The very talented designer from Odisha, Pritam Panda, was in Paris recently where he wowed the fashionistas with his distinctive creations.

These creations were for legendary doll brand Barbie’s international line and a few other shows.

During his third visit to the Mecca of Fashion — Paris —Pritam Panda held two shows and a preview of his spring summer 2013 line.

On the first day of his 10-day trip, the young designer showcased his much awaited creations for the doll brand Barbie at the ‘Haute Barbie on Red Carpet’ event.

Panda was one among the 28 young designers who were invited from 23 countries to give a new look to Barbie in couture.

Panda, the only one from India, displayed classic haute couture and new styles for Barbie in five prospective looks.

His entire ensemble was high on glam quotient as he recreated the Beyonce and the 80s Madonna look.

“Most of it is in my favourite colour combination of black, white and nude, embellished with intricate Swarovski and even the Indian zardousi embellishment. This is the first time I am doing haute couture for Barbie. It’s a privilege to do it,” said Panda.

“I need to confess that it has been really difficult to finalise the looks and recreate them as I needed to represent my haute couture costumes and styling details just on a 15-inch mannequin. It had to look sensual and at the same time we needed to keep an eye on the moral values as the doll in her new looks will be available to kids around the world,” said the designer.

Hitting the runway for the second time at the world’s fashion capital, Panda presented a glamorous line at “The Queen’s Harrow” fashion show hosted by Moet and Chandon. The tribal beats of Dhoomsa from Odisha played as Panda unfolded his creations. French models displayed Panda’s intricately handcrafted gowns.

“Popular Western trends in haute fashion such as lowbacks and the pelvic point slits were part of my designs. But my line had the feel of India in its fabric — the silk from remote areas of Odisha and neighbouring states that helped in contouring of the silhouettes. There were evening outfits in yellow silk or the tassar from Odisha and also in white chantilly, embellished with lakhs of shinning crystals and couched with fresh water pearls that give classic haute couture feel,” said Panda.

During his tour Panda also unveiled his haute couture look book that comprised 11 stylish, haute, embellished evening creations.

Namita Panda