Mixed Bag

In the fashion week format,accessory designers don’t get individual shows on the ramp and have to either showcase at a stall or collaborate with a fashion designer. Making the most of this is Delhi-based accessory designer Shalini Ahuja. A regular at WIFW since 2009,Ahuja retails bags and shoes under her label Shalini Arts and,in the past,has partnered with fashion designer Sonia Jetleey to showcase her products. “The presence at WIFW has helped me reach out to not just domestic but international buyers as well,” admits the designer,who showcased at Hong Kong Fashion Week in 2011,followed by her participation in the prestigious Pret-a-Porter Paris in July last year. For WIFW A-W 2013,the designer’s new line of bags and footwear is titled “Brash and Sassy”. “Ankle-length and calf-length suede boots with faux fur and animal print makes this collection bold and sassy,” says Ahuja.

Also readying to showcase her latest collection under the label 5 Elements is Radhika Gupta,whose creations reflect Indian art and craft. She will be showcasing at designer Rajdeep Ranawat’s show. Having participated in the fashion week since 2008,Gupta feels that apart from brand presence,it also makes good business sense. “Be it Europe,the Middle East or Japan,we were able to tap international buyers,” admits Gupta.

It’s not just the buyer attention that accessory designers are looking for. According to designer Malini Agarwalla,who retails handbags,belts,footwear and fashion jewellery under her high-end label Malaga,“The aim of the fashion week is multi-pronged: it promotes new business,consolidates old affiliations,and creates a publicity campaign for participating designers. It also allows the industry to keep track of one’s progress as a designer,” says Agarwalla,who is a regular at fashion weeks,but will be skipping the edition this time.

While she’s a well-known fashion jewellery designer with over a decade long experience,this would be Monica Sharma’s first time at the fashion week. “I have been designing for private labels in the US and UK and found that now was the right time to address the Indian market,” says Sharma. Her label Atelier Mon specialises in handcrafted,bridge and fashion jewellery made with semi-precious stones and fresh water pearls,using sterling silver,silver plating over brass,and 24 karat gold plating over base metal brass. At WIFW A-W ’13,Sharma would be showcasing her collection during fashion designer Poonam Bhagat’s show. “There’s a positive buzz about fashion weeks and I am eagerly looking forward,” says Sharma. Accessory labels Art Apparel & Accessories by Shelina & Camelia,Ezma,Janavi and Meera Mahadevia are also part of WIFW A-W ‘13.