Boutiques from Mumbai dominate the two-day show
DUBAI: She has done it time and again. During her 20 years in Dubai, Kalpana Danthi, an alumni of Sophia College has done more than her bit to bring high fashion from India to the Middle East.
This time around Kalpana has expanded the scope of her fashion exhibition beginning here today at the Hayya Club, Emirates Hills by roping in award winning Pakistani designer Hassan Sheheryar. Among the 20 participants at the two day show are seven from Mumbai.
“We have boutiques from Mumbai like ‘You’, ‘Shivangi’, ‘Orange Pekoe’, and ‘Innara’ attending ‘Fashion Folio’ which is expected to be a trend setting event,” Kalpana told DNA. The other participants from Mumbai are Mrunal Khimji and Sapan More.
“As a fashion designer myself, I have designed for local Arab clientele and have also done a few wedding collections. I have done many exhibitions of my own and last year I did a fashion show for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2005.
Kalpana and her partner-friend Smita Seth who is also a qualified designer have held several successful shows in Dubai. “We have a wider collection this year with HSY from Pakistan, L’Affair from Delhi and Leena Taneja from Kolkata. There is also local participation from Dubai such as The Wardrobe and Mimosa Creations. “We are holding this event to fulfil our passion and to give an opportunity to up-and-coming designers to showcase their creations here,” she says.
The exhibition will include couture, prêt and fusion lines, Arabian-inspired apparel, jewellry, footwear and accessories such as handbags and shawls.
The price range begins at Dh150 (Rs 1,800) and goes on to four figures. “There will be something for everyone to choose from a collection of clothing, footwear, jewellry and bags. One can have a complete makeover with free consultation and the main clientele would definitely be Asian and Arab buyers with a few Western expats as well.”
Kalpana also designs a range of exquisite Pashmina Shawls under her own label “Kalpana Danthi” which are sold through Kimaya and Aza in Mumbai. Girija Sinha, wife of Yash Sinha, the outgoing Indian Consul General in Dubai will open the show.
