Koena Mitra woke up a so-far error-strewn and conservative WIFW with her petulant stride for Joy Mitra’s collection on day 3 – an ode to Lord Krishna. With eyes flashing, Koena dominated the walkway in a black-and-red lehenga choli and a golden dupatta. “A collection requires a lot of thought and it is evident in Joy’s collection,” she said, “He takes up challenges and comes out with unpredictable designs.”
Koena, who loves animals and owns eight different breeds of dog, is about to open her first petshop in Mumbai – called Happy Pets. Koena intends to bring a sense of fashion and style to the pet market. “In Germany, they have edible colours and hairstrips which you can put on your pets and make them look beautiful,” she stated, “These are organic vegetable colours which won’t make your pet fall ill, like harsh chemicals do during Holi. And dog ear-plugs for use during noisy Diwali days.”
Neha Dhupia, meanwhile, adopted a very demure and traditional approach to her runway experience for designer Jaya Rathore. Also wearing a red-and-gold lehenga, but with the dupatta covering her hair, she explained, “I was surprised when Jaya called me to walk for her very Indian collection, since I am seen wearing more of dresses and western outfits. I am feeling very beautiful, very elegant and ethnic right now. It’s something I have never done before, I almost feel like crying.”
Finally, designer Niki Mahajan upped the temperature for the week with her lesbian-themed show built around a fictional character called Lata. “My show showed that love between two woman is natural,” she said, “They are so happy with each other yet they can’t be truly happy because society doesn’t allow them to be so.” Models walked the ramp in pairs, held hands and hugged each other to symbolise their love.
