Young designers impress as WIFW begins at new venue

New Delhi, March 18: Though confusion prevailed at the new venue of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Wednesday, the perfectly cut silhouettes, creativity and fusion of Indian heritage with modernity exhibited by two young designers at the opening show impressed the full house.From the one-level spread of the WIFW pavilion at Pragati Maidan, the event has shifted to the Eros Intercontinental hotel at Nehru Place, where the main show areas (MSAs), the lounges, media room, exhibition stalls et al are on separate floors.

Designers feel that buyers, visitors and they themselves would take some time before they get accustomed to the venue, where WIFW will be held till Sunday. "It will take a day or two to get the feel of this place but I guess everyone is happy as it is centrally located," said veteran designer Anjana Bhargav. Her contemporary Anju Modi averred that she missed the spacious parking and moving space at Pragati Maidan. "I am really missing Pragati Maidan because of the parking. Otherwise this place is nice and the decor and the ambience is perfectly done," she maintained. Though the opening show, shared by young designers Nitin Bal Chauhan and Samant Chauhan, was as usual a tad delayed, they managed to draw a full house. Nitin Bal`s collection titled "Conditions Apply Part II" was inspired by the flip-side of urbania and he showcased the dark realities of our life like suicides, drug intake and accidents. Samant`s autumn-winter fashion line was created out of Bhagalpur silk, a handloom from Bihar. Both men brought drama alive on stage in their own ways. While the former added interesting headgear made out of spectacles, phone wires, a gramophone and a table lamp, Samant used a lot of jute to accessorize his attire. Commenting on both the collections, Modi said: "I am very happy that the young designers have realized the importance of the Indian heritage and crafts. The first show in itself talked about the rich Indian heritage and culture. So, it`s a good start!" IANS