New Delhi, A fortnight from now, 15 prominent Indian designers will travel to five different cities to celebrate oomph and style at the second edition of the Chivas Fashion Tour.

"Chivas stands singularly for style with varied expressions. It's great that our design partners relate to this chic, iconic global brand and essay their best expressions of trends in our multi-city format," said Bikram Basu, vice president for marketing at liquor importer Pernod Ricard India at a preview of the event here Friday evening.

The fashion tour will begin Sep 26 from Mumbai and will travel to Bangalore, Kolkata and New Delhi before the Nov 22 finale in Dubai.

The 15 designers who will feature on the tour are Anamika Khanna, Ashish Soni, Ayesha Depala, Cue by Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Deepika Govind, Kiran Uttam Ghosh, Mandira Wirk, Malini Ramani, Raghavendra Rathore, Rocky S, Rohit Bal, Shantanu and Nikhil, Varun Bahl, Vikram Phadnis and Wendell Rodricks.

Talking about her work, Deepika Govind told IANS: "My collection titled 'A loose kite on a gentle wind' celebrates freedom. The second half of this tale is about 'knots', depicting the human psyche.

"My collection is aggressive and yet glamorous at the same time. I have used very strong colours like vampire red. Every 'knot' of my collection is about different facets of life."

Dubai-based designer Ayesha Depala is participating in the event for the first time and for her, it's a carefree and relaxed platform to enjoy and celebrate fashion.

"Fashion weeks are usually very hectic. One juggles between the buyers and fashion events. I am thoroughly enjoying every bit of this (tour) as I can be myself," she said.

For every collection, a designer draws inspiration from various facets, but for Mandira Wirk, inspiration is not always important.

"Inspiration is the word that always evokes a dual emotion in me. This collection is not inspired but it's based on my observation of the churches and cathedrals of Barcelona," she pointed out.

"My collection is a mix of art and architecture. You can find striking similarities to the medieval ages in every ensemble."

Wendell Rodricks, whose signature style is all about ancient India - but with a relaxed Goan attitude - has created a range of cocktail dresses and evening lounge wear.

"My collection is named Romantica and I have used soft pastel colours with fewer embellishments.

"This collection brings out the romantic side of a designer in love with the feminine women of another era transposed for the romantic women of today," he added.

EMAIL THIS NEWS COMMENTS No comments yet