Gown Ahead

Andres Aquino,the organiser of the Couture Fashion Week in the US,is the finale designer of the India International Fashion Week that begins in Delhi later this week.

Andres Aquino,the organiser of the Couture Fashion Week in the US,is the finale designer of the India International Fashion Week that begins in Delhi later this week. In an interview with Paromita Chakrabarti,he talks about fashion in New York and New Delhi.

New York is known for its prêt-a-porter scene. Why did you launch a couture week there?
New York,it is true,is known for prêt-a-porter shows. Until 2004,couture was the exclusive domain of Paris and Rome. Yet some of the major buyers of couture are American,including many Hollywood celebrities. Thats why I saw the need to bring couture to New York,but my goal was to bring wearable couture instead of museum pieces. In the process,I got both,and designers started to pour in from Africa,North and South America,Asia,Europe and even Middle Eastern countries. The Couture Fashion Week became a biannual event held at the famous Waldorf-Astoria,and it continues to grow.

What prompted you to participate in the India International Fashion Week (IIFW)? Do you follow Indian fashion?
I was impressed by the vision of the organiser [Sanjay Kapur of Riya Communications and saw the opportunity to promote our activities and bring our countries together.

India,as I understand,is a vibrant country with a rapidly growing upper class. We are also looking forward to networking with Indian corporate people,especially those involved in the beauty and luxury sectors. I admire a couple of Indian designers like Mona-Pali,Payal Jain and Neeta Lulla.

Who all are you bringing to the IIFW?
I have organised a delegation to participate at the IIFW. It includes two designers,besides me. Catalin Botezatu is a celebrity designer from Romania and well-known in

Europe,and Walid Atallah from Dubai who made headlines recently for selling a diamond-encrusted bridal gown for $1.2 million. In addition,I am bringing a crew of fashion professionals such as make-up artist Mahealani Diego and hairstylist Federico Calce.

How about the collection you will showcase in India?
It will be an evening gown collection,featuring crystals,embroidery and lace.

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