Delhi Fashion Week – All That Glitters, Is Gold!

Not only is Delhi India’s first city politically, it is so when it comes to lifestyle as well. A strong culture of theatre, music, performances, literature and creativity has given India’s capital a distinct character. Glorious architecture is everywhere – from prehistoric monuments that dot the cityscape, immaculate Lyutens tracts, to contemporary skyscrapers. Against such a backdrop, a vibrant fashion scene has blossomed. The offerings of Delhi Fashion Week are unique because while conforming to international trends, old sartorial traditions get retold. The bi-annual Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is a good place to catch avant-garde work of the country’s designers.

Beautiful Indian models at Fashion Week in Delhi

Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in Delhi – The How & What

The garment trade industry has a strong presence in Delhi. In the 90s, the idea to create an apex body for these businesses was implemented in the form of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The role of this body is to represent interests of designers both locally and on the global stage, arbitrate and work on issues affecting the industry. The FDCI organises the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week and brings together designers, models, make-up artists, stylists and show managers to present aesthetic proposals for the next season. Foreign buyers come in from prestigious high-street stores. Browns of London, the Conran Shop, Selfridges, Macy’s and and Harrods have all sent their buyers to the week in past editions.

Designer wears to choose from in Delhi

Typically, fashion week in late-September or early October showcases trends for spring-summer of the next calendar year. The one in February or March shows designs for the following fall-winter season. About five shows happen every day. Each participating designer has a stall to display more pieces from their collection. It’s a treat for those fashion aficionados who can manage to get a pass to the event!

Other Attractions To Look Forward To

Though the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is primarily a trade event, it also serves-up dollops of glamour. After all, fashion is as much about the vibe as it is the clothes. Everyone wants to be seen on the front row. Several designers book flights to Delhi for their Bollywood clients. Who knows which celebrity could walk out on the ramp? Salman Khan, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Chitrangada Singh, Gonvinda, Preity Zinta … they’ve all been spotted here.

Qutub Minar- One of the many attractions in Delhi!

A heady cocktail of decked-out-socialites, dapper industrialists, music as belted out by DJs, strutting models and some great prêt-a-porter (ready to wear) designs leave everyone quite intoxicated after the lights go out. The scene then shifts to the after-parties that go on till the wee hours of the morning. The champagne flows, beautiful people are everywhere and for those not concerned with their waistlines, the food in Delhi is always gourmet. The whole challenge is getting invited!

Temporary structures come-up at the venue of the fashion week, to house some of the best restaurants, lounges and bars. Olive and Smoke House Grill are a favourite with the swish set who sip martinis and nibble on sushi between shows. If you’re not getting a foot into the door at a rollicking party, this is the next best bet to catch some action. Passes to the venue are easier to come by. If you do manage to get the passes at the very last minute and your hotel bookings are yet to be done – well, you don’t have to worry. Just book hotels in Delhi on MakeMyTrip.com and get awesome last minute hotel booking discounts!