By Radhika Bhirani
Paris, Oct 21 (IANS) The iconic Eiffel Tower -- one of the seven wonders of the world -- is hosting a coterie of 15 Indian designers and more from other parts of the world to showcase their creativity at the debut edition of the French European Indian Fashion Week (FEIFW).
An initiative by World News Network, the gala has participation from designers like Rocky S, Nida Mahmood, Poonam Bhagat, Narendra Kumar, Mandira Wirk, Madhu Jain, Kanika Saluja, Asa Kazingmei, Mayyur Girotra, Sahil Aneja, Nitya Bajaj Birla, Siddhartha Tytler, Karishma Jumani and KhushiZ.
There will also be some designers from Paris, South Africa, London and other places too, FEIFW President Satish Reddy, told IANS.
"The idea was to do something unique and something that brings glory to India," Reddy said, adding that a key intention behind organising the event was to increase dialogue between Indian design talent and the creative minds in Paris -- one of the fashion meccas of the world.
"India is a very big market for Europe. While European brands want to make inroads into India, even Indians want to explore the European market. But how to reach that market, is what we are trying to bridge in a small way," Reddy said.
FEIFW will be held for a limited audience at the first level of the Eiffel Tower, which has time and again featured in Bollywood films. With a seating of around a hundred people, the event will be attended by a mix of celebrities and political dignitaries. It will be inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Mohan Kumar.
A special highlight will be a show dedicated to the Indian Army.
Fashion choreographer Liza Varma, who is closely associated with the event, said "it's a way to show the army that we are grateful for their efforts in safeguarding the country".
Celebrity showstoppers won't be missed as British model-actress Amy Jackson, who has worked in Indian films, will catwalk for Rocky S, who is one of the most loved designers of Hindi film celebrities. Names like former beauty queen Ankita Shorey and actress Avika Gor -- best known for playing a child bride in Indian TV show "Balika Vadhu" -- are also slated to attend the gala.
Rocky is upbeat about showcasing his Shringara range that will celebrate love manifested in decorative prints featuring handcrafted textures and opulent embroideries, while Nida is "super excited" to showcase her Champaagali line.
Interestingly, this fashion event co-incides with the ongoing Namaste France cultural extravaganza being organised by the Embassy of India. The two and half month-long festivities have been providing people in France an opportunity to view and understand the rich cutural traditions of India.
Reddy hopes to make FEIFW an annual affair. He already has his eyes set on another such fashion gala in February 2017 around Valentine's Day.
(The writer's trip is at the invitation of FEIFW organisers. Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)
