Clown Act

I am what I am. The logo hammered in all that Manish Arora stood for 8212; insouciance, attitude and loads of talent 8212; when the maverick designer collaborated with Reebok for his Fish Fry range of shoes two years ago.

I am what I am. The logo hammered in all that Manish Arora stood for 8212; insouciance, attitude and loads of talent 8212; when the maverick designer collaborated with Reebok for his Fish Fry range of shoes two years ago. It8217;s been a while since Arora took the fashion world by storm, but the adulation seems nowhere close to reaching a lull.

Of course, Arora has been meticulous in designing his triumphs. From his incorrigible colour palette to his fascination with all that is kitschy, there8217;s never a dull moment when his collections take the ramp. This time Paris Fashion Week will see Arora take up circus, something he claims has been a long-time favourite, and whips it in another intriguing collection. 8220;This is something I have wanted to do for a long time,8221; he claims, on the eve of his departure to Paris, where he will showcase his Spring-Summer 2009 collection on September 30.

The collection uses hand-sewn appliqueacute;, digitally printed sequins as well as traditional Indian gota embroidery. It also has Swarovski crystals, leather sequins and ostrich feathers as embellishments. 8220;The look is kept very international,8221; says the designer who has had two successful outings in the fashion capital and has a firm finger on the pulse of his international clients.

Arora will interpret scenes from the circus in his signature style in a collection that includes short dresses, mini skirts, trousers, voluminous jackets, ruffled skirts and dresses as well as pieces largely inspired from circus costumes. There are clown pants, bra tops, bat-wing sleeves, multiple bows and jumpsuits. 8220;It is very much me,8221; he shrugs. Post Paris, Arora has more up his sleeve. He is the grand finale designer for the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week next month, where he will showcase the same Manish Arora Circus collection. If that is not enough, then the designer is also headed for Paris again, this time for the prestigious Tranoi Fair in October.