The Debutantes

One of the Delhi boys marking his debut at WIFW is 29-year-old Arpan Vohra with his collection Canvas of Life — characterised by simple,clean lines and layers of light fabrics in creams and beiges,as well as shimmering splashes of bronze and gold. After studying design in the London College of Fashion and an apprenticeship with iconic British hat designer Philip Treacy and then Indian designer Rina Dhaka,Vohra launched his own label,Arpan Vohra in 2004. “I have been in the fashion business for past five years,and the best way to expand is through fashion week. I prefer the stall because I want to dedicate my time interacting with buyers,” says Vohra who retails from Samsara,Ogaan and Madhu Pallo,a fashion store in

Hong Kong.

Meanwhile,designers Nalandda Bhandari,39 and Rimzim Dadu,23 have also pitched a fashion tent at WLIFW. The two designers were reasonably feted at the Lakme Fashion Week and while Dadu is thrilled to show on home turf (she’s a Delhi girl),Mumbai based Bhandari is holding a ramp show — cranking out 23 looks from her Dawn to Dusk collection. The collection is sexy with soft ruffles,short pleated dresses and floral shorts paired with sequined asymmetrical blouses—designed keeping the young customer in mind. “The fashion scene in Delhi has progressed hugely and a lot of the younger generation is schooled internationally,” remarked Bhandari.

Bengaluru-based designer Nimirta Lalwani’s collection Decadence is a throwback to the swinging 60s leaning heavily toward pinup couture showcasing white blouses with little black buttons,shiny black skirts and polka dot prints. Lalwani,who is part of a five designer runway show would be unveiling 13 looks on the ramp. And Delhi-based designer duo Niket,32 and Jainee Mishra,31 who are showcasing at the stalls are sticking to traditional motifs in their collection Weaving Past . The black halter gowns with a keyhole neck hang in slouchy folds on the racks. Maxi-dresses and flowing gowns in white dominate the collection. The Mishras launched the lable Niket and Jainee in 2005.

An unusual entrant is Delhi based artist-turned-designer Dolly Jhunjhunwala,39,who has rented a stall to show her fusion line Celebrate Life . Her line comprises elegant one shoulder dresses,sequined shorts,lustrous white jackets jostling on the rack with heavily embellished saris. “It’s a blend of contemporary trends with Indian designs,” smiles Jhunjhunwala who launched her label Dolly J in 2005.