Thumbs up to foreign tie-ups

When the curtains go up at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) next month, it will have a new face on the fashion runway...

When the curtains go up at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) next month, it will have a new face on the fashion runway; that of Christopher Kane’s. Anna Wintour was so impressed with his collection after his graduation from Central Saint Martins she invited him to sit next to her at the Versace show A/W 06.

As such, LFW wears a new look this time with its new theme, Resort Wear, attached to it. With the induction of Christopher, who has been on the London catwalks for many seasons now, on the fashion runway by Lakme Studio, the event has become even more interesting to fashion lovers as they will get a chance to see the collection by the designer who got the British Designer Awards in 2007. Add to this the presence of Anthony Mascolo, one of the most revered hair stylists in the world, who will be styling the hair of the models for the show.

Sharing expertise
If you believe that what is shown on the fashion runway should percolate down to people, that can be seen happening at the Lakme Studios around the country. Anthony, who won the British Hairdresser of the Year thrice, will be coming to Mumbai with four other creative directors of TIGI International to train Lakme Studio stylists, who will be using TIGI products on its patrons on an exclusive basis.

Joining hands
Slowly but steadily, fashion in India is moving ahead towards international recognition and tie-ups such as this. Last week, designer Manish Arora tied up with Mercedes Benz to do a series of shows around the country. Through the tie-up, Manish, who already has the distinction of being the first to have such associations with several international brands such as Mac, Reebok, Absolute, Nivea, etc will be designing a line for the German automobile manufacturer that will be sold exclusively through Mercedes Benz showrooms and Manish Arora boutiques.

After having been around for such a long time, I think fashion and fashion weeks India could do with such recognition. In the case of Christopher Kane and Anthony Mascolo, the result is bound to move on to the people through Lakme Studios. And that I think is what is needed from fashion weeks.