Are these fashion shows relevant?

Few Days ago, a columnist in a news paper described a fashion show as “fashionably unfashionable’ and a sad show. This leaves us pondering on the relevance of such fashion shows. What is most striking in these fashion shows is that they are more of cultural nights without a pinch of fashion.

The reason for this is quite obvious. First of all, for most of the organizers the programme is merely a money-making process. Thus, it ends up being another cultural evening with a fashion show crammed between other shows. The question is why is it then called a fashion show. It can be called a cultural night. Probably, due to the popularity of the word ‘fashion’, these cultural shows with little fashion involved, are termed ‘fashion shows’.

The words ‘fashion’ and ‘fashion shows’ are misunderstood. In fact, a fashion show is more of a display show for launching or promoting a brand for the industry, market, foreign buyers or prospective buyers. In all these cases, the people watching the show, at least, have knowledge of the field. Most of these organized shows are meant for a select class in metro cities. In smaller towns, a fashion show turns out to be a cultural evening where people hoot and whistle on any skin show.

Most interesting is the fact that the people organizing these shows are usually not professionals of the field. They do not even know the basics of the design and garment industry. They just randomly pick garments from sponsors like boutique owners. Most of the time the models are locally picked who may not have the right attitude and skills for ramp shows. Very little thought is given to fittings or ramp appeal through right draping of the garments. So, if the show becomes a cropper, it should not be a wonder.

Most people in India believe that what is shown in channels, is fashion. No, it is not that because the most innovative and craziest designers need to sell their garments. For that purpose, they will have to be practical. No business runs just for the show. A designer is not successful unless his work sells. So, the bizarre things are more of an attention-grabbing process. Unless he creates a head-turning impact on the ramp with something truly different, you will not remember his name.

 This is how the entire advertising industry works where they show the truth in a dramatic way to create an impact. Even Gianni Versace got a world notice for his safety pin dress at the Oscar night.

The garments of the real fashion show are different and impractical and just for advertisement or concept preparation. If you walk into the same designer’s showroom, you will probably find more practical and wearable stuff.

What is really needed is the correct exposure and knowledge of any field before venturing into it. Till then, we may have to witness more of such sad, slip–shoddy cultural nights in the name of fashion shows.