City-based designer Vivek Karunakaran tells us that he is always looking for quirky and off-beat creative possibilities in fashion. Which is why when he was approached to design a summer collection inspired by the sights of an ‘enchanted garden’ that would require to seamlessly blend with a menu inspired by the same theme, he did not think twice. “I am truly inspired when I feel that rush that gets my creative juices flowing. At that point I am thinking of a million different ways in which I can interpret that moment. That is exactly how I went about designing this special summer collection,” says Vivek adding that the focus is on visual drama.
Floral paradise
While the collection has numerous ‘summer’ elements put together, predictably flowers hold centre stage. “It is an edgy art meets fashion preview. I have used florals which have been tweaked to make a contemporary statement,” says Vivek talking about the collection which will preview at Hyatt Regency this evening as part of a unique food meets fashion experience. All the outfits, Vivek says, are Western wear, including couture garments and red carpet dresses, which “fits in beautifully with the theme. The designer has worked with lightweight chiniya silks, georgettes, and a bit of crepe. “I have infused shibori dyeing on chiniya silk in the collection along with the multidimensional embroidery, thereby creating a lot of depth in the colour palette,” he adds.
Minimal chic
The collection will also feature a range of prints, appliques and 3D texturing. About the colour palette, he says,“There’s a lot of turquoise, electric blues, pinks, reds and of course, my all time favourite, the classic black and white. All the cuts are cleaner and textured and I have kept the minimalism going, in order to lay emphasis on the theme.”
The one thing Vivek feels that the city needs is ‘style’. He elaborates, “Chennai needs a fashion sensibility that helps them discover their own personal style within the space of being comfortable, and then being able to explore it fearlessly.”
Garden Gourmet
A summer palette for your plate, food doesn't get more couture than this
From lavender in your crème brûlée to rose petals on edible soil — Chef Mauro Ferrari was not kidding about taking us gardening. The executive chef of Hyatt Regency who has teamed up with designer Vivek Karunakaran for a night of fashion threaded through the food, as he launches the new menu at Focaccia, which promises an exclusive five-course dinner. The theme ‘Enchanted Garden’ promises a bright seasonal palette of spring summer colours from the blush of chilled watermelon to go with your salmon to the pop of yellow peppers in a coulis that pairs like a silky dream with Swiss chard ravioli.
This is a garden that you can walk through with your heels on. Here’s a taste of what is to come. Just ahead of the sit-down dinner, models will sashay between tables and in creations that bear the same colour palate as the platters of food to come. While on the other side, suspended pendant lights will play spotlight to the culinary centrepieces, promising to give your anticipation a lift before the first dish is served. What we love most is the pre-appetiser before the appetiser. Chef Mauro tells us, “Every table will have a strip of edible soil made of parmesan, flowers, almond, butter, sugar, salt and fresh aromatic herbs.” The flowers, in case you were wondering, are edible as well. Count on everything from marigolds to peonies to rose petals. Hose it down with a sip of wine, and voilà — it’s time for your next course.
Sampling Italian classics that hail from fashion capitals like Venice and Milan, we’re starting to understand the connecting thread between food and fashion as we go along. Don’t miss the Black Squid Risotto with Curry Lobster which one can easily call the showstopper at the table.
Rs 3,000 per head. From 7.30 pm onwards. Details: 30205608