Track fashion

Although the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, which took off in the Capital on Wednesday, got off to a good start, the usually buzzing cocktail lounges saw teetotallers instead of the hic happy crowds.

The ongoing Navratra festivities seem to have rained on the fashion parade. Although the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, which took off in the Capital on Wednesday, got off to a good start, the usually buzzing cocktail lounges saw teetotallers instead of the hic happy crowds as most guests were observing Navratara fasts and abstaining from alcohol.

“In previous editions, guests would start trickling in right from the morning, but this time, the few who’re coming in are only asking for juices and soft drinks,” says Ram, a bartender at the Chivas Lounge. “Non-alcoholic drinks are certainly more popular this time,” says Sanjeev, a bartender at the Wills Lounge.

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Even the designers, models and social glitterati are staying away from partying it up. “I haven’t been to the lounges that much, as I’m observing the Navratara fasts,” says designer Charu Parashar. “I’m fasting for the season of Lent, so I am staying away from alcohol,” says model Candice Pinto.

The makeshift eateries at the venue have also modified their menu to suit the mood. “We have added more vegetarian dishes,” says restaurateur Shiv Karan Singh of Smoke House Grill. “People are telling us to skip onions and garlic in their orders,” says a waiter at the Olive outlet.

Hic but no hurray
*Last season, the average number of vodka bottles consumed in a lounge in a day were 17-20. This season, the daily consumption has dropped to 7-9 bottles
*While the number of beer bottles consumed daily last season was 50+, this season daily, it’s come down to 20-25
*Out of 4-5 snacks being served at the lounges, only one dish is non-vegetarian. Last season, at least two items were non-vegetarian.
*Figures as per numbers shared by serving staff on day one of WIFW