Thrice a year, some of the best names in Indian prêt, couture and accessories find a common address at Vimonisha Exhibitions, their 116th edition being held at Hyatt Regency this week. 46-year-old CEO Monisha Gidwani shares that the event, whose patrons include Raadhika Sarathkumar and Suhasini Maniratnam, will be inaugurated this year by chief guest Deepthi Bashyam, who will also be launching her boutique Tifara’s latest collection. “We are introducing new labels to Chennai like Eagle Fashions by Richa Kapoor, presenting her London Fashion Week
line,” adds Monisha.
Curated by mother-daughter duo Vimal Shivdasani and Monisha, it features more than 65 designers from cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Benaras. Naming diffusion wear as the highlight of the edition, Monisha says, “Diffusion is a crossover between haute couture and prêt, so we offer a range of clothes and jewellery that are both affordable and heavy enough for weddings.”
Adding that the concept of destination weddings has necessitated change in jewellery trends, she says, “It’s no longer about precious jewellery. With brands like Tsara from Mumbai, Chennai buyers can now get wedding jewellery that is cheaper, lightweight, and can be matched to the outfit.”
We have our eyes on Benaras-based La Ethnic by Rupadarshi Heritage, bringing down to Chennai its revival of royalty-inspired traditional textiles with saris and kurtas. Also on show is Kolkata-based Pranay Baidya, whose wedding line promises not only saris and skirt sets for women, but also a range of menswear with kurtas, dhoti pants and shoes. Followers of Vimonisha’s social media handles can also
participate in a series of contest to win goody bags and hampers
from Japanese skincare brand Shiseido, bridal shoots from And Stoodio, and more.
At Hyatt Regency. July 31-Aug 1. Details: 9820043549