Ten designers, host of sponsors mark Day I of WLIFW

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) The strongest line of sponsors in the history of fashion event along with a total of ten designers, who presented collection varying from contemporary to creation, marked the first day of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.

While the event kick-started yesterday with Bollywood's ace designer Vikram Phadnis' show, it was the Gauri and Nainika's presentation that was the most-awaited for with a special appearance by Bipasha Basu, who walked the ramp in a black and pink gown.

Gauri-Nainika's show was a return to curve celebrating, body-con styles with a lot of satin, tulle and lace.

Their idea was to create Paris dress which makes women feel and look different in a rich palette of acid green, magenta, blood red and blush pink, and classic black and white.

Vikram's collection under the banner of 'Save the Earth' showed how nature remains a strong lifestyle inspiration.

''I want to spread the message of saving everything that is nature,'' said Vikram.

The entire line ranged from skirts to jackets, A-line frocks and shirts. For most part of the collection, the waist was missing from the dresses making the garment free flowing and easy to wear.

For Suneet Verma's show as the music played ''Little China Girl'', even the models looked just that in reds, black, green and golden.

The collection has soft, drapy dresses with structured sleeves worn with masculine ties. Wide necked jackets with matching belts and sarong skirts and short cropped cavalry jackets with long evening dresses made the ensemble appear unique and attractive.

Mandira Wirk opted for metallic looks for her Autumn/Winter 2008/09 collection with metallic effects explored through sequin embroideries or lurex yarn.

While Manoviraj Khosla combined the all-time favorite denim with beiges, browns and shades of oranges and green, Kavita Bhartia's signature line was soft, feminine and fluid. The silhouettes ranged from free-flowing short empire line tunics teamed with contrasting tights to accentuated waists in full lengths.

Namrata Joshipura's show 'Modernne Love' (Bursts of Joy) was a collection of luxurious fabrics such as satin, wool and supple leather combined with detailed embellishments.

The fashion event this year also has the strongets line of sponsors in its history.

Rathi Vinay Jha, Director General of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) said, ''The synergies between sponsors and partners are excellent. Our sponsors and partners have found value in the collaboration with India Fashion Week.

FDCI Executive Director Sumeet Nair said, ''This edition of WLIFW is going to be an exciting combination of a fantastic venue, international visitors, the strongest line-up of commercial partners ever and India's leading designers on one platform.'' Day one also saw in attendance many international buyers, media and fashion designing students. A total of eighty designers will present their creation at the 2008 WLIFW. With four more days of hectic activity to go, all that the designers are expecting is more visitors and better buyers.

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