Collection that sure wows you

Arti Bagdy Fashion Collezione, a two-day exhibition, has a wide array of apparel of more than 20 designers from across the country. With Navratri round the corner, embroidered ‘cholis’ with trendy cuts like halter-neck style also finds a place in the exhibition.

Shoppers going round the stalls at the exhibition at The Gateway Hotel in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. - Photo: K.R. Deepak

For 25-year-old Shruti, who is getting ready for her wedding in January next, shopping takes the topmost slot in her to-do list, but she also wants to find selected designer wear to get that exclusive grand look for the special day.

“It is difficult to find a suitable shopping zone in Vizag with its limited choices. You hardly find any big brands here and there are not many options in the city boutiques. That’s why I am here,” she says, as she looks through the designer chiffon anarkalis at the ongoing exhibition ‘Arti Bagdy Fashion Collezione’ at The Gateway Hotel.

For city shoppers, designer exhibitions come as a platform where they can not only shop for occasions or festivals and spruce up their wardrobes but also acquaint themselves with latest fashion trends.

Says Abha Goel, “In fashion, Vizag is far lagging behind. Exhibitions like these offer the shoppers a scope to select products from designers of bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. I am looking for the ‘dhoti saris’ that give a very ethnic, yet fashionable look.”

The two-day exhibition is showcasing festive collection of more than 20 designers across India. Stalls from Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai are pulling the crowd for their exclusive designs that are not found in the city stores.

With Navratri round the corner, embroidered ‘cholis’ with trendy cuts like halter-neck style also finds a place in the exhibition.

Sree Manasa, who was at the exhibition to shop for the festival, picked up two salwar suit sets to suit the festive occasion of Dasara.

Shaded fabrics

Highlighting the fashion trends for the festive season, designers Sarika and Geeta, who have come from Chandigarh, say that shaded fabrics and tie-and-dye have made a comeback this season.

“Shading done on georgettes and jute silks with ‘zardosi’ work have created a vibrant fashion statement. There are many takers for this form of fabric in the South as this is something new for them,” they say.

Apart from designer dresses, saris, and fabrics, the exhibition has a small separate luxury section showcasing footwear collection from the international brand Jimmy Choo and high fashion clutches by Bottega Venetta.

The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.