Couture with Kiran Uttam Ghosh: The absurd runway

On why fashion shows are bizarre but are nevertheless, necessary

December 12, 2014 06:45 pm | Updated 06:46 pm IST

A fashion show

A fashion show

Why do designers make unpractical clothes on the ramp at fashion shows? Who buys these? Isn’t it wasteful considering nobody will buy those clothes?

Surprisingly, in the early years, I used to wonder at the bizarreness of fashion shows as well. However, as I did more and more shows and found my feet in the world of fashion, I realised every show is not as outrageous and impractical. I realised that a fashion show is a perfect medium to present your story through your collection. It’s about how it should be worn and with what accessories and what colours would look good for the season. It’s like the dining table at my home, which is perceived as the most practical and the right place to eat. Some may not agree, or may prefer to eat on the floor or on the sofa or on the bed. Similarly, a fashion show is the best medium to present a collection. 

When I create a collection, I’m telling my clients that they will look more elegant, beautiful and special in my clothes, so there is an element of illusion and drama to a show that is achieved by hair, makeup and clothes, all of which express a creative edge for people.

I’m sure you don’t need a designer to tell you about non-creative, randomly put-together clothes, do you? We’re here as qualified people to present you with an informed opinion — with techniques and new ideas — and show you that this is a dream that is possible to achieve through my show.

There’s also a business aspect to it. A designer caters to varied audiences; not just in India, but the Middle East, across continents like Europe, Africa and the U.S. While some might like toned down designs, others might want it to be grand and glamorous. Of course, there will always be a conflict on whether a designer’s garments are wearable or not, but then that’s relative.

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