 
Kolkata, 18th February, 2009: Finally Kolkatans can get set to be a part of their very own, very unique fashion fiesta – the Kolkata Fashion Week, the first ever Fashion Week to be held in the city. Conceptualized and designed by Mindscape Maestros Events & Sports Management Limited, a part of Mindscape Group Of Companies, Kolkata Fashion Week (KFW) will be a four day fashion blitzkrieg to be held through 2nd – 5th April, 2009 at PC Chandra Greens, EM Bypass.
The year 2009 has been declared as “The International Year of Natural Fibre” by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. The KFW, with the theme – ‘Return to Roots’, will focus on the rich heritage of weavers and weaves in Bengal. Renowned designers of the country who have taken Indian fashion to international arena, will showcase their designs keeping the theme of the event into consideration. The look, feel and perspective of the event and its venue will be uniquely natural with a chic edge that is a first in many ways.
Top 35 models of the country will be sashaying down the ramp for designers of international repute like Bibi Russell, Ritu Kumar, Narendra Kumar, Mona Pali, Zubair Kirmani, Manoviraj Khosla, Sharbari Dutta, Abhishek Dutta, Anjana Bhargav, Marg and Dev R Nil, amongst others.
“Kolkata has come a long way from its image of being a traditional and conservative city. The look, feel and the mindset of the city has undergone a sea change. Kolkata is poised to become the preferred fashion destination of India. With KFW, we are certain of reaching out to a large audience and revolutionise the fashion statement of the city. KFW will also encourage and influence the gen-next to think of fashion as a viable career option”, said Mr Yudhajit Dutta, Director, Mindscape Group Of Companies.
KFW will celebrate India’s ethnic roots even as they transform to being more chic, stylish, modern and fashionable. The magic of the designers with local weaves will be showcased over 5 sections each day. Renowned fashion designer Bibi Russell’s 2009 collection will be unveiled for the first time at KFW.
“This is the first time that I am showing my work at a Fashion Week held in India and I am absolutely thrilled to launch my 2009 collection at Kolkata Fashion Week. This year has been declared the Year of Natural Fibre, which I am extremely excited about. For the last 15 years, I have been working hard with our weavers and crafts people to promote our natural fibres. I am doubly honoured, as a Bengali, to participate in the Kolkata Fashion Week, where the focus is on our magical weaves”, said Bibi Russel.
“If the garment is the creation, the designer is the creator and the brain behind the beauty. This is the first time Kolkata will play host to a fashion bonanza of this magnitude featuring the who’s who of the fashion world. I am proud to be associated with KFW and look forward to the success of this mega event”, said Zeenat Aman, renowned film actor and fashion icon, who was present to unveil the KFW logo.
The KFW launch was also marked by the presence of versatile personalities from the fashion fraternity like Mr Narendra Kumar, Ms Sharbari Dutta, Ms Mona Lamba & Ms Pali Sachdev, While Narendra gave an insight on Indian fashion trends and also spoke about the future of fashion in India, Sharbari stressed on the changing trends in men’s fashion ware. Mona – Pali also pointed towards the increase in demand for Indian designs in the international market. Ranvijay Singh conducted the entire event with his inimitable style.
Aparna & Tanya from Delhi and Alison Kanuga from Mumbai will choreograph the KFW. Poojan and Vahbiz will be in charge of the Backstage whereas Edward Lampuria will be the Stylist for the weave shows.
