I don't think this city has been gripped by fashion fever. A good idea would be to host individual shows.
I once read, ‘Carefully observing people is where art begins and ends.’ The same holds true for fashion. On Day2 at the Kolkata Fashion Week, Kallol Datta’s ‘Grunge’ collection took us back to the world of drapes and layering. Indeed he caught our eye.
Strangely, it was the first time the ‘kohl eyed' designer showcased in his own city.
It is said that a city depicts the culture and outlook of the people living in it. The fashion showcased at the KFW is much like its many streets — narrow and very restricted. No well-fitted silhouettes, not even a hint of skin showing. Kaushik and Pallob's collection was said to be bridal, but no bride would want to wear something like that on the most important day of her life. Even showstopper Riya Sen could not bring a spark to this collection.
Last season’s star Bibi Russell worked with cotton — a material that is very symbolic of the simplicity yet elegance of the Bengali woman. Her elegant styling of the Taat added an extra element of grace. Oddly, there was not a moment when we caught Bibi without her headgear. Wonder why she is hiding her hair?
The stars of the day were certainly Dev R Nil who showcased a chic and modern collection. They showed for the bride of today, although the cuts could have been sexier. None the less the colour scheme — red, white and blue — made up for any flaws. The designers have certainly evolved!
The combination of cutwork, detailed shoulders, pleats and sequins showed that they did experiment while bringing out the collection. the styling of their menswear ensembles was interesting — very Ethiopian.
The verdict: I don't think this city has been gripped by fashion fever. A good idea would be to host individual shows, introducing audiences to fashion and style first and then going full throttle.
Thumbs down!Abhishek Vyas should not have subjected an unsuspecting audience to such sights! There was nothing original. The long overcoats showed that he was clearly inspired by Sabyasachi and his saris looked second cousins of Ritu Kumar's collections. Watching the showstopper was a rather frightful experience. The coffee's brewing Vyas, wake up!