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Milan to Mumbai

NIFT Hyderabad alumnus Shahzad Kamil scorched the Lakme Fashion Week with his rock and romance

Photo: S. Subramanium

ON THE MOVE Shahzad Kamil's creations are scorching the ramps

Working with `the' Donatella Versace at 23 is a dream that many designers wished came true. And Shahzad Kamil, the NIFT Hyderabad graduate from the class of 2002, did exactly that after winning Star One's reality show Lakme Fashion House. "It was a good international exposure — how they work, the cuts, fits and colours. Even on the streets there you find women turning out in long coats and other stylish ensembles. It was an eye-opener," says Shahzad. The designer returned from Milan only to scorch the recent Lakme Fashion Week with his line that he put together in 22 days. "It was based on rock and romance. Rock music is all about attitude. I tried to showcase this in my garments," says the G`n'R and Metallica buff.

Structured skirts and corsets in a dark palette of charcoal greys and browns with flashes of fuchsia and purples set the stage afire. The current collection "with rawness of rock and feminine fluidity" is incidentally hatke when compared to the Dhanno: Style diva, of last year — style, punk and kitsch at the same time, with the epic dialogues from Sholay in the background.

"That was a Bollywood inspired line," he recollects. So does he plan to colour the tinselville next? "Actors have approached me to design lines during the fashion week. I would love to. I am in the process of setting up my studio in Mumbai where I would be working on my label," says the designer.

With a collection that is touted as both commercial and creative, the designer has a promising future. "I strongly believe in the commercial factor. It has to be creative and yet not boring. I design keeping in mind who is wearing it, where and for what occasion," he observes.

Ask him of his Hyderabad days and he gets nostalgic about the winding roads in Banjara Hills and the weather. "Its quite a nice place. Its not very hot or very cold," he says. And did he try out the karchob and laces from Laad Bazaar? "At that time I was into fabric-making, cuts and silhouettes. Its only when I worked with Manish Malhotra that I got into detailing and sequins," he says.

Turn to 2006, his winter based satin line with quilting and a generous dash of international hi-street elements is a different story.

And this is just the beginning for this designer who already has fashionistas in the country floored. Way to go.

SYEDA FARIDA

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