JOIN USThe evening began with a cocktail party and went on to feature the Summer 09 collection by design duo Anu Nagappa and Susan Fernandes, Michelle Salins, and Ramesh Dembla. Fashionistas, P3Ps, and corporate honchos attended the event in display of support and seeking networking opportunities.
The first segment by designers Nagappa and Fernandes, who run the design label Astara, was an all white collection in cotton, chiffon and georgettes with lace detailing. Models had their hair tied up into interesting buns and wore minimal make-up. They walked the ramp to the upbeat, It’s not my name by The Ting Tings. This collection had a 60s feel to it. The clothes were accessorised with colourful handbags. One does wish the models wore better shoes.
The second sequence was by designer Salins which was in direct contrast to the first sequence. Where Nagappa and Fernandes’ collection was stark, clean and white, Salins’ collection titled Butterfly was an explosion of colour. Shorts in bright colours; bubble tops, sequinned kaftans and tea dresses in silk and satin with brocades were embellished with swarovski crystals. Famous for her wedding gowns, Salins’ show-stopper was a paradigm shift from the rest of the collection. The gown with an elaborate train and swarovski crystals was worn by a model who followed two cute-as-a-button flower girls down the ramp.
The last designer to show for the day was Dembla, who showcased two lines: Angels’ Fantasy and Ethnic Elegance. The first line began with a performance piece by model Jackie Shetty, the point of which was not very clear. This line displayed flowing evening gowns. The second line was a collection of embellished and embroidered sarees. Laila Barker and Manjul Gupta walked the ramp for Dembla. Arati Chabria in a white saree was Dembla’s show stopper.
Dancers from the Lourde Vijay Dance Studio provided entertainment for the evening.