The much awaited fashion extravaganza India Runway Week in association with Big Boy Toyz, Season 7 Winter/Festive Edition commenced at Thyagraj Stadium. The show opened with the designs of International Designer Bibi Russell  under the name of “Rajasthali”. The day one of the India Runway Week was high on creativity, where experienced designers ruled the ramp, the newbies were also not far behind. The names of the 1^st day designers are Daniel Sayiem, Miku Kumar, Shreeya Somaiya, Shweta Sarda, Ishithaa Design House, Preet Jhaver, IGT By Isha Gupta Tayal, Varija Bajaj & Satomi, Aditya Khandelwl & Studio AV by Gaurav and Nitesh.

Designer  Bibi Rusell from Bangladesh after giving a makeover to Rajasthan government textile division under the name of Rajasthali by Bibi Rusell showcased its first collection under this label on the first day of  India Runway Week winter festive 2016. The entire collection was made from this handspun and hand-woven fabric diversified by art and design intervention to be made more suitable for the modern context.

Daniel Syiem from North East also shared the ramp with Bibi Russell in the opening show. His label Breathe Easy is an attempt to make clothes feel like second skin to your body. Blending pure cotton and raw silk with tribal weaves from North East India, the collection comprised of looks that cater to men and women who just want to break free….and breathe easy.

Shreeya Somaiya, introduced her debut collection inspired by the classic Shakespearean ballet “A Midsummer Night& 39’s Dream.”  Her designs translated the enchanting world of magic and love charms that the play represents. The collection focused on encapsulating the spirit of feminine power with a touch of elegance that the female characters of the play demonstrate. The outfits were beautifully embellished with antique gold sequence with intricate flower details. This made the designs distinctly modern and supremely feminine. Her collection was both glamorous yet timelessly classic which took you back to the world of fantasy.

On the other hand beautiful actress Soha Ali Khan walked the ramp for designer from Hyderabad Shweta Sharda, who presented the glory of womanhood through her designs on the ramp. Shweta wanted to depict the brave step taken by women in redesigning their own map to explore the World.  “Her Collection is about women like me who love to travel around the world” said Soha Ali Khan.

Deepika Reddy from Ishithaa Design House launched her debut Winter / Festive collection ‘Vadhuvu’ at India Runway Week. The collection ‘Vadhuvu’ meaning bride in Telugu; echoed what every South Indian Bride desires to be on her big day. The Hues and textures of the lehengas, gowns and the Kanchipuram silk sarees are what every girl would lust after. The collection also exhibited the fine craftsmanship behind the Indian Bridal wear. Reframing The Regal by Designer by Isha Gupta Tayal was an amalgamation of British Empire and royal India. It came up with a desire to see Indian women breaking out of their pearl cages and enter into royal steampunk adventures.  The collection was all about “Imaginative  Dressing” , invention, adventure and worldliness. Portraying the modest and focused fashion. Steampunk couture mixing with victorian cuts and regal intricate Indian embroideries, cutwork & brass accessories were all juxtaposed to create the exotic and ethnic ensembles. While speaking about her collection Varija said, “We see virtual heroes on the silver screen who are good, fight all evils and are perfect in every possible way. We aspire to be like them in our real lives. Then we see Super Heroes, who fight battles in real lives to protect others. The Army, Navy, Airforce and the Police are constantly battling for our peace and happiness. But even above them are ‘persons with disabilities’ who are the Real Heroes that fight daily battles with taboos, society, their own health, insecurities and a constant fight to prove their abilities over disabilities. “

Actor Mugdha Godse walked the ramp for Satomi By Rakam. They showcased the collection under the name ‘Myrah’ which goes back to the ancient times of 17 th century. It elucidated an aristocratic lady who is extraordinary and admirable. It symbolized women of exquisite charm, with motifs inspired by age old art with a modern twist to create history. ‘Myrah’ emboldened and revealed the essence of a captivating and splendidly statuesque woman with a strong sense of self. Aditya Khandelwal showcased some of the most intricate and extravagant pieces in a fusion style statement marrying the silhouettes from the British Raj to India’s own traditional Mughal embroidery and richness.  Khandelwal told us that with the keen attention to detail and craftsmanship, made his pieces stand apart for the discerning eye, ‘Each attire is designed with precision, and says something about the personality and taste of the wearer’.

Day 1 came to an end with the show of Studio AV by Gaurav and Nitesh, actor Mandana Karimi sizzled the ramp as a showstopper for them . Studio AV by Gaurav and Nitesh presented their beautiful collection ‘Dhaage’ at the India Runaway Week. The mesmerizing collection, aptly named ‘Dhaage’, was the beautiful journey of threads into a Masterpiece. The entire collection was handmade in threads with a little bit of zardosi and dapka work to add some glitter.

ABOUT: India Runway Week

India Runway Week is Asia’s youngest fashion trade event. Each season of the much-awaited IRW introduce new talent and places young Indian designers firmly on the global fashion stage. IRW provides a platform for both established and upcoming talented designers but also introduce fresh designers to showcase their collections. This gives them excellent business opportunities from both bulk and retail buyers. In addition to facilitating the exchange of ideas and networking interactions between designers, buyers and affiliates, the event provides an enriching experience for everyone.

About Indian Federation for Fashion Development: IFFD provides the opportunity for fashion industry members, both new and old, to create networks that will facilitate action and inspire industry growth. IFFD provide useful & up-to-date information to keep the industry on top of what is happening locally and abroad, to make it more competitive and to encourage a thirst for quality education.

IFFD provides a marketing platform for all within the industry; from the student who want to share her talent to the household names we have come to know and love. By increasing local and international awareness of Indian brands and talent, IFFD hope to inspire increased demand and brand loyalty. With these primary directives IFFD hope to assist in creating a positive knock on effort that will facilitate job creation and growth for the industry.

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