Moods, Moments and Melodies from the opening night of the India Story 2017, in association with t2
TT Bureau
Published 25.12.17, 12:00 AM
“It’s a bigger India Story. It’s getting a little more organised because you get into a bit of a rhythm, probably you get some experience over the years. In that sense it is less chaotic… I know it because I can see the temperature at home has risen, but not so much,” laughed Harsh Neotia who posed with Indrani Dasgupta for the t2 camera. “This time TIS is a much bigger and grander avatar. The curation is beyond amazing and it’s a fabulous showcase of what is Indian and India. My heartiest congratulations to Madhu and Abhilasha and the team that has put up such an incredible show,” said Indrani.
“Gobsmacked! I am coming back tomorrow,” is all Kiran Uttam Ghosh had to tell t2, after she checked out the fashion stalls and indulged in some bites at the food court. We loved her silver-and-teal layered pleated outfit.
The TIS core team — founders (right) Madhu Neotia, (left) Abhilasha Sethia and scenographer Swarup Dutta — posed in front of Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s elephant installation ‘The Sundarbans’, after unveiling The Elephant Parade that kicked off The India Story 2017 at Swabhumi on December 21. “The vibrancy and the energy… if I look at it as an outsider, I don’t think I want to go home,” smiled Madhu. For Abhilasha, the opening was “stressful”. “I am looking forward to three days of everything… music, bands, conversations, all the shopping and food,” she said, when things were calmer. Swarup, on the other hand, was still on “crisis management” mode. “It’s all started, but the tweaking is on... I think everyone is feeling inspired,” he said.
TIS advisory board member Sanjay Garg found the showing “amazing!” “Look at this! This could be the best in east. It’s evolving… I loved The Faraway Edit (home space). Three days of The India Story is going to be a cultural exposure,” said the fashion designer from Delhi.
Eshaani Jayaswal rocked a long dress from her ‘Bringing Back Betty Draper’ collection that she launched at TIS.
Vasundhara Mantri made her TIS debut this year. “So many things under one roof… looking forward to the four days… food, shopping, great music. It’s going to be great,” said the jewellery designer, who sported a self-designed dress.
Anahita Kayan at The Sanctuary, the zone that she has put together for TIS. “The curation is based on fusing colonial architectural forms, very linear and amoebic forms… I am bringing this hotbed of craziness… psychedelia,” she said.
Ishana Rai Sethia showcased her ‘New Beginnings’ at The Sanctuary.
Text: Saionee Chakraborty & Anannya Sarkar
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
Sunday, 27 April 2025
