Giving tradition a modern touch

Models sport traditional Indian wear designed by fashion students, which will be showcased as part of the shopping extravaganza in Gurgaon malls

Moradabad-boy Kapil Kishore was a topper in Fashion Design from NIFT in 1999, scoring 98 per cent marks. However, when he went out to look for a job, he found it tough. That made him promise to himself that he would promote struggling designers by giving them a platform to showcase their creativity.

Kishore, who now teaches illustration at NIFT, is putting together a show with a group of students from NIFT, Pearl Academy of Fashion and International Polytechnic for Women, tomorrow outside the Sahara Mall at 7.30 p.m. This is part of the shopping extravaganza in the malls of Gurgaon, brought together in association with Hindustan Times.

The show, organised by Rudraksh and choreographed by Kaushik Ghosh, promises a burst of creativity by young, aspiring fashion students. Says Kishore, “People only want to talk to designers like Rohit Bal and Ritu Beri, so no one else gets an opportunity. This is my 12th show that aims at encouraging young talent, who are trying to find a foothold.”

The first collection titled ‘Piya Bawari’ ingeniously uses brocades and the colour blue giving ethnic wear a traditional yet chic look. On the other hand, ‘Mattina Rosa’ which means morning rose in Italian, explores the beauty of a morning rose, brings out the softness of the fabrics through light shades. ‘Parampara’ will showcase chiffons and georgettes in colours such as orange, pink, blue and green.

“We have added dabka, sequins, neem-zari, kundan, stone-work which enhance the beauty of these saris,” says Kishore who gave the brief to the participating designers and guided them through the process of designing. “I’ve learnt enormously from my interactions with students who come up with fresh ideas that make me look at fashion in an altogether new light,” says Kishore.

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