Fashion lovers in Kathmandu are in for a treat, according to the team of Kgarira, the organizers of the first ever Kathmandu Fashion Parade (KFP) at a press meet in Hotel Yak and Yeti on September 13. Fifty-five costumes from five designers, local and international, will walk down the runway in an exclusive fashion gala to be organized on the hotel premises on September 17, shared Sumina Rai Karki, production manager of KFP.
Home to one of the fashion designer of the moment, Prabal Gurung, Nepal’s textile and garment legacy is much more than the hodge-podge style of Chinese and Bangkok imitations revealed Karki. “The fashion scene here is deeper than what is normally perceived. We complain, we rant about the stagnancy in the field but in reality there’s so much happening, all we need is a renewed perspective, and that’s where we come in,” she added.
Chief of operation, Dipesh Ghaley revealed that KFP marks a rare instance as some of the established designers and fashion houses are coming under one single roof, sharing a common runway. Parading their creative concepts at this year’s event are British designer Laura Queening, House of Alternative Apparel, Astik Sherchan, a fashion graduate from Paris, Oodni by Nepali designer duo – Kushboo Dangol and Swarnim Rai and Nuzhat Qazi.
Featured in popular fashion glossies like Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Grazia and the British Daily The Guardian, Queening’s high end ethical brand “Aura Que” has been creating a range of stylish and contemporary accessories for the past three years in Nepal.
Manufactured by the Nepal Fair Trade Group, each design is brought to life in a Nepali factory that employs local people, some affected by disabilities, providing an income for themselves and their families. “Queening is an example of how international market is seeking our local craftsmanship. It’s an honor to have her creations walk along with other four able designers who are equally famous in their own rights,” shared Karki.
Established in Australia five years ago, Kgarira, the event management company, seeks to bring about innovative and groundbreaking approach in their projects. They are one of the first ones to be implementing ‘QR codes’.
“Every time a model walks down the runway, a unique QR code will be displayed which one can scan through their smart-phone and access exclusive photos and information on that particular piece at kgarira.com,” chipped in Manish Shrestha, the technical director and one of the models of the show.
According to the organizers, another unique aspect of this fashion event is the presence of a Stage Director who’ll be responsible for sound, lights and choreography.
Famed makeup artiste, Sakil Kunwar adds a feather to cap by taking on the responsibility.
He shared his thoughts on the upcoming show, “Ours won’t be the run of the mill fashion shows that focuses on pretty faces only. Models are important, yes, but our emphasis will be on the clothes, the creations that these designers put their sweat and tears into.”
He’s of the belief that its high time fashion shows are organized to reveal the business side of the fashion, that’s the only way the struggling industry can go mainstream.
“I came back to Nepal to earn a living through this field, if we can’t bring about changes, now, might as well quit and look for alternative source of income. It’s time to get serious,” mused the 19-year-old Singapore return who has been actively involved in the sector for two and half years.
Shedding light on the future events, Ghaley, said, “Our aim is not to do sporadic fashion shows and disappear. We would like to explore the country’s fashion scene and its potential with KFP as a biannual event that’ll feature Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer collection.”
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