By Nivedita Sharma, IANS,
New Delhi : The Synergy1 Delhi Couture Week (DCW) that concluded late Monday with an impressive showcase by veteran designer Rohit Bal was a huge hit with buyers and has opened up new business opportunities, the man behind the show says.
“Manish Malhotra’s entire collection was bought by designer boutique Karma. The new store ‘Evoluzione’ purchased the outfits of almost all the designers. Varun Bahl’s line taken over by Ensemble, Aza and Ogaan. These are just some examples of an event that was a successful venture,” said Sunil Sethi, president of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
The second edition of the couture week, held at Hotel Taj Palace, was all about extravagant fashion, glamour, luxury and of course Bollywood with stars like Sharmila Tagore, Madhuri Dixit, Sonam Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Shradha Kapoor, Rahul Khanna, Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Dino Morea,Raveen Tandon,Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal and Urmila Matondkar graced the event with their presence.
Leading designers like Varun Bahl, JJ Valaya, Meera & Muzaffar Ali, Manav Gangwani Suneet Varma, Adarsh Gill, Anju Modi, Ashima-Leena, Shantanu & Nikhil, Manish Malhotra, Gaurav Gupta and of course Rohit Bal, showcased their haute couture line.
With new title sponsor, the organizers made sure that the fashion extravaganza proved to be an ideal business platform for all the participants to widen their customer-base.
Sethi also believes that it is necessary for the designer brand to be the part of the couture week, especially those who are known to be the best couturiers.
“We have to consistently present a good show on the ramp. If it happens, then the customers will show their interest but if you disappear from the couture week then branding will not necessarily be the same. People who came to see the show were happy with the way it went on,” he added.
Designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil, who showcased a collection titled “Perfume”, were amazed at the response they received after the show.
“It was a consumer event which went amazingly well. The timing of couture week was apt because the bridal season will now kick off. At out show, we had at least 70 percent of our clients. There were a list of interesting clients and valued customers,” Shantanu said.
“It’s been fantastic to be the part of DCW. The whole property was just given 20 days of breathing space and to put together such a great event where 12 couturiers showcased their line over four days can be a nightmare for the organizers. So I think putting together an event like this is commendable,” he added.
Designer Leena Singh, who showcased a collection titled “Adaa”, says it has been sold five times over.
“There were 22 pieces and each piece has received five order. I am really happy with the entire couture week, which a received huge response from the audiences,” Leena said.
Buyers from retail houses like Azaa, Ogaan and Ensemble were impressed with the kind of garments showcased on the ramp this season.
“I was completely mesmerized with a few designer’s outfits. And this is like a new trend coming in which is not only exciting but commendable and impressive,” said Alka Nishar of Aza.
Julianna Crystal, a buyer from the US, said: “I am really amazed with the kind of couture Indian designers presented. Every garment was simply wow and I am looking forward to buy few of them, especially from Gaurav Gupta, Manish Malhotra and Shantanu- Nikhil.”
(Nivedita Sharma can be reached at [email protected]