A slice of Mumbai descended upon the Temple town when fashion models, celebrity actors, designers and TV anchors walked the ramp encircling the swimming pool at The Gateway Hotel, Pasulamai, last weekend.
Wrapped in smoky lights, the show opened with the ethnic wear collection of Chennai-based designer Deepika Pillai. Nearly two dozen ensembles of ghagras, lehengas, heavily embroidered cholis and salwar and sari cross-overs with asymmetric silhouettes and shiny embellishments were showcased. It was followed by a colourful Indo-western collection by budding designer Sai Subhiksha. The ensembles inspired by Kalamkari included playful prints, overlapping silhouettes and lucid colours that added drama to each piece. Typical Kalamkari motifs lent an essential Indian feel to the garment.
A SHOW OF STYLE ‘N’ GLAMOUR: At the Madurai Fashion Week
Actors and celebrities from Chennai were the stunning showstoppers attired in the haute couture and setting the ramp on fire. Parvathy Nair of Yennai Arindhal fame, who carried off an ethnic occasion wear with élan, spoke of her experience of working with ace actor Ajith Kumar. Actor Janani Iyer glided in a shocking pink skirt and entertained the audience with her impromptu deliveries of punch dialogues from famous films. “I have a special liking for Madurai. I identify the city with the fluffy soft idlis and the fragrant malli poo,” she said. “I am glad that my latest movie Athe Kangal is doing well,” said Janani Iyer, who has two films Ultaa and Tholaikatchi in her kitty.
A SHOW OF STYLE ‘N’ GLAMOUR: At the Madurai Fashion Week
Actor Shantanu and actress Srushti Dange who have paired up in Mupparimanam , promoted the film by releasing its teaser at the fashion show. “I hope Mupparimanam will take me to the next level, as I see it as my comeback film after a long break,” said Shantanu, who also shook his leg for the song ‘ Damkutla… ’ from the film. “The film is an emotional script that audiences can relate to. It’s about the different facets of a man. Actor Thambi ramayya has done a meaty role. A song in the movie features 27 stars from veterans like Jackie Shroff, Ramya Krishnan and Prabhu to youngsters such as Vikram, Arya, AR Rahman, Karthi, Sadha, Suri and Prasanna.”
Srushti Dange, who also walked the ramp in a sari, said some of her movies like Megha and Vil Ambu have been shot in Madurai. “I love the food and people here. Each time I visit the city, I never miss to drink a glass of Jigarthanda,” she said.
A SHOW OF STYLE ‘N’ GLAMOUR: At the Madurai Fashion Week
An exclusive show of expensive gold, diamond and platinum jewellery was put up by Jewel One. The Coimbatore-based jewellery house that has set foot in Madurai exhibited a range of high-end modern jewellery collections. Models strutted along the ramp, wearing chunky necklaces and headpieces, making heads turn.
Aparanji silks showcased their collection of high-end silk saris, from heavy Kanjivarams and brocaded Banarsis to the softer tussar and muga varieties. The grand finale showcased by Pothys, the title sponsor of Madurai Fashion Week, exhibited a range of ethnic kurtas and sherwanis for men and bridal saris for women. The show ended on a grand note with the showstoppers and models lining up on the stage.
O2 Entertainment that organised the event hopes to make the fashion week an annual happening in the city.
