WIFW - Day 2

After the first day showdown, things were better but not smooth on Day 2.

Spicezee Bureau

After the opening day showdown at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2010, things were better but not smooth on Day 2. The 15th edition of the WIFW, which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, had been delayed by a day as organisers did not have the necessary permits from the fire department. Although the FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India) has now extended the week by a day to accommodate aggrieved designers whose shows were cancelled on the opening day but the designers were not happy. The one-day delay had its fallout with Satya Paul pulling out. "I cancelled my show as the permission was not given. I will ask for a refund because a show on the last day does not work for me. I had guests who had come from out of town, how would they come now?," designer Puneet Nanda from Satya Paul said. Apart from Satya Paul, other designers who suffered similar fate included Ranna Gill and Ritu Beri who have decided to be a part of the event despite the initial hiccups. However, on Thursday, designer Tarun Tahiliani's show was the highlight of the fashion extravaganza. It was a return to the roots for Tarun, who celebrated the spirit of India in his fall/winter collection. The collection included sarongs, long-tailored coats and trademark sari drapes mostly in dull muted colours. "I consciously used Indian fabric. I feel we've been a little too western," Tahiliani said after his show. On the other hand, famous designer Kavita Bhartia showcased a collection dominated by black graphic prints with floral details and an abundance of hand-crafted embroideries and tie-and-dye silhouettes. "I think it was important to take all the best India has to offer and present it in a modern way," Bhartia said. While much-celebrated designer Pallavi Mohan drew inspiration from the mystical world of "Alice in Wonderland" for her rainbow line of evening gowns, tunics and shift dresses. Another highlight of the day was Masaba Gupta, daughter of TV actress Neena Gupta and former West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards, who made her debut at the 15th edition of the WIFW with her collection 'Fitoor'. "My collection is a great mix of classic and 'kitsch'. It has velvet, silks, ikats put to funky sarees with pockets, vibrant shades and it is very Indian," Masaba said. "I am debuting with Wills India fashion Week. I have done two seasons with Lakme Fashion Week, she said, adding that her collection was "age versatile". On the whole, the organisers were relieved and designers happy to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2010 collections on Day 2 of the ongoing fashion week.