“The Fresh Face of Vijayawada 2011”, a first-of-its-kind fashion pageant hosted by Samana Institute of Fashion Technology (SIFT), came as a whiff of fresh breeze on a hot Sunday morning.
The auditorium in Manor Food Plaza boomed and rocked with high energy as rookie models walked the ramp with remarkable élan. The blaring music invited those in the vicinity to melt in the flow of jubilation that enveloped the place. Shwetha of Kennedy International School was adjudged ‘The Fresh Face of Vijayawada 2011', Veena of Gayathri Academy the first runner-up and Kavitha of Superwhizz the second runner-up.
The 11 girls, novices as far as fashion arena is concerned, were hand-picked from various local colleges by representatives of the SIFT in the marathon auditions that preceded the grooming lessons.
In the following weeks, the 11 short-listed girls were adequately trained and given tips on how to brush up their communicating skills, spruce up their gait and prepare for the final event. The participants were: Akshita, Geethika, Sunitha, Punarnavi, Gulab, Niharika, Shwetha, Sadiya, Kavitha, Shruthi and Veena.
The collection, showcased by the participants and designed by in-house SIFT designers, ranged from classy to chic. It reflected myriad moods and the varied applications and understanding of fashion.
A collection of ‘Ethnic saree' marked the first sequence where the models sashayed across the ramp draped in elegant see-through saris with multi-hued shades and golden embellishments, created by SIFT designers Shovic Basu Roy and Jashwa Paul.
What followed was on the theme of ‘Gothic Burlesque', which was all about black lace magic. Using net, lace, crepe, commonly used hourglass, silhouettes, asymmetrical and clean cuts combined with drapery in layers of laces, the designers created a mystical impact at the show supported by Kalaniketan and Tipsy Topsy.
Then the ‘Red Knight' sequence showcased red as the basic colour blended with a varied range of golden hues.
While the participants slipped into a different set of costumes backstage for the next round – ‘Avant-garde', the audience was treated to a delightful dance medley choreographed on ever-green songs of the late Shammi Kapoor. It was the SIFT way of paying glowing tributes to the Yahoooo man of yesteryears.
Use of raw silk, chiffon and karbon silk besides fur satin shimmer nets, crepes and bell shaped silhouettes with head gears and stylized accessories lent the participants a distinctive style.
In the concluding sequence, the models retreated to traditional sarees with heavy embroidered lace work, patch work, appliqués and motifs that gave them a typical Indian woman look.
