INIFD shows 2nd edition of “Vibrant India” at New York Film Festival

NEW YORK – ‘Vibrant India’ celebrated a second season at the New York Fashion Week, on Friday, September 7. The designers, all students from the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) in India, showcased their creations, which included mostly western outfits. A traditional Indian bride and groom outfit kicked off the show. The show was powered by Art Hearts and took place at Pier 59 Studios.

The students from the INIFD’s various locations showcased mainly western wear collections but there were also traditional pieces thrown in. The show began with a traditional Indian men’s and women’s wedding ensemble and other looks included a floral printed gown and rainbow striped dress that celebrated India’s recent decision to legalize homosexuality in the country. There were 14 outfits in total.

Prominent guests included the Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty and his wife Tanuja Chakravorty. Consul General Chakravorty, speaking at the meet, praised the designers and was happy to see their designs showcased during the New York Fashion Week.

“I think whatever I say will not match the incredible beauty we just saw right now,” Ambassador Chakraborty reportedly said. “I didn’t find a signature in the collection and that is because every collection was made by a different designer who is a student of the organization in India, which brings together the diversity, color and vibrancy of India,” Chakraborty said.

Chakravorty also mentioned that the event showcased the vibrancy of Indian design and that the world should see it as an example of the country’s diversity and heritage. He also stated that it was an example of shared values between India and the US.

There were a few outfits that were intriguing – like a floral patterned dress with a very low back; a rainbow colored dress with blue beads on the side – in time for legalization of LGBT rights in India; a pink dress with blue butterflies, and a pink skirt with ruffles on it.

The rest of the 14 outfits, however, just looked out of place. The golden flake eyebrows displayed by models didn’t help the overall look of the creations either.

“The U.S. is the world’s oldest democracy and India is the world’s largest democracy and I think we share an alliance, a passion and values for the future. When you deal with India, you deal with the future because 70 percent of India’s population is below the age of 30, so you are dealing with a young nation. Thus, India has to succeed somehow and what better success can we have than on the ramp of fashion,” Chakravorty added.

INIFD is the largest network of design Institutes in the world and they have many centers all across India and in 11 other countries. It is the only Indian student body to successfully showcase for five consecutive seasons at ‘India Day’ during London Fashion Week.