Designer rickshaws, shopping bags add to WIFW glitter

NEW DELHI - A line-up of quirky, kitschy rickshaws styled by designers, and a wall full of their trademark shopping bags have been used to add zing to the new, bigger venue of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) that kickstarted here Saturday.

The WIFW has shifted from Pragati Maidan’s Hall No.7 to the more spacious Hall No.18, identified by its huge silver domes. The venue, spread over an area of 11,633 sq m, is the biggest ever for the fashion extravaganza.

“The venue is much bigger and better. There is a lot of walking space and the stall area is also huge enough. So we are not feeling claustrophobic,” designer Kavita Bhartia told IANS Saturday.

Several designers including Rajesh Pratap Singh, Shantanu-Nihil, Kavita Bhartia and Parvesh-Jai, have added their creativity to the otherwise dull and boring rickshaws, often seen on the capital’s roads.

While one designer chose to give the rickshaw the styling of a funky motorbike, another has given the vehicle a Victorian feel by decorating it with intricate crochet work, and an elaborate crochet-shed with an umbrella to top it all.

It must have been a task for the organising body, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), to enhance the venue - but they have invested in a classy and spacious set up that has left the visitors and designers impressed.

The venue has otherwise been decorated with light arrangements, but lacks any special installations. This time, the organisers have chosen to exhibit the shopping bags of all its participating designers - and it makes for a colourful and unique visual experience.

The five-day event, ending Wednesday and boasting of 115 designers, started with Hyderabad-based designer Anand Kabra, who presented his collection titled Mandi.

The line had sheer garments like shift dresses, skirts and kurtas in black, white and red. What stood out among his collection was the imprint of Charminar created using sepia-beaded embroidery with burnt zardozi.