Roving Eye

History show

The next day it was Ritu Kumar8217;s turn to host a fashion show where the models 8212; Noyonika Chatterjee, Anu Ahuja, Simmar Duggal and Ruchi Malhotra 8212; wore the gowns she had designed for all the Miss Indias. The show was held to launch her book Costumes and Textiles of Royal India, which is being published by Christie8217;s. The event was held at the Taj ballroom and officially launching this coffee-table book was Saryu Doshi, the honorary director of the NGMA. Doshi said that she had always been an admirer of Ritu8217;s designs but she had only met her several months ago at an INTACH fund raiser in Jaisalmer. Among those listening to Saryu8217;s story where Anish and Vineeta Trivedi, Sheldon Austin, Devika and Suresh Bhojwani, Sabah Khaleliand Pheroza Godrej. And after the show most stayed on to enjoy a drink and catch a glimpse of Ritu8217;s first foray into writing. The book is packed with information and has an extended, informative glossary on Indian fashion. But the price tag of Rs 6,000 made this Ritu original a little too steep to suit anyone8217;s pocket.

Delhi team

While on Anu Ahuja, the model from Delhi, who also hosts The Good Home Show for Sony Entertainment Television, has recently been appointed as J J Vallaya8217;s ambassadress. He held a showing of his pret range last night at Crossroads, and Anu was there to make sure that all were welcome. JJ has designed a ready-to-wear line for Piramyds, the mall8217;s department store. Next month he is planning to hold a couture show in Mumbai. At present JJ8217;s couture range is available at Vama .Anu is surely going to have her hands full managing JJ8217;s business.

Goa splash

Goa witnessed a rather unique fashion show last week. Not just because Mumbai8217;s Anupama Verma and a couple ofothers were on the ramp. It was also the first time 22-year-old Archana Desai was holding a show.And it was literally a splashing show. Just as the models took their places on an open-air ramp at the Mandovi Riviera in Panjim, the rains decided to pour. Nonetheless, it wasn8217;t a complete wash-out, at least as far as Archana8217;s creations were concerned. The salwaar kameez line, dedicated to Archana8217;s philosophy8217; and title of the show 8212; mindbodysoul design8217;, had sparks of sophistication. A curtain raiser to her millennium collection, simple cuts in silk tissue fabrics, plain silk, south cotton and jute, made for an impressive first show. The four collections 8212; mind, body, soul and design 8212; had a unique feel and look, yet the thumb rule for Archana seemed to be simplicity. For the mind8217; collection, she used shimmering silk tissue, with a wispy, transparent texture, accentuated with self-coloured silver and gold zardozi embroidery. The body collection, in Khadi silks and Tussars, was as earthy and sensuousas its inspiration. Pure Banarasi and organza, adorned with mother of pearl and sequins, made for the soul collection, while the design creations were an amalgamation of the three elements. The proceeds of the show went to Positive People, an organisation working for HIV prevention and support.

And finally8230;

One ambassadress Anu should adopt as her role model is Anna Bredmeyer. The driving force behind Beautiful Boulevard, business is made a pleasure thanks to her impeccable professionalism. For instance, last Wednesday, she held a small press meet to announce the launch of Fendi watches. Dressed in a green top and black trousers this former Miss India still has a figure that most teenagers would envy. This week, when the Beautiful Boulevard sale starts, she will make it a point to be at the store at all hours to ensure that everything goes without a hitch. No wonder then that the store is doing better and better all the time.