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Photo: H. Vibhu

Budding fashionistasThe clothes designed by the students of the department of fashion designing being shown

Called the ‘Final Design Collection’, ‘Tesoro’ was the culmination of all the designing talent of 14 budding designers of St. Teresa’s College, held at Avenue Centre, Panampilly Nagar on Tuesday last. The pretty models sported both experimental and wearable cocktail dresses, evening wear, casual wear and lounge wear. All kinds of fabrics – silk, organza, velvet, leather, chiffon, georgettes even furnishing fabrics were used. The event provided a venue for 44 up-and-coming models, mostly from St. Teresa’s College, to showcase their talents. The student designers stitched the apparel in the college with help from the faculty, says Archana Shankar, head of the department of Fashion Designing, St Teresa’s College. The whole process took them about three months.

Shyama’s ‘Bhakta Meera’ brought to life the mystical love of the woman-saint for Sri Krishna, through the use of peacock feathers, a diya and a wooden tampura. Shyama’s garments based on five of Meera Bai’s own poems were four silk dresses and one quilted leather dress. ‘Thandavam’ by Lathi. M. P. was based on the powerful dance of Lord Shiva. Of the seven types of Tandavas, Samhara Tandav and Ananda Tandav were portrayed in striking colours, loaded with accessories. Fluorescent hues, tiger prints and peacock feathers (Samhara Tandav) were contrasted by delicate white and pink symbolising love (Ananda Tandav). Appliqué work, stone work worked in silk, raw silk, organza and chiffon were other features. Being inspired by the Holy Bible, Chanchal Jose based her ‘Seven Days of Creation’ on the concept that ’ God created everything in six days and on the seventh day he rested.’ The seventh day, the Sabbath , featured an angel in the form of a child. White fur and candles were used as props.

‘Passion of The Lamb’ by Anu Davis was an insightful depiction of the ‘Passion of Jesus Christ’. She made use of wooden work, appliqué work in sober colours, with a hint of brilliant red to show bloodshed. Gathers, and matramy belt were other highlights. Chunky accessories worn by the models made the visual effect even more striking.

‘Darkness Due to Suffocation’, states Alphonza Joseph, was inspired by her idea that the problems in a person’s life lead to a sense of alienation until the light of God brings on a new life. Gowns in bright, symbolic colours, like red, black, blue, green and cream were used to highlight the positive, edifying divine influence. ‘Sun Signs’ by Tanza Thomas draws on the fiery Aries, pleasure-loving Libra, and the dual desire of Pisces. Tanza created five flowing gowns in red, blue, black, mustard and bronze in velvet, chiffon, raw silk and satin and used a lot of pleating. Tanza says that she has always been inspired by horoscopes. ‘Strokes from the Past’, by Dhanya . P. presented a unique fusion of traditional Kerala mural paintings with six paintings of the surrealist artist Salvador Dali. This designer painstakingly painted all the intricate artwork on the ensemble. Bright colours such as green, red and black and midnight blue were used. ‘Deep Blue Sea’ by Shajila. K. S. was inspired by the colours, textures, plants and stones underwater. Shajila says that these are simple, wearable dresses. The collection saw sequins, stone and appliqué work in blue, green, pink and black.

‘Nagayakshi’ by Shimitha. K. P. drew upon the spirit of the Goddess Yakshi Amma through the rustling texture of jute. Rich use of mirrors and beads in a frilled mauve gown, a pleated orange and black dress with mirror studded belt, bright red dress vividly portrayed the power of the serpent deities.

Shimitha was inspired by the entrancing rituals accompanying ‘Naaga Kalam’ which she grew up watching. Accessories included a snake hanging from the branch of a banyan tree. Shilpa Jayakrishnan in ‘Gayathri’ reflected the similarities between Surya and the four Vedas. Gowns in sunny yellow and earthy hues like rich burgundy, browns as well as a design based on Goddess Gayathri were accompanied by regal accessories. An innovative touch was seen in kids wear with a judicious mix of floral and checked prints in black, white and orange.

‘Shadows’ was Sruthi. S. Shenoy’s tribute to the inseparable link between man and the Almighty. Sruthi was inspired by the work of American author Walter Gibson. Shades of purple, black and grey and a red gown with black sequins and mirror work were presented along with men’s wear in stylish cream and brown with wooden beads and stylised alphabets at the back. In ‘Shakespeare’s Theatre’, Jayalakshmi highlighted three aspects – theatrical structure, drop curtains and Desdemona of ‘Othello’. Furnishing materials were used to give some stunning visuals in blue and pink, emerald green, brown and beige.

Commenting on the collections put up by the students, Archana Shankar, head of the Fashion Designing department said, “Subtle nuances in themselves evoke a theme, rather than a blatant display. Only if the designers experiment, can they evolve aesthetic and controlled designs.”

Shazia. P. S. transported everyone into the romantic, tragic world of Laila and Majnu. A striped muted beige Kaftan (men’s wear) with matching cap was stately. The extensive use of pure silk, organza made the theme even more majestic. A pink dress with lace for children and a unique green and mustard striped gown were outstanding. The opulent props like the Arabic carafe, Oud, attar spoke of Arabic and Persian influence.

‘Dance with the Divas’ by Mintu Charles was a fitting finale with models turning into Rio Samba Divas of the famous Brazilian Carnival. Stone work and sequins were used. The flamboyant feathered headgears in magenta, sparkling orange, electric blue and matching dresses had the models doing a lively dance. It was both a bold experiment and a spectacular stage show accompanied by some rocking music.

The event was organised by Impresario and choreographed by Pravin Varma, Faculty Member.

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