Indian designers show collections in Joburg

The India Show - a blue-chip trade and investment dialogue taking place in Johannesburg from 29 August to 1 September - will also be exposing South Africans to a taste of India's culture and design flair.

The India Show Fashion Show, taking place at the Turbine Hall in Ntemi Piliso Street, Newtown, on Monday, 30 August, will showcase a selection of cutting-edge Indian designs in a bid to drive business between the South African and Indian fashion and textile industries.

Two of India's most accomplished fashion designers, Manish Malhotra and Satya Paul, will present their latest collections. The pieces will be modelled by Indian models Freddy Daruwala, Piyush Walia and Dipti Gujral, as well as premier South African models.

Reigning beauty queens

In addition, Satya Paul will be ending with a finale featuring three reigning beauty queens: Manasvi Mamgai, the winner of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India (PFMI) World 2010 title; Neha Hinge, who was crowned the Pantaloons Femina Miss India International 2010; and Nicole Faria, who holds the title of Pantaloons Femina Miss India Earth 2010.

Designer Manish Malhotra's areas of creativity span everything from Bollywood design to bridal couture, who dresses some of India's most beautiful and glamorous stars, such as Kareena Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty (for whose engagement he designed a classic sari) and Aishwarya Rai, as well as stylish men like Sharukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan. Even Kylie Minogue, Jean-Claude van Damme and the late Michael Jackson have enjoyed the benefit of his styling acumen.

India over the years

Malhotra's newest couture collection, entitled Celebration, looks back at India over the years. The hues, fabrics, textures and embroidery that represent the country's rich culture are interpreted using a contemporary perspective, celebrating the various eras from the Mughal period to the Rajasthan royalty to contemporary bridal wear. Set in jewel tones and using luxurious fabrics like velvets and antique brocades, the collection amalgamates traditional zardosi and thread work with edgy, contemporary designs.

Satya Paul is a designer label known globally for its signature prints, ingenuity of designs and a vivid colour palette. It has evolved from a quintessential Indian sari designer sari label to a brand positioned firmly in the arena of international couture, with extended product lines comprising saris, bridal wear, fusion and Western clothing, and including women's scarves and bags as well as men's accessories, such as ties, cufflinks, wallets, belts, writing instruments and fabrics.

First viewing

Satya Paul's collection, Zen, Zest, Zip, Zap and Zing, is being presented for the first time in Johannesburg. The collection features a mix of saris and Western garments. Its inspiration was to break away from colourful prints and highlights for the season, and instead indulge in bold white graphic patterns on cheerful shades.

The India Show Fashion Show on 30 August starts at 6.30pm for 7.30pm, with tickets available at Computicket at R150.