Click to play videoNew York: Last year, Ashish Soni became the first Indian designer to be invited to the Olympus Fashion Week in New York. That number has doubled this year, with Soni returning to the Big Apple and Sabyasachi Mukherjee joining the ranks.
The Indian action at the Olympus Fashion Week began backstage at Soni's show on Friday night.
The designer was back at the event this season for his second show in New York and Soni said he had learned to manage the commercial aspects and logistics of his show better this year.
"That was another learning experience from last season. Then we did about 45, which was too few by Indian standards, but this year we've brought it down further below 40. It's a crisp 12-13 minute, very focused presentation," Soni said.
Soni showed a collection with a muted palette, mostly of whites, metallics and greys, set to an equally soothing soundtrack.
"We've done some interesting embroidery and there's a lot of draping," Soni explained.
The next day was a gala affair, as celebrities including actress Rani Mukherjee and director Mira Nair arrived to cheer Sabyasachi's debut in New York.
"I wear a lot of Sabyasachi's clothes. He's a true designer. His cuts and fabrics are fantastic," Rani said.
"I was hoping to wear the only Sabyasachi outfit I have but it wasn't ironed this morning. But he's a great designer and a complete original," director, Mira Nair said.
Sabyasachi's collection, which had already caught the attention of the mainstream press in New York, showed off more vibrant hues. Both visitors and designer alike were pleased with the show.
"You have to remember this is not my city and to see so many people coming here and cheering, and such a big Indian contingent, it feels wonderful," Sabyasachi said.
Two Indian designers and two very different shows but the message was the same - Indian fashion has come to town and it's here to stay.
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