Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 09 kicks off

A change in venue, lack of parking facilities and security concerns are important things that surround this year's edition. Swati Kumari and Kumar Saurav report

A change in venue, lack of parking facilities and security concerns are important things that surround this year's edition. Swati Kumari and Kumar Saurav report

Nehru Place should brace itself for what maybe its worst traffic nightmare this year. This year's edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) is not being held at its old venue, Pragati Maidan, but has a luxurious new

She's got the look: A model displaying a Rina Dhaka number in WIFW '08 Pic/Rajeev Tyagi

addressu00a0Hotel Intercontinental Eros, Nehru Place. Sunil Sethi, president of the organising bodyu00a0Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI)u00a0rolls out the reasons for relocation. "The rentals for both the venues are more or less the same, but we have all the advantages of the five-star hotel. We used to get a lot of complaints about bad washrooms and other things," he reasons. Designers are happy. "It will be a comfortable venue, as we have had fashion weeks at hotels earlier. We have an access to a number of amenities here," explains Delhi-based style guru Ritu Kumar.

Walking on water

Apart from the main show area, participants will get to experiment with their exhibitions at galleries, ball rooms and restaurants. A special ramp has been created over the swimming pool. Called the 'Talent Pool', the platform will give young designers a chance to showcase 10 garments each.

The authorities also believe that when a hotel plays host, security is bound to be better. "All safety issues are been taken care of by the hotel. Around 60 to 100 officials have been hired for the extravaganza. CCTVs have been fitted in lobby area and alleys," asserts Sethi.

Parking, however, is a major concern. Though the organisers claim that the necessary arrangements are in place, models, mediapersons and guests fear dreadful snarls, inadequate space and heavy bills.

Naya hai toh behtar hai

Hawaa mein uddtaa jaaye: Workers get on with last-minute preparations for the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week at Intercontinental Eros last evening Pic/Subhash Barolia

Ample stall-space and deluxe facilities are, however, posing as effective dangling carrots. Around 103 designers are all game, with 47 putting up stalls and 56 showcasing their collections on the ramp. "It's always good to try something new. It will be more convenient here, both for designers and buyers," feels designer Raghavendra Rathod. At Pragati Maidan, a space of 100 sq ft was allotted for each stall, but this time, participants will be given one room each (250 sq ft), which will also have an in-house telly run of all the ongoing shows at the venue. This may also see a change in buying patterns, feels designer Bobby Grover. "Buyers might have to finish their buying at one go, because the stalls which are in rooms now," he tells.

But some feel that the shift may do more harm than good. "Although good ambience and good food are major draws, I think Pragati Maidan was a very good venueu00a0it was sensible, accessible and people knew about it. There was a huge backstage, too. At Intercontinental, there will be unbearable traffic mess in peak hours," predicts model Laxmi Rana.

As they say, tomorrow will tell.

Day One dhamaka @ WIFW

'u00a0Nitin Bal Chauhan/ Samant Chauhan: 1.30 pm 'u00a0Ashish Viral & Vikrant/ Rehane: 2.45 pm 'u00a0Kiran Uttam Ghosh: 4 pm 'u00a0G Pia Fleming/ Gunjan & Rahul: 5.15 pm 'u00a0Ritu Kumar: 6.30 pm 'u00a0Rocky S/ Falguni & Shane Peacock: 7.45 pm 'u00a0Satya Paul: 9 pm

Fuchchas Inc

We roll out the list of first timers

Nikhita Taandon Age: 26 bio data: She is designer Reynu Taandon's daughter. After finishing her graduation, the young lass assisted her mother for five years, after which she decided to launch her own label 'Nikhita' at the Wills India Fashion Week this year. Style: Her maiden collection includes an entire range of gowns in pastel shades. The line is extremely girly and feminine. Even though the numbers are rich, they are quite affordable. Raman Vij Age: 36 bio data: This Punju lad completed his Masters in Fashion and Textiles from Nottingham Trent University, and then took up knitwear in NIFT, Delhi. Style: His collection, titled 'Metamorphosis' is all about transforming looks from one to another. Raman, who designs for both men and women, has thrown in formal jackets, sweaters and jackets in earthy shades for his maiden over. Yuvraj Nagpal Age: 22 Bio data: An alumnus of the JD Institute of Fashion Design, the youngster started his own line Yuvrajatu00a0the age of 18. Style: His collection takes inspiration from the structure of Buddhism. Buddhist prints rule his dresses and trousers. Priyanjali Dhanjal Age: 28 Bio data: A fashion graduate from NIFT , Delhi-based Priyanjal has won several awards from across the country. Style: Intricate patterns and designs, depicting leaves and floral patterns, are the driving factor in her quilted skirts and jackets, structured dresses, and textured tops. Major colours: browns, dusty oranges and ochres. Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 'u00a0When: Today, March 18 to March 23 'u00a0Where: Intercontinental Eros, Nehru Place