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The signature of haute couture

Photo: Thulasi Kakkat

Making a fashion statement Some of the models in outfits designed by the students of Nirmala College

‘Signature -09’, the fashion show, was rather new and fresh...it indexed fashion in a young, trendy style as tribal wear was reinvented to go with the modern context.

“Your signature is more powerful than you think. Its your stamp, your identity, the most powerful weapon catapulting you into the world of fashion and glamour.” The unmistakable signature here was ‘innovation’ right from the word ‘go’.

The first batch of fashion graduates of the Nirmala College of IT, Chalakudy, presented their creations in ‘Signature – 09’ held at the Taj Malabar last Saturday evening.

Bold and sassy, each collection broke new ground in depth of detailing and experimentation. Flyaway shoulder epaulettes, long and short capes of all materials, all the various aspects of needlecraft like pintucks, ruches, ruffles, all kinds of smocking, buttons, stiff skirts.

Masks, flowers and beadwork followed. All types of materials were used. Metal, wood, plastic and jute to name a few. The many accessories upped the glam quotient further.

These guys had just pulled out all the stops in the high road to fashion.

Twenty young designers’ challenge was a modern, wearable interpretation of tribal custom-inspired costumes from different regions of the world. Each designer displayed five garments, altogether there were 100.

Renowned models included former Miss South India Shanu Suresh, former Miss Kerala Rohini Mariam Idiculla, former Miss Kerala Jovita George, Navy Queen Sherin George, Gladrags finalist model Tinu, Miss Garden City Suruchi, Kannada Actress Teena Boppanna, Commercial pilot and Miss South India finalist Indira Kurien, models from Bangalore Kim, Sarah, Tamarah.

Rhea, Unnimaya, Inna, Gayathri Venkatesh, a national ramp model. Amala, another of the models, has acted in two Tamil movies. The only male model was Grasim Mr. India finalist Dr. Rajeev Pillai, who is presently acting in ‘Trigger’ (movie) as the anti-hero.

The governing theme was tribal wear inspired by old world culture, says Mohammed Lukman, well-known choreographer. There was a tribal touch to the colour, tone, texture and everything else about the dresses, he adds.

Psychedelic lights flitted roving through the hall splitting the darkness as the audience waited to get a glimpse of the fresh new talent. The 30 minute delay in starting was made up by the glitzy models who sashayed in to set the ramp on fire.

The signature statements were in striking colour combos, the result of three months’ hard work, right from the conceptual level to material selection.

Inspired by the most bizzare, unusual concepts from around the world, “each concept was grilled and a masterpiece extracted.”

Some of the collections and their influences were – ‘Code of Honour’, a Japanese concept, ‘The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth’ – West Africa, ‘Geisha’ – Japan, ‘Peel and Reveal’ – Indonesia, ‘Open Ludo’ –West Africa, ‘Beyond Pinnacle’ – Korvai Tribe, ‘Kaleidoscope’ – Australian Aborigines, ‘Chase’ – Naga Headhunters, ‘Pick On’ – Central Africa, ‘Boomerang’ – Kikuyu tradition , even an India - inspired ‘Go and Take’, ‘Disintegration’ – Japanese monks, ‘Shrink’ – Jivaro tribes of Peru and Equador, ‘Pain and Gain – Resilience and Coming of Age’, ‘Misfit Maze’ – Ethiopia explored tribal overtones, yet kept it international...20 statements of stark contrast and brilliance. The spirit best summed up – ‘You don’t have to be in Milan or Paris to be creative!’

‘Code of Honour’ by Anu Das was adjudged as the best collection by Praveen Varma, costume designer who has designed for ‘Sagar Alias Jacky’ and ‘Big B’ and Vino John, a designer.

‘Signature 2009’ (Fashion Show) Best Designer – Anu Das, best concept-based designer – Priya S. Innovative designer – Tincy Mohan and Arun George respectively. Ronia’s collection was ‘Ultra’ from Indonesia.

Ronia was declared the winner of the Avant Garde designer award. The model co-ordination was by Lukmance Model Management.

The show was choreographed by Mohammed Lukman.

The models stalked relentlessly on the 55 feet white ramp and flowers, beads, colours did a heady kaleidoscopic shuffle in what was an unpredictable ‘Signature – 09’. Stylish, yes. Sexy reinvention, very.

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