Indian designers displaying designs in New York

Last year, Ashish Soni became the first Indian designer to be invited to the Olympus Fashion Week in New York. That number has doubled this year, with Soni returning to the Big Apple, and Sabyasachi Mukherjee joining the ranks. The well-attended shows for their Spring/ Summer 2007 collections have raised the profile of Indian fashion in this market.

 

The Indian action at the Olympus Fashion Week began backstage at Ashish Soni's show on Friday night. The designer was back at the event this season for his second show in New York. Soni said he had learned to manage the commercial aspects and logistics of his show better this year.

 

Fashion Designer, Ashish N Soni told SAW, "That was another learning experience from last season. Then we did about 45, which was too few by Indian standards, but this year, we have brought it down further below 40, it's a crisp 12-13 minute, very focused presentation."

 

Soni showed a collection with a muted palette, mostly of whites, metallics and greys, set to an equally soothing soundtrack. He adds, "We have done some interesting embroidery and there's a lot of draping as well."

 

The action hotted up the next day, as celebrities including actress Rani Mukherji and Director Mira Nair arrived to cheer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's debut in New York. Rani Mukherji says, "I wear a lot of Sabyasachi's clothes because he is a true designer. His cuts and fabrics are fantastic."

 

"I was hoping to wear the only Sabyasachi outfit I have, but it wasn't ironed this morning. But he's a great designer. He's an original," says Director, Mira Nair.

 

Sabyasachi's collection, which had already caught the attention of the mainstream press here, showed off more vibrant hues. Both visitors and designer alike, were pleased with the show.

 

Actress Sarita Choudhary thought it was amazing. "I wear the same thing. I wear men's shoes with feminine dresses and to see Indian fabrics treated with an academic look, it was so my cup of tea."

 

"You have to remember this is not my city and to see so many people coming here and cheering, and such a big Indian contingent, it feels wonderful," avers Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

 

Two Indian designers, two very different shows. But the message was the same - Indian fashion has come to town and it's here to stay.

 

Indira Kannan.

 

(Pictures are representational)