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Fashion with a mission
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`Get tested. It's in fashion' was the catchphrase of Chennai-bred-New York-based designer Sanjana Jon's star-spangled show to create awareness about AIDS T. KRITHIKA REDDY reports
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PHOTO: K. V. SRINIVASAN
STYLE'S SOCIAL SIDE Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera and (Right) Prashant, Zuleyka, Sanjana and Madhavan at the show
The evening was dark and balmy. But at Mowbrays Hall in ITC Hotel Park Sheraton, over a dozen stars shone. And for a creditable cause.
IG International, a niche celebrity event management group, had put together a fashion show featuring Chennai-bred, New York-based designer Sanjana Jon's latest collection, as part of its third annual AIDS Awareness Tour. While 14 international models, including the reigning Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, sashayed down the ramp, a host of Tamil big and small screen personalities — Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Shobana, Madhavan, Prashant, Arya, Kushboo, Uma Padmanabhan, Swarnamalya and Anu Hassan proved how stars shine when it comes to supporting causes.
"Celebrities can get the message across to the public in an effective way. The work we started three years ago has gathered momentum and now we have greater support during our tours here. The AIDS scene in India is scary. People should wake up. Our mission statement this year is `Get tested. It's in fashion.' It's safe for people to get tested and know their status," smiles Sanjana.
"IG's work doesn't stop with the tours in India. We are doing a documentary on AIDS for the U.N. We will be showing it at various places," she adds.
The stars and their mission apart, when it came to the actual show, Sanjana proved that fashion had only temporarily taken a backseat. Fabrics ruled and cuts did all the talking as towering models with porcelain skin walked the ramp displaying a collection that smacked of red carpet glamour.
Dresses with streamlined silhouettes proved to be the season's fashion victor. The first line showcased many of them in fits that flatter and colours that make you smile. Jagged edges and asymmetrical cuts, spaghetti straps and crystal trimmings... the touches were simple.
Evening gowns followed. In blush and blue, peach and pomegranate with plenty of statement-making sparkle. If tiny dresses are in, long gowns too aren't in short supply this season! The designer's flair for textural surprises was evident in a line that showcased floor-skimming ghagra-ish (less flared though) skirts with bustiers and blouses. And it was fun watching the models hold their skirts and trying hard to do a typical Indian swirl to a popular Bollywood number.
Though a major part of the collection veered towards Western sensibilities, Sanjana had tried to incorporate a dash of Indianness by using hues like Rani pink and peacock blue, ethnic embroidery and sequins.
After some rounds of serious fashion, the focus once again shifted to the mission — creating awareness about AIDS. And yes, star power did help in bringing home the message. Ready to get tested? It's in fashion!
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