The folk of Jaipur were once again mesmerized by the creation of the budding designers of International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), one of the premier institutes in Fashion, textile & interior design in its annual Designer Display, entitled ‘The Dunes of Style’.
‘The Dunes of Style’ was based on the theme of Rajasthan – the land of magnificence, the seat of royalty, the epitome of victory and valor is also home to myriad folk arts and crafts. Each art is a unique reflection of the traditions and cultures of the bygone era. A kaleidoscope of colours, patterns, designs and styles best describes the illustrious history of the crafts of Rajasthan. The students of INIFD had captured the very essence of splendour of Rajasthani arts and crafts in their designer collection of couture apparels.
This dazzling exhibit at Birla Auditorium, on 18th February 2013, boasted a boutique of designs which left the audience spell bound and won more than just their appreciation. The incredibly innovative and artistic collections showcased here were based on various unique themes that speak volumes about the technical aspects and knowledge of handmade as well as computerized design patterns. It brought alive the urge of INIFDians to create a great collection.
The ramp was ready, the lights set to suit the occasion, the audience waited with anticipation and the cameras were ready to start their infernal clicking. Hip music played and gasps of wonder rose from the audience as the future of the fashion industry unfolded in front of them.
The events was graced by ‘Princess Diya Kumari’ who was the chief guest for the evening and formally launched VK Poddar Foundation, gave her best wishes to the talented students and felicitated the Artisians present in the show .
‘VK Poddar Foundation’ was briefed by Ms.Kamla Poddar, Chairperson, Kamla Poddar Group. It manifests their urge to pay back to the society. The Foundation will take up numerous social initiatives for a better world around us. These include interventions in the areas of, inter alia, higher education and promotion of local art forms and artisans.
At the INIFD Designer Display evening, the Foundation felicitated artisans, designers, craftsmen, artists and experts who have kept the traditions of our land alive.
The event commenced with the floral welcome of the chief guest, which was followed by the Felicitation Ceremony for the artists having expertise in their respective fields of design, art & culture. They were, Mr. R.K. Derewala ( Vegetable-Dye expert ), Mr. Gopal Saini ( Blue Pottery Specialist), Mr. Badshah Miya (Bandhej art expert), Mr. Dayal Ram Nat ( Puppet Making expert), Mr. Kunj Bihari Sonawa ( Block print Specialist), Ms. Gulabo Sapera (Kalbelia expert), Ms. Usha Shree (Ghoomar), Mr. Arif Hussain (Kotadoria Specialist), Mr. Mohan Lal (Master of terracotta art), Mr. Vijay Joshi (Master of Phad Painting) Mr.Rajpal Singh (Wild life Conservationist), Mr. Raj Kumar Chauhan (wild life Photographer), Mr. Babu khan (kite making expert), Mr. Arjun Prajapati (Master Sculpturist), Mr.Babu Bhai Patel (Gemstones Specialist).
The show was a bouquet of 17 exquisite rounds of eclectic collections with vivid themes based on the beautiful and rich art & culture of the Land of Rajas- Rajasthan. The Show started with sizzling showstopper Alesia Raut walking on the ramp in elegant attire representing the main theme of the show namely ‘Dunes of Style’ presented by Diet Mantra.
Every Collection was different from the other and each had uniqueness that spoke for itself.
The indo- western garments in‘The Rangrez’ collection drew its inspiration from the vibrant colors of life. Getting inspired from the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan called “Kalbelia”, was a collection with a fusion of this art form in black & white western garments.
‘Colourful- Chronicle’ was a collection with a potpourri of fusion outfits crafted with the elegance of rich phad and kawadia paintings of Rajasthan on silk, kota-doria fabrics with designer terracotta accessories. Another collection called ‘flying colours’ depicted the beauty of the festival of kites called ‘Makar-Sakranti’ in an innovative way by head turning outfits made in assorted shapes, colors and styles of kites. ‘Looking through History’ was a collection inspired by traditional windows of Rajasthan called ‘Jharokha’ incorporated on unique garments with the help of smocking effect. ‘Hanging by thread’ preserved a unique feature of Rajasthan i.e. ‘The Puppet Show’ through an exclusive genre of apparels that attracted everybody. An amazing collection, ‘Round the block’ showcased with multiple block designs through intricate carved blocks onto indo-western silhouettes and finely carved wood accessories. Students created a never before collection called ‘Golden Leaves’ with traditional artwork of Rajasthan called ‘Gotapatti’ through unique western attire. ‘Sailing through sand’ collection represented the beauty of sand dunes in garments with the use of suede & satin fabrics and multicolored woolen pompoms.
Another collection, ‘On the Roar’ was dedicated to wildlife especially Tigers, gave a message to save our wildlife and flora-fauna of our environment. Main attraction of this genre was tiger prints and floral embroideries on rich fabrics. A unique collection, ‘Monumental Art’ depicts artitically the rich historical heritage of Rajasthan, incorporated on indo- western garments through bold and eye catching graphics, prints, mirror work, rich embroidery and peacock embellishments on rich fabrics. ‘Swirling Style’ depicted the charm of Rajasthan’s folk dance form called ‘Ghoomar’. Rich fabrics like silk,net, chanderi etc were used to give an ethnic look to this range of garments. Inspired by the royal game Polo and play cards, the collection ‘Royal Stable’ endorsed a royal marwari touch of Rajas’ beautifully. Another collection, ‘Flights of Fantasy’ manifested the migrating birds of Bharatpur through beautiful colors and textures of varying style. An exquisite collection ‘Binding Bandhini’ was a rare combination of tie & dye art and silver sequins fabric crafted beautifully to form western garments. ‘Bluer the Better’ showcased the art of ‘Blue pottery’ on white and beige colored fabrics with embroideries in various shades of blue. Finally a collection which mesmerized everyone was ‘Stunning Reflection’ enriched with gemstones like emerald, ruby, saphire etc. with peacock feathers, pearl and embossed embelishments.
The design protégés of INIFD had the audience spellbound with their designs till the last collection had made its exit. The show was truly a treat to the eyes and left everybody mesmerized.
Renowned models from all over the country dazzled the ramp like Alesia Raut, a leading international supermodel, & a bollywood actress, has also been a star model at the Lakme India Fashion weeks. Niketan Madhok, who is an International Model who has walked on ramp for many famous labels. He was the contestant of Big Boss season 6. He has walked the ramp at Lakme India Fashion Week for a varied fashion designers namely Rohit Bal, Aki Narula, Rocky S, and Ritu Kumar.
Jasveer Kaur, a leading film and TV actress, and also a seasoned dancer and performer in prominent shows. Reshmi Pitre, a professional theatre and TV Actress and model who has won many prizes in acting. Aanchal Oberoi, Ford Supermodel and star of the fashion weeks to walk the ramp for top designers like Tarun Tehliani, Satya Paul, JJ Valaya, Manish Malhotra and many top brands. Anousha Chouhan, a super model who represented India at International Beauty Pageant in China. She has been a star of fashion weeks for top designers and brands. Karishma Shandil, the queen of ramp, has also been featured among the top three hottest models of the year. Also supermodels like, Ankita Jain, Chandni Nasir, Chandrima Bhardwaj, Priyanka Bhau, Sakshi Bindra, Hida Siddiqui and many more dazzled the ramp dressed in student ensembles. Also the evening was a glamour packed affair with an eclectic mix of celebrities and fashion designers from the industry.
The celebrity Nisha Harale Bedi, the Daughter in law of Kabir Bedi, was the choreographer for the show. She is a former beauty queen, film star & eminent part of the entertainment industry from last 10 years who choreographed show stoppers like Shahid kapoor, Mugdha Godse, Jiah Khan, Tulip Joshi, Aanchal Kumar etc for top designers and Interational brands.
Pallab Bose, was the comperer for the show and he conducted the show very well. He is a soft skills corporate trainer. He organizes workshops and undertakes training sessions regarding career development, campus placement training, finishing and grooming, personality development and effective english communication skills etc. in various cities. He is a recipient of Pride of India Award for compering.
At the end, INIFD acknowledged all those who contributed to the success of the show, including the dedicated faculty members.
According to Mrs. Kamla Poddar, Chairperson, Kamla Poddar Group & Director INIFD Jaipur, “The creativity and hard work of our students and mentorship of our faculty members have made this show a wonderful show. It’s a great platform for the designer students to showcase their talent and creativity. I congratulate the students and faculty of INIFD for yet another wonderful show.”
According to Ms. Swati Bhargava, the Location head, INIFD Jaipur, “ This event is a wonderful opportunity to encourage and promote young talent and to interact with the fashion industry. We are proud to mentor such talent who will make a great future in the design industry.”
The associates who contributed to the success of the show were Hotel Fern (Hospitality Partner) Kuber Handicrafts, Shades (Hair & Makeup) & Big Boss Studio, RAMA Enterprises, Mercury and Diet Mantra.
Abhishek Poddar & Ayush Poddar Director Kamla Poddar Group and renowned designers & exporters of the city were also present during the event.