Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) An indefinite delay in the opening show of the 15th Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Wednesday dampened the spirits of designers, visitors, buyers and mediapersons alike who were all looking forward to the gala being held at an expansive venue.
Designer Nida Mahmood, who was to open the fashion week with her collection along with accessory designer Little Shilpa at 12 p.m., was almost in tears at the unexpected delay in the show starting.

“My models were ready, everything was done, I was backstage when I heard that the show is so delayed. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Nida told IANS.

According to well-placed sources, the delay in the opening show was because event organiser Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has not yet received a permit for the event from the fire control department of the city.

Other designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Leena Singh, Ritu Kumar and J.J. Valaya too were seen wandering around the venue, wondering when the show will begin. Visitors, other than accredited journalists, designers and workers, were asked to move out of the venue for security reasons.

However, designers are happy with the NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) Grounds in Okhla Industrial Area here, where the fashion event is being held March 24-28.

Fashion designer Kavita Bhartiya, who is the brain behind multi-designer store Ogaan, told IANS: “The venue is fantastic. It’s huge, there’s so much space and I believe there are no parking hassles. There are a lot of designers participating this time and I think ample space has been given to each exhibitor.”

Even Leena Singh of Ashima-Leena label, was elated at the new venue.

“The exhibition is bigger than what it used to be in Pragati Maidan. As this is a business-to-business event, importance has been given to the exhibition area and every designer has been given a big stall to display their collection well,” she said.

Nandita of designer duo Hemant-Nandita is excited because the buyers visiting her stall don’t want to leave, as it is very airy.

“We have no complaints with this venue. We have a bigger stall than last time, it’s so airy in here. I think we have got the best location. Buyers don’t want to go from here,” she said.

All in all, the venue has been kept simplistic this time, instead of elaborate installations and seating areas that were seen at WIFW in its last edition, held at Pragati Maidan.