global Indian who is deeply rooted in India.”
Colours toned down as Sanchita Ajampur’s collection made presence. Taking to the greyscale, her global collection had jersey tops, T- shirts, linen shirts accompanied by an all satin evening wear for the suave dandy man.
And soon a smart futuristic collection in black and silver sheen by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna had every man in the audience impressed. A collection with jacket aplenty - racer, textured to quilted style - came in great fits and detailing.
The grand trio left the audience gasping for breath - Wendell Rodricks, Manish Malhotra and JJ Vallaya. Guru of minimalism, Wendell, yet again took the genre of island dressing to another level with his fluid draping in all-white. From tops, kurtas, drawstrings, lungis to wrap skirts - his collection had his fans asking for more. However, spots of dirt on white clothes, especially at a fashion week, was unforgivable.
Jodhpuris in Banarasi brocade by Manish Malhotra were simply stunning. And ankle-length silk sherwanis by JJ Vallaya, spelling sophisticated opulence, ended as the perfect showstopper for the grand finale at HBIMFF.
Organised by Prasad Bidapa, the show had over 35 models and 36 designers participating in the four-day event.
Talking about the outcome of the show, he said, “This year has been the most successful business-wise. Many high-power meetings have taken place between top-gun designers and biggest of brands. I cannot divulge any details but the business was tremendous.
This event has the potential to become the biggest international trade fair. But it cannot happen unless the government supports it. I truly wish that the textile ministry comes on board. I am already preparing for next year. If I get the required funds, I would like to refine my show and expand it further. I will give myself a seven out of 10 this year.”
