The annual “Fashion Spectrum”, 2010, began with an exhilarating marathon yesterday in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Throughout the day, one enjoys “uth” challenges, a play by Antraal, a spectacular fashion show, and much more. Hosted by one of the premier fashion institutes of Delhi, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the Spectrum is an extraordinary celebration. The college is made of seven departments: Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, Leather Design, Knitwear Design, Accessory Design, Fashion Technology, and Textile Design. Each year, the students of the various departments pool together their skills and resources to put on a remarkable show, on and off the ramp.
The interesting events throughout the day are open to guests, students, and faculty alike; there are many spots in NIFT at which these take place. The calendar, designed by the Fashion Communication department, defines the universal theme for the festival as well as where and when the performances and contests will be taking place. The calendar is in tandem with the inventive decorations around, made by students in the foundation program. This year’s keynote was “pratibimb” [reflection]; it means to honor and recognize the “you within”. A few of the contests yesterday, such as the plays, revolved around this very idea. More of these are bound to come in today’s busier itinerary, available at the NIFT website (www.nift.ac.in).
The students of the five design departments make their own creations for the fashion show, arguably the most distinct event of this annual bash. There are about two hundred models that parade down the ramp wearing the designers’ first ‘real’ creations, each one distinguishable and laudable. There are many themes spread throughout the show. Whether the thread is tribal or love, space or ‘Armageddon’, the crowd always looks forward to seeing how the young designers are inspired.
The seven departments put up rather large ‘posters’ around the “kund” (center) of the college, announcing their specific themes a week before the show: “Bling”, “Armageddon”, “Provocateur”, and more. They are each well defined, leaving behind just enough mystery to make the viewers wonder about what exactly the students are preparing.
And wonder they do. The model may be in an elegant skin-fit dress and a sweeping robe with tasteful feathers along the neckline; she may be wearing a dress you can imagine wearing to the red carpet; or she may be even be wearing a non-wearable, but spectacular, skirt constructed of wires, film tape, and cardboard. There will always be magnificent headdresses and accessories or accents; an ensemble or two will always look like a ball gown from the 1800s sent here in a time machine. One never knows what to expect; the most wearable clothes to the costume dresses and then the wearable art – the garments on stage run the gamut, and each of them is an exceptional piece of design.
The routine changed this year with the performance put on by the Fashion Communication Department, sponsored by Fashion Fad (www.fashionfad.in), at the opening of the fashion show. This production was in tribute to Top British fashion designer, the late “Lee” Alexander McQueen. The show began with an audio-visual presentation, fitting for the designer, leaving most of the audience in awe. The students took inspiration from three of McQueen’s most famous shows, including the 2007 RTW show based on the Salem Witch trials as well as 1999’s Weird Science. The “eulogy to the dark romance” was made in a distinctive, professional manner; it was an exemplary initiative, recognizing and paying homage to the man who has influenced so many others.
A success, the Fashion Spectrum at the National Institute has come a long way. The fun continues today, February 24, 2010, if you find yourself in that neighborhood. There is going to be singing, dancing, headgear making, a rock show competition, and even a prom night. So stay tuned!
Anu Gupta
Fashion Communication, NIFT
