Delhi Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2009: March 19 - 23 2009

Unlike last year, when WIFW attracted a whopping 160 buyers, the presence of both domestic and international buyers this time around is predicted to be lower.

‘I do not want to lie about the fact: this time there will be fewer buyers compared to last time. But we are hopeful that our designers will lure all of them with their talent, skills and creativity,’ FDCI president Sunil Sethi told IANS.

Compared to last year’s spring-summer edition when it had 10 commercial partners and 79 designers, WIFW has managed to attract three new partners and established designers like Anamika Khanna, Raghavendra Rathore, Rocky S, Manish Malhotra, Priyadarshani Rao, Puja Nayyar and many more.

Both the events will also have additional Main Show Areas (MSAs).

While WIFW will have a third MSA at the pool side, DFW will have a second one inside the Emporio mall for select audiences.

‘The third ramp is named the ‘Talent Pool’ where young designers will each showcase 10 garments. We’ve created a special ramp over the pool for this,’ Sethi explained.

According to DFW head Sumeet Nair, the second MSA will be for ‘Salon Shows’.

‘Some designers expressed the desire to showcase an edited version comprising 20-30 garments of their pret (ready-to-wear) collection to only buyers and editors and therefore we decided to do salon shows. These shows will be in keeping with the international format of the event,’ Nair explained.

A normal fashion show can include up to 80 garments.

As in the past, the Bollywood quotient is expected to be high at both the events, with WIFW keeping its cards close to its chest, saying only that the celebrity factor could be evident at the shows of Mumbai-based designers Rocky S, Manish Malhotra and Shane and Falguni Peacock.

Though Sethi declined to reveal names, he said: ‘Fashion and glamour go hand in hand; so just wait and watch’.

AS for DFW, there is talk of Bollywood beauties Deepika Padukone, Shilpa Shetty and Katrina Kaif sashaying down the ramp for designer Tarun Tahiliani.

This year, flower retail chain Ferns’N’Petals has been roped in as the decor and infrastructure partner for DFW.

As for WIFW, other than the title sponsor Wills Lifestyle, the other brands associated with the event this time around as associated sponsors are Fiama Di Wills, Hewlett Packard, Chivas, Audi, Elle, NDTV Good Times, Big FM, Intercontinental Eros, Yahoo, Kingfisher, Power Plate and FedEx.

Bollywood beauty Chitrangada Singh flaunted her lean figure walking in a shaded and draped orange gown from Raakesh Agarvwal’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection titled “Summer Solstice” at Lakme Fashion Week.

Raakesh’s new collection reflected the beauty of feminine soft silhouettes.

Chitragada’s floor length gown had a fitted drop waist, V neckline, long ruched slim fitting sleeves and a chunky orange studded belt. Sans jewelry Chitrangada went in for a sultry look makeup. Her dark layered cut hair set in voluminous large waves framed her face.

There was romance and grace in the new collection by Raakesh as fluid drapes and embroidery came together in graceful forms. Keeping to pure white Italian satin cotton, Raakesh had jumpsuits and peg dresses - both ideal for resort wear - while the fabrics moved to chiffon and georgette. The color tones also graduated to vibrant orange and raspberry in shaded variations.

The white jersey jumpsuit, the bubble mini with cowl and corset body was for summer days. But when it came to late night glamour, Raakesh had a sequins section with swing top teamed with rouched Jodhpuri pants, kurta with cycle shorts, sheaths with hemline tie-ups and one shoulder flared minis.

There was romance and grace in the new collection by Raakesh as fluid drapes and embroidery came together in graceful forms. Keeping to pure white Italian satin cotton, Raakesh had jumpsuits and peg dresses - both ideal for resort wear - while the fabrics moved to chiffon and georgette. The color tones also graduated to vibrant orange and raspberry in shaded variations.

The white jersey jumpsuit, the bubble mini with cowl and corset body was for summer days. But when it came to late night glamour, Raakesh had a sequins section with swing top teamed with rouched Jodhpuri pants, kurta with cycle shorts, sheaths with hemline tie-ups and one shoulder flared minis.

The orange and raspberry section was for that formal attention getting evenings. So halter jumpsuits, kaftan with ombre effect, plisse will-power gowns, flared palazzos in chiffon and mermaid jersey halter gowns with crystal belts were the stunners. The two shaded saris followed the look of the western wear in the glittering cholis.

Volume played an important part as 80 metres of fabric was often designed into graceful ensembles while feathers and sequins were lavishly used to create Hollywood glamour for the sexy gowns and cocktail minis.

“Summer Solstice” moved from structured day wear to sexy evening attire and some relaxed holiday creations. Some of the dresses are quite likely to make it to the red carpet.

Raakesh is the creative and design head of the Raakesh Agarvwal label, and is backed up by the business management of his partner, Apurbe G. Tewary. Raakesh has been a part of the fashion events in London, Paris, Milan, New York, Moscow, Dubai and Tokyo which has helped in expanding his creative vision. He has also worked for prestigious international labels like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Boston Proper and Monsoon through leading Indian buying houses, for whom he designed and produced.

This year will see the Raakesh Agarvwal label debut at the prestigious Tranoi and Coterie. Joining the ranks of Armani, D&G, Luca Luca, and many other established fashion houses, the label showcased at the prestigious St. Andrews Fashion Show in Scotland this year.