KATHMANDU: The stage is set for the fashion extravaganza of the year. And the designers are “very excited” and a little “nervous” about the show that is famous as Sunsilk Nepal Fashion Week to be held from August 10-14.

Cool in white:

They’ve called their collection ‘Continental Wear’ (and you thought it was only food) and this will be a totally white affair. “White because it is cool and symbol of peace,” says the group designers who are students at IEC. The sequence will focus on casual wear and calf-length pants, shorts, skirts and tops in jeans, chiffon and georgette.

‘Myriad Embellished Sequin Wear’ will be formal or partywear and is totally inspired by the beauty and colours of the Hindu goddesses.

Collection’s USP: “Both our collections are totally different from each other and we’ve made use of a new fabric ‘rim-jhim’,” say Alisha Khadgi, Gyanshova Maharjan, Subrata Khashapati, Ani Tandukar and Sabina Maharjan, whose favourite designer is Manish Malhotra (once more) because “his designs are trendy without being vulgar”.

Three sides:

She runs her own boutique and Arshiya Banu’s three sequences include one saree sequence,

white and bridal. Her sarees will be a splash of bright and vibrant colours like purple, green, red, pink..., while her collection in white will encompass formal wear with antique designs in brass — think white and gold.

Her bridal collection will be of lehengas and this doesn’t necessarily mean ‘red’. She promises a lot of heavy work like embroidery, crystal work and says some lehengas weigh as much as eight kilos.

Collection’s USP: “My collections are glamourous and exciting and luxurious. And if you want to know different ways of draping a saree, then you shouldn’t miss it,” says Banu, whose favourite designers are Reena Dhaka and Rohit Bal.

Wow! cutwork:

Her saree collection will be another play on colours and in fabrics like chiffon, brocade and dhaka, while her mixed sequence aimed at our young executives will have dresses, pants in crepe, georgette and chiffon. However, she says that she has concentrated on embroidery and cutwork, and amazing colour combination.

Collection’s USP: “I’ve got some heavy embroidery and amazing cutwork that will wow the viewers,” says boutique owner Sushma Singh, whose favourite is Manish Malhotra because he doesn’t copy anyone, which is what she says she as a designer follows.

Pretty in pink:

Veterans of SNFW, these two brother-sister duo have a sequence in ‘Pink’ in addition to their two other sequences of saree and bridal. Why pink? Because it is the colour of feminity, they say and also because it is the in-colour of the time and very hot. The collection will have various shades of pink and with the use of fabrics like georgette and chiffon, they say their dresses will be softer, more sensual and will have a graceful flow. Add to this the ruffles and frills that they’ve used and you’ve got yourself a pretty in pink theme.

Collection’s USP: “Our forte is ‘wearable’ and people who’ve seen our work can identify our detailing and finishing,” say Sangit Shrestha and his sister Uma. The designers they admire are Tom Ford, Gucci, Coco Chanel and Ritu Beri.

Party time:

This duo is all set and ready to revolutionise the way you dress for the parties that you will be

attending this fall. They’ve envisioned the perfect ‘Partywear for 2006-07’ and promise that you will turn heads at any party you attend. And what they’ve concentrated on is the “cuts”. Chic, stylish, trendy and elegant — if that’s what you have in mind, theirs is the collection for you.

They’ve used a number of different fabrics and colours, but blue is definitely going to figure (this being one of their favourite colours).

Collection’s USP: “Our designs are modern with a different cut and will set a different trend in partywear and in colour combinations,” says Bishnu Gautam of the Bishnu-Surya duo. (The collections will be showcased on August 11. For tickets contact IEC — 4247475.)