KATHMANDU: The show that defines fashion and style in Nepal — Ruslan The Himalayan Times TGIF Nepal Fashion Week 2017 — is just a couple of days away. As always, it promises to be a mélange of creativity and diversity of ideas with a number of surprises like unexpected showstoppers to an after-party that many wish they had an invite to.

As many as 42 designers will exhibit their Spring-Summer 17 collections including well-known names and some new faces. In addition, there will be student designers making their debut. The themes vary from traditional to modern to a blend of both. Art, architecture, season, people and time have been some of the inspiring factors for the designs.

Eighteen models will walk the ramp for the said designers, while some well-known celebrities will grace the ramp as showstoppers.

This year the designs are not just limited to the ramp; interested members of audience can purchase the outfits of their choice at the venue. Each day, after the show, the showcased designers’ collections will be on display for sale —  and a certain amount from the proceeds of the sale will go to Maiti Nepal.

The four-day event, from April 5-8, will end each night with an after-party with DJ Suraj playing his best tracks to get the crowd grooving.

The Fashion Week is sponsored by Ruslan, in association with Tresemme, powered by Mahindra KUV100 with Silk Air as the airline partner.

Blooms inspiration

Theme: Spring Obsession

Swornim Rai is popular for her special bridal wears. With six years of experience in the fashion industry, she has perfected her designs. She currently runs her own boutique— Swornim Boutique.

Your previous experience at TGIF Nepal Fashion Week, your expectations this year

It is the biggest fashion show in Nepal. Previously I was a part of it as a student designer, now I am participating as an independent professional designer. The excitement level is really high. I hope I will get a good exposure to wide range of clients.

Your collection

My collection for this year is inspired by 1950’s fashion, which consists of volumes and structures with feminine details. It is a representation of flower blooms in spring. It will have evening wear, ball gowns, A-lines, trumpet and mermaid silhouettes. I will be using fabrics like duchess silk, silk crepe de China, silk habotai, silk charmeuse and Tulle.  Hand embroidery with beadwork technique will be used for the collections to lend a unique touch.

Why should clients purchase your designs?

My collection this time is basically evening wear that is suitable for any kind of occasion. My designs are unique and boast signature embroidery techniques. Also they are all handmade masterpieces.