Manish Aroras wildlife theme added some zing to an otherwise lacklustre fashion week
There have been virtually no shows running to full capacity at both the fashion weeks going on in Delhi,but when its Manish Arora showing,the scene is always different. From Suzy Menkes,fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune to Aroras dedicated fan,Japanese buyer Tomoko Inuzuka of Vermeerist Beams,the auditorium at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) was turned into a wildly exotic jungle for his show.
A stags head jutting out of a red-and-gold micro-tunic,the Royal Bengal Tiger sculpted painstakingly in fabric and metallic yarns,beaded peacocks and exotic butterflies drew attention to Aroras intricate detailing. As the soundtrack of Slumdog Millionaire played in the background,Aroras perpetually happy universe gave out a positive and vibrant signal. As usual,Arora seems oblivious to the sombre mood of our times,choosing to completely ignore the international palette of grey and black. His gamut of jackets,overcoats,tops and dresses were full of busy prints,fully sequined in every shade possible.
The finale outfit,however,was the clincher a model in a dress with hand-painted orchids and frangipani flowers on her head that opened and closed courtesy hidden batteries inside the headgear. Even the handbags crystallised Swarovski chimpanzees,lions and elephant heads had every bit of maverick Arora stamped on it. The only reason I keep coming back is Manish. He just doesnt cease to surprise, said Inuzuka,in her halting English. Menkes,who is here for her companys luxury conference,was equally effusive about Aroras show. Spectacular. Theres only one word for it, she said.
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