Fashion’s responsible face
KATHMANDU: The most glamorous affair Ruslan The Himalayan Times TGIF Nepal Fashion Week 2017 is all set to take place from April 5 to 8 at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. Some of the swankiest designers will be unveiling their Spring-Summer 2017 collection. And to add glory to their creations will be 18 stunning and elegant models selected to walk the ramp this year. Besides all the glitz, there is a business and social aspect involved. As many designers in Nepal do not get the chance to meet genuine clients, the show will be connecting them with potential buyers. The 42 designers — aspiring and professional — will have stalls at the venue after the show. Buyers can purchase the beautiful designs on the spot. But that is not all, a certain portion of the proceeds from the sales will be going to Maiti Nepal.
The event is sponsored by Ruslan in association with Tresemme, powered by Mahindra KUV100 with SilkAir as the airline partner.
Two well established designers talk about their anticipation from the show.
Simply elegant
Theme: Queens of Sand
Designer Rasna Shrestha made a name as a designer in 2009. Currently she is the owner at Fashionalaya and runs her own label MuCe. She has showcased her designs not only in the country but also at prestigious international platforms. She is all set to leave fashionistas astonished with her latest collection at upcoming Nepal Fashion Week.
Your past experience with TGIF Nepal Fashion Week; your expectations this year
I have been associated with the show for the last four innings and it has been a wonderful experience. It has motivated me every year to add more success to my career. This time I am expecting more praises, love and appreciation from the audience. Also I am expecting to attract more genuine buyers.
Your collection
This time my collection is on the Indo-Western theme; I’ll be playing with a lot of golden and white shades reflecting the desert and sand. I have used natural fabrics such as cotton linen and raw silk with cording embroidery to add details to my designs. The collection will mainly consist of formal wear like dresses, suits, lehenga suits. To lend a personal touch, I will use traditional jewellery.
Why should clients purchase your collection?
This time my designs focus on cording details, which is a new technique for me. I am excited and hopeful my collection will be liked by the audience. My designs are wearable, easy to handle and elegant, so one should try it.
Well cut sophistication
Runa Manandhar has been working as a fashion designer for the past nine years. She is owner and fashion designer at Innov8 boutique. She is known for the custom designs according to customers’ preferences and what suits their body type, according to skin tone, height and age. She will be showcasing her designs ‘Naya Sansar’ at the Fashion Week.
What are you looking forward to at TGIF Nepal Fashion Week 2017?
Fashion industry is growing rapidly in Nepal. People want to explore different kinds of designs and silhouettes. This is a dream platform for designers to showcase designs. I am looking forward to build some good relationships with people from fashion industry.
Your collection
My designs have a fresh and younger perspective with a pleasing colour palette. I am doing fusion with a twist from traditional elements with modern cuts and designs. My inspiration for this collection is a combination of eastern fabrics like net and silk with modern embellishments. It is mostly classic formal party wear with sophisticated cuts and silhouettes to give a classic touch.
Why should clients buy your collection?
My collection is very wearable and sophisticated. The designs, cuts and embellishments will make you look and feel beautiful without trying harder.