Ivory towers

Cheers for the only Asian designer, Hemant Trivedi, for presenting his collection at the Collection Premiere Dusseldorf (CPD) in Germany, the largest and the most prominent ready-to-wear fair in the world, this year. He also happens to be the only Indian designer to be invited to showcase his work at the CPD for the third time. This alone speaks a lot for the man whose creative designs have won him more than just rave reviews and international acclaim.

Says a rather calm and controlled Trivedi at his presentation held at the Sheetal Design Studio in Mumbai: "I have always been attracted to the idea that is against the norm and yet retains the human spirit; and thus designing ready-to-wear makes it even more of a challenge."

Called 'Divisional Paradox', the latest collection bears his fashion statement of the year very distinctively. Describing his collection, he says: "It is the purity of ivory juxtaposed with the design details of the horizontal line which is normally perceived as a challenge in garment design."

Understated yet overpowering is the immediate impression. Sagely simple with delicate rows of beading and sheer and opaque weaves banded together, they win applause. An array of three-quarter length dresses, some vivacious and others elegantly neat, dominate the ramp. Bareness is involved subtly, just enough to widen the eyes. Shimmer and glimmer are not far behind as the highlights of the new century.

The extension line features cutwork, brocade, weaves, tie-dye textures and occidental lines. The Indianness is prominent along with international appeal. Menswear is sleek and not dominating. Geometric lines in whites for men seem to deviate from the usual hard image that most men project.

Graduated from the Perth Technical College in Australia in 1979, Trivedi's fashion career has taken him places. He has been an intern faculty at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. He is also a professor in fashion academics at SNDT University in India. He carries titles of fashion editor, stylist and consultant, and is the official choreographer and artistic director for the Miss India pageant.

He was the one responsible for the attires of Aishwarya Rai, Diana Hayden, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta when they won their international beauty pageants. Creating trend-setting fashion imagery for prestigious corporates also features in his career. His flair for make-up has won him advertising campaigns and countless magazine covers.

And asked about his fashion philosophy, he simply says: "I believe clothing must feel and look good inside as it does from the outside." The latest 'Divisional Paradox' is certainly well on track!