Same old, same old...is that done?

The grand finale comprised an already-seen-before collection. is that fair to fashion lovers and buyers?

Fashion week in Delhi concluded on Sunday with the expected fanfare — open-air ramp, live music and loud cheers rang in the air as the crowd readied itself for the last show of the edition. Internationally acclaimed designer, Manish Arora, showcased his collection and his signature shades of neon, hot pink and fierce makeup lit up the ramp in style.

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But, the excitement of witnessing something entirely new seemed to be amiss, as some front-rowers showed off their fashion knowledge, and discussed how they had “seen it all in Paris!” For the grand finale of the fashion extravaganza, Arora showed his fall/winter collection, already seen at the French Capital.

So, does the ultimate, all-hyped show deserve an exclusive and completely fresh collection? “The collection was more like a window to his work, so that way it was nice. But, from the business point of view, yes we do need a fresh collection, because the buyers don’t want to see something they have seen before,” says designer Leena Singh. But, as a trend, does a showcase-repeat work, and is it fair to live spectators, critics? Designer Ritu Beri feels that it’s okay to show the same collection as long as it’s revamped. “The designs must be tweaked in such a case. That’s what brings the exclusivity in,” she says.

While some believe that repeating a collection affects business and revamping is needed to make creations ramp-ready for the second time, others think that repeating works fine. “Manish should not be taken as an example, since he’s an exception. Most of us designers show the collection again for the masses, but yes, sometimes the public image of the brand suffers because of this,” says designer Rina Dhaka. Fashion blogger Santu Misra thinks that a fashion show is not just about the clothes on the runway. “It’s much more. As the name itself suggests, the designers have to put up a show. So, it is okay if the clothes are the same, as long as the designer creates a moment to be remembered on the ramp.”