WILLS LIFESTYLE INDIA FASHION WEEK

What a fun surprise when Frances sent an SMS to ask if I was free to attend the opening show of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week - Autumn/Winter 2011

I had no idea what to expect. My only experience with a fashion show was from watching Sex and the City, and Project Runway.

As soon as we ducked behind the black curtains to enter the hall for the show, it was if we were in a different world.  There was an odd hush in the room, even though it was jam packed.  The runway was covered with plastic, the media was in their places, and everyone was quickly ushered to their designated seats.  

Pulsating music began, the models pranced and we clapped.  Some pairings were magical ... others gave me time to crowd watch.  I'm definitely not a fashion guru, but it was an impressive experience!

I didn't take my camera on the first day, for Neeru Kumar's show, and I'm disappointed.  Her textiles and designs were beyond amazing.  She married warmth with class and produced a strangely beautiful combination of Indian and Western.  See some of the photos of her collection here.

After the show, Frances introduced me to one of her favorite designers, Sonam Dubal.  His pieces are drop dead gorgeous.  DROP DEAD.  I fell immediately in love.  How excited was I to be asked again to Sonam's show a couple of days later?

Next door to Sonam's booth were the designers Smallshop : Jason Anshu

whose designs are funky (I have to say that I enjoyed the music best for their show!  I'm trying to figure out how to discover which music they played.  May have to track them down and just ask!)

The draping ... oh the draping!

The cutest little "slippers" ever with pompoms!

I'm a huge fan of designs that show off the back ...

I think quite possibly the oddest moment of my experience at India's Fashion Week was seeing this dude ...

Any guesses on which designer was his favorite?

I do want to ask - for anyone who might know - what gives with the model prance?  These girls were in the most awkward positions ever as they strutted the catwalk.  Not just your typical horsey walking, with the right leg being thrown over the left as they walked, but hips thrust forward, shoulders WAY back and knees drawn up as they paraded.  Has to be uncomfortable?

Thanks Frances, for a fun fun experience!  

Attending these two shows definitely perked up my recent stay-cation.

(after all, Spring Break isn't all about beaches, sun and umbrella drinks! Two fashion shows, date night with the Husb, and lots of poolside time with friends made for a wonderful Spring Break!)