The Fashion Week Survival Guide

Make A P.O.A (Plan of Action)

Gaurav Jai Gupta,designer

“The key to surviving the fashion week madness is in planning one’s day. Prioritise and decide which shows you want to go for,because watching every show is not really possible. I plan to attend shows of Amit Aggarwal (Morphe) and Rajesh Pratap Singh. I recommend these.”

K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Silly)

Priyanka Modi,designer

“The most important thing is to dress right; not just by dressing up fashionably,but by dressing up practically. I suggest carrying a change of outfit to the venue. With it,you can save a lot of time and head directly to the post-show party. Also carry a light jacket or scarf and a few accessories. Sometimes,that’s all it takes to go from day wear to evening wear.”

Skip The StileTtos

Anupama Dayal,designer

“Fashion weeks are like board exams and stress levels can be sky high. You need to gear up like a combat soldier. I love the electric atmosphere during a fashion week,but to survive it,one needs to be a realist. Dress casual yet smart and it’s best not to wear stilettos as the day is long and you are on your feet for long hours.”

Don’t Fuss About The Front Row

Pradeep Hirani,fashion buyer

“I am yet to decide which shows and parties I will attend. But I will make it a point to step out in-between shows and listen to some music. It’s important to take a break rather than watch shows back-to-back. Also,I don’t fuss much about the front row,despite the fact that it sets the hierarchy and boasts of crème de la crème. It may be international practice but I am not driven to a show by a front-row pass.

Wrap Around

Rimzim Dadu,designer

“Fashion weeks are busy places and everything is exaggerated — the lights,the sound — and what most people will remember from experience is the fact that the air-conditioning is always a few notches up. It’s best to carry a light wrap,a stole or scarf,to stay snug when the temperature dips,especially as the day progresses. I am looking forward to Rajesh Pratap’s show.”

Water,Water

Anu Kaushik,make-up artist

“At a fashion week,it’s best not to be a fashion disaster. If you are not comfortable,it will reflect in your body language. Drink a lot of water and as far as make-up goes,it’s best to stick to a tinted moisturiser and a glossy lip balm. The lights and air-conditioning can be stressful and it’s important to stay hydrated.”

A Tunic and a Tote

Nandita Raipurani of duo Hemant-Nandita,designer

“What most forget is that apart from the shows,a fashion week is like a business convention. So it’s best to appear professional and not go over the top with your clothes. The best outfit to get through the day is a comfortable tunic. Instead of a tiny clutch,carry a roomy tote that will hold your essentials. And yes,watch out for Rajesh Pratap’s show.” (Compiled by Jagmeeta Thind Joy,Vidya Prabhu and Nupur Chaudhuri)