One of the bigger names in our fashion industry, Vikram Phadnis made a seamless return from a year-an-a-half hiatus to the fold, weaving out the splendor and vibrancy that an Indian woman brings forth with a resplendent collection called ‘BAHISHT' at the grand finale of the COMO India Beach Fashion Week Season 5 held at Goa Marriot Resort and Spa, Miramar recently.
Speaking to this paper, he revealed that his collection at IBFW 5 called ‘BAHISHT' means ‘Heaven or Paradise.' "It has shades of greys, blues, greens which are the colours of the water, sea and the sky. It has the shades and colour palette of nature which is vibrant in the collection. It is a couture line and is meant for the destination bride," the seasoned fashion designer stated.
At his grand finale he showcased exquisite silhouettes that included sarees, lehengas, shararas which were a splendid amalgamation of soulful heritage with true urban influences. As the collection emphasized on destination beach weddings, the line had nothing too overtly or too opulent or over the top. In fact, Phadnis added that his showstopper, Kiara Advani who has recently signed up for a Bollywood film with Karan Johar had not seen the outfit that she was to wear even a day prior to his show but was content on the presentation made much earlier. Kiara Advani, who has especially made a name for herself with films down South, stood out as a showstopper wearing a beautiful maroon-coloured lehenga, in a colour distinctive to the other models draped in silhouettes strutting up on the runway.
Having been in the industry for a considerable length of time, Phadnis has had innumerable moments to savour working with names in the glamour industry. "I do not think I can specify one unique experience working with Salman, Aishwarya, Mr. Bachchan, Karishma, Sushmita, Priyanka Chopra. It has been a great journey of 27 years. I have seen a whole gamut of newer actors and actresses to the older ones when I started out. So it has just been the journey that has been beautiful. I do not think I have one anecdote or one experience or a particular incident that changed everything for me in fashion," Phadnis explained.
"Fashion evolves every single day. Changes happen every single day in terms of style, cuts, fabrics, embroidery, the look, the overall appeal, the sense of fashion and sensibilities. The number of people that get jobs, the number of people that work in the fashion industry have changed and it is the survival of the fittest," the fashion designer turned director-producer also stated.
For aspiring fashion designers to stay afloat in a highly competitive industry, he sounds his advice. "You got to stay focused. You cannot be here for the wrong reasons of glamour and money. You got to be here because you love fashion and that is most important."
Having started his journey as a Bollywood choreographer, Vikram Phadnis went on to find is calling in the fashion industry. Over the years, he has acquired a loyal fan following from celebrities like Salman Khan, Aiswarya Ria, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Malaika Arora etc. At the same time he has also designed costumes for various films like Muskhse Shaadi Karogi and Aitraaz. His outing for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi won his an IIFA award for Best Designer. Only growing from strength to strength each year, Phadnis completed 25 years in the industry last year. Earlier this year, Phadnis also ventured into film making with his debut film in Marathi ‘Hrudayantar' which was both directed and co-produced by him.
