Thursday, March 15, 2001
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Little bits of crepe and no flab 

Parul Malhotra  
Dim lights, erotic music, beautiful bodies and sensuous clothing - all these blended together to create an alluring mix of romance, passion and design at the launch of Suman Nathwani's lingerie collection at a New Delhi hotel on Tuesday.

At a show which boasted of top ramp models Madhu Sapre, Nethra Raghunathan, Dino Morea and John Abraham, amongst others - modelling lingerie and men's nightwear - the strictly-by-invite audience was treated to bold cuts and body contoured silhouettes. Predictably, the response ranged from exuberant euphoria to goggle-eyed, gob-smacked adulation, primarily aimed at the visions on the ramp.

An eclectic mix comprising of Delhi's cocktail circuit, had duly assembled by the time the show took off - almost an hour late. A motley crew of self-styled fashion icons, wannabe models and Delhi businessmen, while awaiting Ms Sapre and her gang, held forth on Prime Minister Vajpayee's latest troubles (courtesy Tehelka.com), the collective woes of the designer fraternity ("poor thing, last time around, she tripped on the ramp") and mundane household crises (absconding maid-servants, sick chefs, et al).Since Delhi's chatterati were so deeply troubled, they decided they needed something to keep themselves in high spirits. That's why, while nibbling on their canapes and other cocktail snacks, they held on firmly to their booze, both before and after the launch. Thankfully, they deigned to restrain themselves while the show went on.

On to the launch itself. Roots Event Management intelligently crafted the presentation into three acts, to go with the collections on display. The first act showcased the teenaged girl, pining for her love, wearing (what else but) dainty, cutesy, flowing chiffons and satins in soft pastel hues.

Then, our girl was made to grow up a bit. Presumably, she was beginning to come to terms with her "womanness"; hence, she adorned bold purples and seductive reds in risque satin and sexy lace.

One of the collections that certainly stood out was the Calcutta-based designer's `Infinite Black' line-lingerie, teddies, PJ tops and pyjamas-all in stretch lycra and georgette, in gorgeous black and silver.

Finally, our woman "came together" with the man of her dreams and desires (equally gorgeous, rest assured) attired in the Bridal Collection-a blend of crepes, georgettes, Scottish lace and Swarovski crystals.

A couple of possibly completely inconsequential thoughts: The male models sashayed (can men sashay?) down the ramp in pyjamas and night-shirts in steel-grey (with web-mesh embroidery to boot), crafted on net blended with crepe. Quite a dodgy prospect that, seeing one's man in embroidered night-suits! One was also left wondering at the practicality of the funky Internet Vibes collection. These visually appealing pieces could turn out to be slightly discomfiting when worn in bed, simply because they shone so bright! If one fancies trying to fall asleep next to a fluorescent body, they would be brilliant. ]

But then, hi-fashion's supposed to be a bit over the top, isn't it? Having said that, the ladies collections were entirely wearable notwithstanding those kill-joy, self-appointed upholders of Indian culture and women's dignity. Then there's the mind-set of those looking to buy sexy nightwear.

More often than not, pieces such as these would be an integral part of an Indian woman's trousseau and post honey-moon, end up safely tucked away into deep wardrobes, rarely worn again. Just seems a sad end to a beautifully conjured up dream. All in all, Ms Nathwani succeeded in presenting the modern Indian (both man and woman) with desi nightwear options.

Congratulations are in order-the high-fashion items certainly captured the imagination. The nightwear and lingerie were both funky and classy. So all ye trendy teenagers, yuppie adults and blushing brides, make a beeline for Divyjyoti in New Delhi. But do have deep pockets as these "odes to the body beautiful" don't come cheap, priced at Rs 2,000 and above.

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.

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