Kathmandu:

Get your calendars and markers out and make rings around these dates — August 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Why? Because it is the Sunsilk Nepal Fashion Week, the biggest fashion event in Nepal organised by IEC Institute of Art and Fashion.

The week will see over 100 designers from all over Nepal and three from India showcasing their creations on one stage, while models who’ve blazed international ramps will be catwalking here. Organised for the first time in 2004, in these couple of years the Nepal Fashion Week has become a platform for designers of all hues to flaunt their distinctive style statements. With very young and experienced designers participating, the week ahead looks vibrant to say the least. And the designers promise you that it’s definitely “gonna be different”.

Saree redefined:

Did you think that there was only one way to drape your saree? Well, this group of young designers want to open your eyes to a number of new ways to drape the traditional saree. Their ‘Auspicious Red’ sequence plans to do just this. Targeted at “married Hindu women” , and all lovers of red one should say, the red sarees will be complemented by other hues like white, green, blue and pink, not to mention the patchwork, embroidery and other such detailing. They say that as red is a warm colour, it will make you look slimmer than you are. Their other sequence ‘Nepa Touch’ will give a modern look to the traditional fabric. One will get to see a lot of blacks, reds and whites along with Dhaka in this collection, which will have skirts and other casual wear targeted at the yo-ung crowd.

Collection’s USP: “We’ve not only draped the saree in different ways but have also changed the shape of the saree itself,” say designers Aayasha Shrestha, Sajana Sherstha, Rajyashwori Banepali and Kamala Prajapati, whose favourite designer is India’s Manish Malhotra.

Remixin’ it:

This is an age of remix, they say, and our creations are a reflection of this age, they claim. They’ve given a traditional and classic touch to the modern, while giving a modern touch to the traditional. Phew! Their sequences are ‘Eternal Beauty’ (for saree collection) as they feel a saree is forever, while their ‘Classic Spice’ will see kurta in new avataars and ‘Trendz of Traditions’ will showcase ghararas. When asked why this leaning towards the traditional, they answer, “Fashion is a cycle — nothing is ever out of fashion. Everything is just going round.” Inspired by the colours of nature, they promise their collections will be colourful as well as “spicy”. Their say their use of accessories is something to look forward to.

Collection’s USP: “We’ve got some very good embroidery work and our designs will add spice to your war-drobe,” say Mishal Moktan, Dipti Daruka, Pooja Thapa, Chandrika Shrestha and Sabnam Parvin, whose favourite designers are none other than they themselves.

(The collections will be shown on August 10)