Pictures by Pabitra Das

Calcutta was the last stop for the Signature Premier World of 8, an eight-city fashion tour comprising both Indian and international designers. As the fashion evening at ITC Sonar Calcutta kicked off, the front row filled up as quickly as the spirits flowed from the Pala banquet bar. “As a brand, Signature is young, modern and stylish for the discerning, representing a lifestyle that is flamboyant, adventurous, aspirational and bold. The concept of the tour is unique — it gives international fashion a platform in India,” said Alokesh Banerjee, senior general manager, marketing, United Spirits Ltd.

Glimpses from the Sunday show...

IRRFAN KHAN

Falguni & Shane Peacock

Sunday night was the Maqbool man’s second time on a Calcutta ramp. And Irrfan Khan was as effortless as his reel outings. “I am okay with fashion. I love fashion. I don’t get nervous (when I am walking the ramp). If I am doing a play, I have butterflies in my stomach, but walking does not make me conscious,” Irrfan told t2 in a quick chat in his hotel room, minutes before trying on his black Falguni & Shane Peacock sherwani with antique gold work. Hours later, he made a picture-perfect dapper groom as showstopper for the Peacocks.

The designer duo showed a blingy bridal line with a lot of sexy sheer. Choreographed by Nayanika Chatterjee, saris, lehngas and suits were modelled in traditional beige, peach, off-white, gold, silver, red, a touch of green and even the not-so-common black. Chunky jewels completed the look. Flowers and interesting cholis dominated the design board.

PAULA GUILLO

AANCHAL KUMAR

ANA LOCKING

The designer from Madrid showcased her fall line — Stance. Big on colour blocking, Ana’s palette had red, camel, shades of blue, white, black, mustard, nude, beige and grey fused together in a geometry jigsaw. Crepe de Chine, crepe satin, cashmere, silk, muslin and cotton brought alive a range of day and dinner wear.

Dresses, jackets, pullovers, overcoats, pleated skirts and a sari-inspired short dress made up the collection. Spotted were structured silhouettes sharing space with a flouncy few — think Spain. Ruffles, cutaway sleeves and exaggerated shoulders enhanced the “edgy” look.

Ana gave her models accessories that were super quirky. Neckpieces that looked like “metal mesh tubes… twisted metal nuts” glammed up with pearls and goldplating. The showstopper? Miss Spain 2010 Paula Guillo in a lipstick red halter gown, a metal tube knotted around her waist.

Gear up for two days of high fashion as Parampara Pret in association with t2, opens its doors to shoppers at ITC Sonar Calcutta on October 11 and 12. In perfect time for Diwali and Bhai Phota celebrations, as well as the upcoming wedding season, this edition of Parampara Pret promises to be the shopping destination for those looking for a variety of quality products under one roof.

Says Sangita Todi, charter president of Rotary Club of Chowrenghee, “We have arranged Parampara Pret with the upcoming festivities in mind. So, there will be a lot of bling as well as casual wear. The jewellery displayed will be both chic as well as ethnic, perfect for the wedding season. The exhibition will cater to everyone’s needs, be it clothes, accessories, home decor items, silverware or gifting options.”

The USP of the exhibition, the proceeds of which will go towards a few charitable projects, is that 40 per cent of the stalls will be by first-timers, ensuring a balanced mix of the new and the seasoned, adds Todi.

SOME Labels to look out for

Gift boxes from Kavya Creations

Footwear from Coral

A vase from Shivaay Enterprises

Apparel from Aum by Ashima and Asit, Delhi

Apparel from UR by Rutu Parikh, Mumbai

Apparel from Punit Balana, Jaipur

Bridal lehngas from S.aan.she, Mumbai

Table accessories from Bombay Dreams, Mumbai

Shawls from Shawl Art, Mumbai

Silverware from Baroque Fine Silver, Calcutta

Apparel from Debashri Samanta, Calcutta

Apparel from Oblique, Calcutta

Jewellery from Spirit of Iris, Mumbai

Footwear from Stoffa, Mumbai

Ceramic Tableware from Alka Bajoria, Delhi

Artefacts from Khushboo Bagri, Calcutta

Theme Party products from Party Hunterz, Calcutta

Fashion jewellery from K & S, Mumbai

Precious jewellery from Theia Fine Jewellery, Delhi

Palm-leaf gifting products from Palm Leaf, Calcutta