Date:08/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/08/stories/2006090803320200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Budding Queenz impress all

Nivedita Ganguly

Majority of creations are `meant to be worn'

ETHNIC CHIC: Students explaining about Madhubani collection at the exhibition in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. — Photo: K.R. Deepak

VISAKHAPATNAM: `Fashion', the very word oozes glamour, glitter, and glitz. A world of chic `designer stuff' exorbitantly priced is synonymous with the affluent. Linking it to the underprivileged may seem unlikely. Well, not anymore.

At the exhibition of designer wear organised by Queenz Institute of Fashion here on Thursday, the creativity of the 50 budding designers brought out an array of colours and styles in a variety of fabrics.

A fine blend of the Western and Indian trends were captured by the young designers, and many of the creations were `meant to be worn' unlike those viewed in other shows where creativity loses touch with utility and purpose.

Traditional motifs and designs were harmoniously blended with the contemporary cuts to showcase an impressive range of wedding apparels.

"It all starts with a sketch and there are several permutations and combinations that are thought of before the final product is presented," said Sulbha, the faculty head of the institute. The exhibition had 13 collection or categories and seven garments were displayed in each category. From the colourful motifs of Madhubani paintings to evening gowns, pregnancy wear, bridal collection and tie and dye prints - the exhibition captured every theme with a contemporary stylish touch.

A glittering red ghagra choli is the highlight of the bridal collection. Priced at Rs.10,199, the grand designer wedding wear is a joint effort of a group of students that took them more than two weeks of continuous hardwork to provide the finish.

Luxurious blend

A luxurious blend of exclusive style and richness, the khadi collection in men's wear stole the show with its minimalist finish on rich fabric. Khadi kurtas with tulsi beads and criss-cross stitches and stylish cuts form part of this collection.

Bright colours, bold traditional motifs and a mélange of exquisite embroideries on the Madhubani collections made them look wearable and extremely chic. Flaming pinks, burning oranges, deep turquoise and wild reds were fused together to present a collection of Indo-westerns in fluid, flowing fabrics like georgettes, chiffons and crepes.