With Lakmé Fashion Week around the corner, we get designers to suggest what one should wear while f-rowing...
A designer’s front row says a lot about the label he or she represents. While on one hand, the well-heeled and impeccably turned out guests can inject gravitas into the brand imagery, alternatively, a slew of shoddily dressed up no-bodies can spell disaster, no matter how great the clothes are. The front row is usually reserved for crucial buyers, senior editors, key stylists and valued clients and if you are lucky enough to land the front row pass, it’s imperative to respect the host and look the part. We got designers and stylists to dissect the often-debated (also frowned-upon) front row style...
It’s not a cocktail party!
Some guests overdo it when they show up in gowns and find it impossibly difficult to navigate around and sit uncomfortably especially when seating is squashed. Stylist Isha Bhansali, who’s been attending fashion weeks as a stylist for 12 years opines that comfort is key. “Of course, you have to be chic and stylish, but being comfortable is crucial. Don’t dress like you are going for cocktails. I’d wear a gorgeous silk suit with a pair of sneakers,” says she.
Also, in fashion, it’s often said that one should show up in the brand’s (which is showcasing) design and it’s rather rude to wear a rival label. Isha nixes that idea. “In fashion, we are like a family, If I attend a Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna show in a Namrata Joshipura dress, I don’t think they’ll have a problem. Having said that, if you want to promote a young talent then you should definitely wear his or her design. Also, it depends on the aesthetic of the designer and it has to match yours. Just because it’s a Gaurav Gupta show, doesn’t mean one has to wear a gown. As a stylist, I am not there to enjoy, but work. For me, it’s a trade show,” says Isha.
Combine confidence and comfort
Get creative with separates, layering and make a minimal statement that shows off your personality. Designer Suman B of label Lola says, “Confidence and comfort are key, dress in your favourite trend of the season or your treasured looks from your personal closet. Avoid dressing to be the centre of attention. I think it’s a very common mistake. People are there to watch the show, but the front row often steals the show. Even though it doesn’t directly have to do with dressing, I feel like bad posture is very commonly seen at the front row at fashion weeks. I think what you wear often determines your posture. Whether you are feeling graceful, confident or feminine, what you wear adds value to your posture.”
Don’t overdo it
There’s a section of designers, who opine that the audience shouldn’t dress to the nines for the front row. Instead, they should dress up for the designer to show their support and underscore the mutual shared taste and aesthetic. Designer Rina Singh of label Eka says, “I don’t mean to say that for bridal shows, women should take out the old pieces in their closet and wear to the show, but essentially dress to the occasion. Make your own statement and don’t be out of place. Common mistakes would be overdoing for the shows! Keep it subtle and be comfortable — shoes, clothes, hair make-up everything.”
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 "Lakmé Fashion Week")
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