The finale bow

The grand finale shows that bring down the curtains to fashion weeks in India are a gorgeous, elaborate spectacle. But the finale is typical only to the Indian fashion scene as other international fashion weeks don’t have it. The finale was instituted in 2000 when India hosted its first, unified fashion week — Lakme India Fashion Week with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). But this season they are doing away with it, as every 9 pm show of the four-day event will carry the tag of ‘finale’.

But this change doesn’t come as a surprise as FDCI has been trying different formats — from 25 designers to six and at times two. Sunil Sethi, president of FDCI, said, “This is prêt and not couture, there is no need to go overboard as the clothes are the stars. Thus, there is no need to romanticise it with elaborate sets. Internationally, there are no sets, they have straight walks. We are going a step further as we are providing LED backdrops but we don’t have a  grand finale.” 

Outfit by designer Priyam Narayan

However, there are numerous shows lined up with renowned designers, including Rina Dhaka, Namrata Joshipura and more. Thus, “not compromising with the show at all,” added Sethi.

Scheduled to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, work at the venue has been in progress since the day after Holi. It’s the black-and-white decor that’s the highlight of the event this year. “With the backdrop and decor being grayscale, it will be the designers who will be adding the much needed colour,” added Sethi, who is as excited about the event as he is about the use  of technology by the participating designers. “Each show will have its unique creative backdrop, showcasing the designer’s signature style. The backdrops are the work of the designers and we are only providing them with the platform.”   

There will be shows accentuating handlooms, introduction of new fabrics and ways of draping, use of brands to create dynamic shows, along with 100 designer stalls which will be all about fashion business as the show is the Mecca of the regular domestic and international buyers

Outfit by designer Diksha Khanna

This fashion week will feature inclusion of several new designers. Designer Priyam Narayan, who has been putting up booths, will be making his debut along with Charu Vij, Diksha Khanna and Kanika Goyal. Excited as he sounds, he definitely feels nervous about the whole venture. “It’s a great step by FDCI as these shows give us a platform to have dialogue with the buyers. My collection is made keeping in mind the international trends from the  forecast of A/W 2018,” shared Narayan who describes his collection as rather bohemian. Flowy silhouettes and intricate design prints are the main focus in his collection, which is an extension of his Spring-summer 18 line, inspired by the clown Naser-el-din. 

Debudant Khanna strongly feels that creating space for budding designers is a great initiative. “The newer generation needs this kind of boost and encouragement. As designers, the biggest challenge is to connect with the real buyers. So, when you have both under the same roof it becomes a lot more accessible — we understand their requirements along with the specifications,” shared Khanna, whose collection is a marriage of organic with concrete. “We are in a concrete jungle — in the high-rise buildings — coexisting with nature and greenery, which is what I try to showcase through my collection. It revolves around hard, rugged denim paired with soft, handloom linens with hand embroideries, inspired by garden and nature. The colour palette focuses around ivory and blue.”

Designer Caru Vij too did a booth last time and will be showcasing her collection which is an exploration of autumnal tones — a celebration of the flowers that bloom despite the nightfall. “The designs are a metaphor for women who show courage in the face of adversity. They’re all around us; they rise against the storm,” shared Vij, who believes that such platforms are quintessential to understanding the difference between domestic and international buyers, what works and what doesn’t, along with making your presence felt in the industry.

While these changes are heartily welcomed, more are needed to boost the Indian fashion industry.