ওয়াশিংটন বাংলা রেডিও Washington Bangla Radio USA

Calcutta, Sept 25, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) On 25th September, 2011, Kolkata based fashion boutique Palki arranged a fashion show based on the theme of “Durgotsav” to celebrate the spirit of the biggest festival of Bengal.

At the fashion show, Palki has presented an array of garments specially designed to celebrate and honour women achievers of Kolkata.

The background of the ramp was unique with bamboo craft and the theme of the presentation was relevant with excerpts from Shree Shree Chandi, songs of Tagore and Agomoni Gaan (songs to welcome Devi Durga) amalgamated with readings mainly from works by Tagore and Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay.

The presenters conceptualized the evening to welcome autumn, specially Devipaksha (time between Mahalaya and Bijoya Dashami) and to present Mashishasurabadh (killing of the demon by the Mother Goddess Durga) on the ramp itself.

This was an evening where fashion met culture through the concepts of  elocutionist Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, who weaved in readings and songs in between the ethnically crafted fashion sequences. The songs were basically puja melodies sung by Riddhi Bandopadhyay and Nabanita Chatterjee. White was the ruling colour on the ramp with dresses like Benarasis, lehangas and other sarees made from Tussar and other indigenous materials crafted with woven benarasi borders, zardousi works, etc.

Palki designers created the dresses to catch the colourfulness of the season and to establish the duality between the good and the evil (God and Demon).

The models walked the ramp under the aegis of Tina wearing the latest creations from Palki. They walked the ramp in a circular way to establish the spirit of Durga, better to say the spirit of women, as the universal power. Spotted walking the ramp were theatre personality Dolly Basu, elocutionist Sutapa Bandopadhyay, danseuse Rubena Chatterjee, corporate executive Sahana Mitra, social worker Tulika Das among others.

Many city based celebrities from different cultural fields were present at the venue to cheer for Palki’s latest creations as well as exclusivity of the event. The guests were treated to a lavish Bengali spread after the show.

Watch some video excerpts of the unique fusion of Durga Puja and latest Indian designer fashion.

Calcutta, Sept 16, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) Indian fashion designer Rohhit Verma flagged off the 3rd Kolkata Couture and Lifestyle Fashion Week. He returned to Calcutta with his collection "RED LIGHT".

According to Rohhit, his collection is designed to invoke emotions wrapped in a drape form conveying the message “power of a woman”.

Drape tunics with crystal linings are perfect for today’s naughty smart independent daring women. Drape dresses are also great lounge wear.

The main attraction of his show was show stopper actress Rituparna Sengupta. Rituparna walked the ramp with confidence and professionalism and the bridal saree and blouse designed for her by Rohit are daring but also truly ethnic Indian.

Idea Weavers presented the third season of "Gitanjali Lifestyle Kolkata Couture & Lifestyle Fashion Week"at Swissotel, Kolkata from 16th to 18th September, 2011.

The somewhat awkward location of Swissotel at Rajarhat suburb of Kolkata and the difficulty faced by organizers in keeping to the schedule did not deter attendance by fashion icons as well as celebrities from different cultural fields.

Watch excerpts of Rohhit Verma's presentation at the 3rd KCLFW 2011 online.

Calcutta, Sept 18, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) Indian fashion designers Paras and Shalini of Giesha Designs presented their collection “Whispering Woods” at the 3rd Kolkata Couture and Lifestyle Fashion Week.

Flowers, art, mystique, life and nature's pride created and inspired the romantic world of Giesha designs.

Idea Weavers organized the 3rd "Gitanjali Lifestyle Kolkata Couture & Lifestyle Fashion Week" at Swissotel, Kolkata from 16th to 18th September, 2011.

The somewhat awkward location of Swissotel at Rajarhat suburb of Kolkata and the difficulty faced by organizers in keeping to the schedule did not deter attendance by fashion icons as well as celebrities from different cultural fields.

Watch excerpts of Paras and Shalini's presentation at the 3rd KCLFW 2011 fashion show online.

By Subhomoy Mukherjee

Calcutta, Sept 16, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) Indian fashion designer Nisha Sagar presented presented her latest bridal collection portraying beauty in God’s creation of nature at the 3rd Kolkata Couture and Lifestyle Fashion Week.

Calcutta, Sep 18, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) Designer Jattin Kochhar presented his collection "Black Magic" at the KCLFW.

Idea Weavers presented the third season of "Gitanjali Lifestyle Kolkata Couture & Lifestyle Fashion Week" at Swissotel, Kolkata from 16th to 18th September, 2011.

Kochhar presented gowns, sarees, cocktail dresses and jumpsuits made of lycra, viscose, georgette, satin, etc. All the dresses were western influenced and adapted for the modern Indian woman and Indian climate.

Kocchar expressed disappointment with the current state of the Kolkata fashion. He said "I have worked with the worst possible models ever!"

The Kolkata Fashion industry should be more professional.

Watch video excerpts of Jattinn Kochhar's presentation at the 3rd KCLFW 2011 fashion show online.