Mysore Fashion Week: Finding Fashion in Unexpected Places
September started off on a great note for me – I had the pleasure of attending Season 2 of Mysore Fashion Week. Yup, you heard that right…Mysore, a relatively small city in the Southern state of Karnataka, India has a fashion week! When you think of Mysore, you think of royalty (seriously, the palace is so worth the visit), delicious South Indian food, and most importantly for me, yoga. I wasn’t sure what to expect out of a fashion week held in a city where fashion really isn’t on one’s radar.
This time last year, I was attending NYFW, so safe to say when September rolled around, I was having a serious case of FOMO at the thought of not being able to attend any shows or presentations. This fashion obsessed individual (me, if you haven’t guessed) had to see what Mysore Fashion Week was all about. Shoutout to Jayanthi for obliging my over-enthused self, and giving me an invite! 🙂
Not having any expectations turned out to be the best thing because I was pleasantly surprised! The brainchild of local entrepreneur, Jayanthi Ballal, Mysore Fashion Week is now in its Second season and it shows no signs of slowing down!
Starting off fashionably late, Day One of Mysore Fashion week was a thrill to my senses. India is the land of color, and it’s no surprise that Indian designers love vibrancy, and are not afraid to showcase it on the runway. Every collection was bright, bold AND beautiful. I was enthralled.
I loved Robert Naorem’s Indo-Fusion collection. He used fashion as a platform to raise awareness about what’s currently happening in Northeast India. I, frankly, was unaware, and it opened my eyes and led me to look into what’s going on. Apart from making the audience socially conscious, his evening wear was simply stunning. Oh, the colors!
Day Two featured designers showcasing their Contemporary collections to a packed house. I mean, when there’s not much happening in town on the weekends, people jump at the opportunity to see and be seen.
My favorite collection of the night was Label Pinky Kachhela by designer Pinky Kachhela. I dig her contemporary, edgy design and aesthetics. You bet I can find a place/event to wear every single piece from her collection. Considering the lack of good online shopping options in India, she’s definitely a designer to follow, and order from.
The designer that stole the runway was Mona Shroff. Her Day Two finale was such an entertaining show with models dancing down the runway, showcasing gorgeous jewelry. Couldn’t have ended the night on a better note if you tried!
If you’re looking for a statement necklace that’s a conversation starter, and at an affordable price, Mona’s your lady. Check out her collection, you won’t be disappointed. If any relatives are reading this, take note…Christmas is right around the corner. 🙂
I couldn’t make it to Day Three, which I expect was bursting at the seams, crowd-wise. Looking at pictures, it really was a Royal Runway! I anticipate Mysore Fashion Week very soon is going to be right on the heels of Lakme Fashion Week. There’s a lot of potential to be bigger and better; I suspect Jayanthi has the vision and will get it accomplished.
I’m so grateful I got to see it in its infancy – there’s no doubt Mysore Fashion Week will be the next big thing to happen in the world of Indian fashion. Watch out!
2 Comments
Hi
I looked at pinky kachhela’s designs. Its quite not right to me. Its quite dull for w fashion show and the men’s wear is quite ordinary and can be seen from other fashion designers.
Color combination of men’s wear were nice but the women’s some just dont fit in.
Cheers for your blog.
Arna, I see what you’re saying, it’s definitely not bright and colorful like the rest of the designers. I think that’s why I like it, especially for corporate wear – some of the pieces can be incorporated into my work wardrobe, style meets professionalism! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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