Parisian Time

Making an impact in the crowded world of Paris fashion is no easy task,but Manish Arora,whos been deemed theatrical and repetitive with his pop art inspired clothes has done it yet again.

Written by RICHA BHATIA

September 27, 2009 05:40 AM IST

3 min read

Manish Arora will show a collection for the fifth time at Paris Fashion week

Making an impact in the crowded world of Paris fashion is no easy task,but Manish Arora,whos been deemed theatrical and repetitive with his pop art inspired clothes has done it yet again. A smattering of socialites in Paris love his designs,interspersed as they are with pop art and humour. This year Arora is ready to unfurl a more toned down spring summer collection at the Paris Fashion Week in October. I have been showcasing for nine seasons consecutively,five seasons in Paris and four in London. Paris is definitely the most important destination; its the super bowl of fashion weeks, said Arora who would be unfurling 30 looks on the ramp on Day 2 of the Paris Fashion week.

Arora has caught the French vibe with his chromatic assault. Last season the designer shook up a jaded audience in Paris with his circus inspired collection,a spectacular presentation. However,this time though the fuss is back in his futuristic collection (read discs,cage inspired dresses) the colours are toned down and the accent is on geometry. My collection hints at crystalline glamour,spartan chic but is wearable because of the Indian influences and techniques, says Arora.

Always hovering between tradition and ecstatic rebellion,Arora gets away with parading tri-coloured dresses in pink,metallic grey and blue with 3,000 small hand-embroidered sequins,to a tough,chic sheath with ultra wide shoulders. Another dress in light grey has over 2000 circular discs. His spring 10 collection comprises 80s inspired short skirts,summer jackets,sheer sequinned pants and tops.

And while designers across India are paring down due to the downturn,Arora asserts his market is growing at 20 per cent. Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh,a close friend of Aroras is not showcasing at Paris for the upcoming season due to financial issues. I have an international clientele who love my style. In India,unfortunately,there is a perception that my clothes are not wearable, says the designer who has dressed pop icon Lady Gaga and American singer Kate Perry.

Sitting in the front row at last seasons Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) were Julie Gilhart of Barneys,New York,snuggled next to Beams agents (dressed in Manish Arora from crown to toe). Arora,who retails at 80 shops worldwide (Europe,Japan,Middle East and UK) also occupies a place of pride in Maria Luisa Poumaillou,the iconic multi-brand boutique in Paris and in Harrods,UK.

Incidentally,Arora would be missing the action at the upcoming WIFW. My collection will not be able to come back to India in time,not due to any credit crunch. I prefer to show at Paris Fashion Week,its good for business, he smiles. Meanwhile,two of his creations are traveling to the World of Wearable Art extravaganza in New Zealand the carousel dress with a merry-go-round skirt,worn by singer Katy Perry at the MTV awards and a red-and-gold micro tunic stag dress from his Jungle collection. Now,were waiting for Arora to make his presence felt,once again,in India.