Washboard abs was the theme for the evening. The annual fashion show, as part of Aircel Chennai Open’s Performax launch party, saw a few tennis players double up as models. While some of them got their gait right, the others treaded like they suspected explosives beneath their feet. Nicholas Monroe and Peter Torebko braved stage fright and walked with dainty models. The lobby of the Hyatt Regency was transformed into a gallery and on the ramp were dainty models showcasing collections by Reliance Trends. They were impeccably styled by Carol Gracias, who made even the most plain outfit look tres chic.
The show, choreographed by Sunil Menon, started off on a dramatic note with the showstopper, Shriya Saran, making a brief appearance appearing from below the stairs before disappearing backstage. The other models then took to the stage, in an Indian-wear, spring collection inspired by ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Jaipur pottery, comprising printed kurtis, crop tops, skirts and harem pants. The showstopper emerged again in a pristine white anarkali and a red bandana.
Chennai Open celebrates its 20 edition this year. The city has seen constant change in these two decades but this series has been a steady fixture here. After all, nippy evenings in Chennai are best associated with watching a good game of tennis at the SDAT Tennis Stadium. Vijay Amritraj, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s proceedings, opened with a string of questions to show just how much things have changed over the years. “What was the price of petrol 20 years back? Who was the top player 20 years ago? What was the price of tomatoes back then?” he asked the full house. The answers are as follows: Rs. 21; Pete Sampras; and tomatoes would set you back by Rs. 6-7 a kilo.
The next round showcased casual wear in vivid, summery shades. Shimmery capris, lace-back tops, short skirts, and floral-printed tops were part of the collection. This round also had Somdev Devvarman and Feliciano Lopez walking the ramp. Devvarman had the air of someone who had done this before. He paraded about nonchalantly in a pair of cargos, a khaki shirt and hat teamed with bluish-green chappals. Feliciano Lopez wore a pair of golf shorts, an open-buttoned shirt and hat.
The finale had the models sashay about in party wear. In monochromes, the outfits had fitted and flared silhouettes, with the hemline varying from really short to knee-grazing. Fitted cocktail pants too made it to the collection. Shriya Saran made an appearance again, this time in an all-black, over-the-top, shiny ensemble, with a cape that could have well been left aside.
After the fashion show, the event continued with Lopez playing bartender for the evening at the Bols official party by the poolside. Leander Paes, Roberto Bautista Agut, and David Goffin were present at the shindig, which took place at three different venues within the hotel, with excited fans managing photographs and brief conversations with the players.
