The Design Fest

An annual exhibition by the students of design — be it fashion,textile or interiors — is always interesting as it offers a peek into their creative minds and also signals what lies ahead. One of the most anticipated among such shows in the city is the annual showcase,“Colours of Life” by the students of Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD). This year,they have selected the theme of international festivals. From the Mexican Balloon Fiesta to the Brazilian Carnival,and the Japanese Obon Fest to the Harbin Snow Fest of China,to even the Kite Festival of Gujarat and Rajasthan’s Pushkar Mela — the exhibition has them all.

The entrance to the exhibition is inspired by the vibrancy of Japanese Obon Festival with hand-painted,multicoloured paper lanterns leading the way to a butsudan — the altar for praying to Lord Buddha. The handcrafted flowers and paintings further accentuate the Oriental look. While over 600 hot-air balloons converge at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held in New Mexico,the students have brought it to life on the campus by replicating the ambience. Hot-air balloon lamps,red brick arches and a counter painted in cactus and sunflower motifs on the beams are a delight for the visitors. Next door,the students artfully take you to the past of the American Wild West. A rusty Wild West Saloon with added elements of cowboys,cowgirls and guns (handiwork of INIFD’s fashion design department) have also been created. To bring in the colours of Pushkar Mela,the students have created a “Pushkarghat”,showcasing a view of the Pushkar temple. Rajasthani folk music,stalls of mehendi,accessories and puppet shows — all blend in to give the feel. The attention to detail and the ability to carry forward a theme despite space constraints makes the students’ effort worth applauding. Other inspirations such as Halloween,Rio’s famous carnival and London Design Festival have also been translated well here.

The exhibition is open for all till April 21,12 pm to 7 pm,at INIFD Campus,Sector 8-C,Chandigarh.