Ethics-conscious fashion show held

Talented national and international designers attended the third Kyron Pondicherry Fashion Week

Upping the style quotient: Designer Uma Prajapati (second from left) of Auroville walks the ramp with models at the ‘Kyron Pondicherry Fashion Week’ held in Puducherry; Fashion Designer Sanjana Jon of New York showcased a special collection in aid of Kerala while highlighting women empowerment.

It was as chic and colourful as it could ever get at the fashion fête here over the weekend, as a phalanx of models walked the ramp showcasing a range of trendy attire presented by designers from across the country.

Kyron Pondicherry Fashion Week (KPFW), an annual event, produced by Storm Fashion Company, which got under way at Hotel Atithi — host for the third successive year — featured the creative works of seven celebrated fashion designers.

Raising the celebrity quotient was Supriya Aiman, former Miss India International and Bollywood actor, who had launched the event logo. On the opening night, she delivered a masterclass in performing the ramp walk. Aspirational young models may have had an opportunity to take a leaf or two from Ms. Aiman’s book, who has also ventured into Bollywood.

The opening act featured an amazing display of collections by Prema Florence Isaac (BoHo chic collection) and Uma Prajapati, founder of Upasana Design Studio and designer, both based in Auroville. It also featured Kochi-based designer, Hari Anand, highlighting his collection ‘Inside the Atelier’.

“What struck me most about the event was that the hosts seemed to effortlessly identify with Upasana’s conviction for conscious fashion...and they presented our line with a dignity which is not so common in this industry,” said Ms. Uma. “I certainly wish this city can become a destination for conscious fashion as we have an international community living together in Auroville,” said the Aurovillian designer who had in September presented her brand of fashion ethic at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh.

On Sunday, New York-based designer Sanjana Jon set the stage for a memorable night as she showcased a special collection in aid of Kerala while highlighting women empowerment.

“The theme for my show is about love and peace in these troubled times for the world,” Ms. Sanjana said.

She will be hosting another show in Chennai in December to put the spotlight on water conservation. Next up were shows by Chennai-based designers Nazia Syed’s South Indian wedding couture, the ‘Temple Collection’, inspired by the iconography, art and history of ancient South Indian Temples and Jukes Idi Amin who presented her latest beachwear collection.

For the Storm Fashion Company the Kyron Pondicherry Fashion Week represented the 50th Fashion Week where some of the most talented designers in the country proclaimed the newest style statements.