'Vikram's creation is similar to mine'

Delhi-based Abdul Halder says Vikram Phadnis's opening garment for LFW 2009 is too close to his three-year-old creation

Delhi-based Abdul Halder says Vikram Phadnis's opening garment for LFW 2009 is too close to his three-year-old creation

Lakme Fashion Week opened to designer Vikram Phadnis's creation of a white tulle layered gown with a crystal bodice worn by Waluscha Robinson for the Barbie All Doll'd Up show on Friday morning.

(Left) Waluscha Robinson wearing the Phadnis creation at LFW Barbie show (photo/Shadab Khan); and (above) Halder's creation in 2006

But that left another designer, Abdul Halder, unhappy. Halder claims that Vikram Phadnis's dress is similar to what he had designed in October 2006 LFW in the most awaited Gen Next category.

"I was shocked to see a creation similar to mine on the ramp. I am not saying Vikram Phadnis copied it, but it is similar waist-down.

"The IMG should keep a tab on the designs. They must preserve the designs and have certain records. They should take a note of who is doing what. The design should not have been similar to that of a young designer's," says Halder, who also participated in the Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week.

Reiterating that he feels strongly about this, Halder also says, "Look, it may be a coincidence or plain bad luck.

Vikram Phadnis has a team who works with him but still, when I saw Waluscha came out on the ramp, I thought,
'Oh my God'."

He further asks, "Why is Vikram's work recognised... because his is a big name and linked to Bollywood? You have to understand my emotions as an artist too."

Dress the Barbie contest attracted 75 entries from top designers of the country from which the 20 short listed creations were showcased on the ramp. Delhi-based Halder was also part of the same show and Parvathy Omanakuttan wore his creation.

When Vikram Phadnis was contacted, he said, "I heard about it, but really I have a show tomorrow and my mind is elsewhere. But the Barbie guys gave us international references and we just worked on that. I don't know what all this is about."

Vikram Raizada of IMG was contacted, he said, "I am not aware of it and I am really surprised. This is the first time I am hearing of it. Let me cross check and get back to you before I make any comment."

We have not heard from him yet.