An array of unique Indian outfits, which include dresses and designs highlighting bridal, ethnic, and cultural trends, will take centre stage at the Bollywood Fashion Show today at Mondrian Doha.
“I do typically Indian clothes but this time we’ll try to do something different from what the brand normally does,” said Indian celebrity designer Vikram Phadnis, who will be showcasing 25 outfits at the fashion show.
Phadnis told reporters that he is excited to be with renowned Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor, the show’s guest of honour. Attendees will have the chance to see her walking on the ramp along with other models.
“I am excited because Kareena is somebody who sets the runway on fire. She is so easy about everything,” the designer stressed.
“She never oversteps what the fashion designer wants to do. There’s always be an input but there will never be an ‘I want this,’” noted Phadnis, who done many ads and shows with Kapoor. He said Kapoor’s outfit will be completely different from the other 25, which will be showcased on stage.
According to Phadnis, the whole presentation of the fashion show – from the music, hair and make up – “always makes the show and not just the gown.” “I always believe that when you do a show it has to be dramatic, people just don’t just want to see walking up and down.”
About doing a show in Qatar, he said “coming to the region is great,” with a feeling that “I’ve seen this place before” and “you feel a certain connect in this side of the world.”
Such events in Qatar, he pointed out, provides a platform for international fashion designers to showcase their creativity.
Ankita Chaudhry, another celebrity designer from Delhi, echoed Phadnis view saying they have been given the opportunity to represent the ‘Bollywood romance’ to Shop Qatar.
Set to feature 10 to 12 outfits at the fashion show, she said her collection dubbed as ‘Azalia’ represents a global and well-travelled girl – “something that is obviously from the Indian culture.”
“It is not a very traditional or typical Indian wear, it has a touch of the modern Indian woman in it. They are very modern in their structure. Some pieces are something that anyone here in Qatar could wear,” Chaudhry noted.
She also finds many similarities between the Indian and Qatar culture and fashion like usage of rich colours and “the kind of extravagance” that they highlight.
Apart from the opportunity to take part in the fashion show, the designer also lauded Qatar’s “amazing hospitality” offered to first time visitors like them.
Vikram Phadnis and Ankita Chaudhry
