He’s a winner all the way

He is just 24 years old and recently showcased his debut collection. But Shahzad Kalim is being hailed as the most promising fashion designer in India.

His talent has already won him a six-month internship at the Versace design studio in Milan. And his first professional showing at the Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) last month received a standing ovation.

Fashion lovers in Dubai will have the opportunity to see the young designer's stylish and innovative garments at an exhibition to be held at Designer's Lounge, Al Mina Road, on June 1 and 2, from 10am to 8.30pm.

Kalim comes from the North Indian city of Patna and has had a keen interest in fashion designing since childhood.

"I have always been good at sketching and with scissors and have been making my own clothes since I was 14. All my friends would ask me to design their wardrobes," he recalls.

The turning point came when he was selected to be among the 16 contestants in Lakme Fashion House, a reality show on the Star One television channel.

They worked day and night on their designs with 32 cameras capturing their every move and mood.

His prize included an internship with Versace in Milan and an invitation to showcase his collection at LIFW this year.

Titled Brazen Bollywood Meets Rodeo Drive, the collection was a riot of colour.

Chiffon and georgette were combined with brocades, lace, satin and velvet to create bustiers, body-hugging pants, short skirts, corsets and hot pants embellished with stones, sequins and ethnic trims.

Interesting accessories ranging from colourful strips of fabric for the hair and huge bags to whips and a saxophone added to the drama of the show.

Kalim will showcase many of the garments from this show in Dubai.

"I am excited about this exhibition because it is the first time I am displaying my collection abroad," says Kalim. "I am looking forward to working at Versace. But I am a true Indian and will come back to India and launch my own label."