Jump cut

As he hosted a packed lunch at Ai, the Japanese restaurant at MGF Metropolitan mall, Saket, Nair, looking dapper in a chic pink shirt, announced the names of the designers at the DFW. “Going by Paris, Milan and New York standards, fashion weeks pack in a lot of events, solo shows and studio shows. Our endeavour promises more options to buyers and benefits designers as well. It wouldn’t create any confusion,” said Nair, who confirmed the presence of 33 designers and 35 buyers for the Week.

From the look of it, DFW promises some big moments for fledgling designers. There are six debutant designers. Delhi-based designer Rajvi Mohan, known for her exclusive menswear, will be presenting a grunge collection for the first time on the ramp. Mohan, 27, will send down a pack in long, dapper jackets with kurtas in a muted palette. “The collection is inspired by the rag-pack gang of the 1940s and ’50s endorsed by personalities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr,” said Mohan, who has worked for British designer Vivienne Westwood.

There is also Smita Singh Rathore, owner of Celldsgn store at Hauz Khas, who will be launching her label 11.11. The alumna of the prestigious Domus Academy in Milan promises “a real masculine look to womenswear with cheery voluminous skirts and drape jackets”.

Greco-Lebanese Alecca Carrano, who has been working out of Delhi for the past two years, too has finally managed to put herself on the Indian fashion map. “I was trying to participate for the last couple of years but couldn’t because FDCI only allows designers of Indian nationality. I have a stall this time and will showcase a very feminine collection for mature women,” smiles Carrano, who is heading for the Dubai fashion week next. Besides the punk vibes, Vineet Bahl, showcasing for the first time in Delhi, will crank out a cocktail collection aptly called Mojito. Watch out for a heady cocktail.