The in-person FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week, held in the capital may have come to an end but the sartorial magic refuses to hype down. Letting go of its ‘phygital’ format, the gala unleashed the drama on the runway in form of extravagant presentations and fashion-fueled collections.
One such collection was presented by aLL: The Plus Size Store on Day 5 of the sartorially loaded soiree. The overall theme of the brand’s latest line was massive, flamboyant and catering to all body types. The collection showcased a lot of vivid colors, tropical tints, and tie-dye designs that are currently popular amongst the audience. The brand has also introduced activewear this season. What’s unique? The models who did the strut for the brand’s latest collection comprised regular plus-size men and women who were selected via a virtual audition. Closing the show was actress and body positivity advocate Neha Dhupia Bedi, who looked amazing in a white, floral, printed maxi with a sheer white organza floor-length robe.
In an exclusive conversation with PeepingMoon.com, Rajeev Singh, Business Head, of the plus-size brand opened up about the inspiration behind their latest collection, his views on body positivity moments and the infamous ‘Fat Tax.’
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. The FDCI x LFW has returned to its full-fledged physical format. How would you describe your experience of being a part of on-ground shows?
Working from home or digitally for two years was an entirely new experience. We were all adjusting to the new normal, which was not easy, and we all faced communication challenges, but in the end, we all made it through together. We couldn't have asked for a better experience than FDCI X LFW 2022. We were all very excited to be a part of fashion week, and the team worked extremely hard to present one of our best collections.
Q. Your last show for the season was Winter/Festive 2018. Post that many changes have taken place in the format such as going ‘phygital and seasonless.’ How did you feel about presenting your latest collection after so many changes?
We received an incredible response at the Winter/Festive 2018 show. However, there was a huge turnaround in things post it. Being back at Lakme Fashion Week with our newest collection feels incredible. We’re still coping with the changes and adjusting to this new normal, but the support and love we have received makes us want to push harder and become better for our audience.
Q. What served as an inspiration behind this collection?
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This collection is inspired by nature. It’s an ode to our surroundings and the colours in it. We were inspired by tropical and their prints. The collection has bright pops of colours and pastel shades and tones to compliment every garment in the collection.
Q. What made you choose Neha Dhupia Bedi as the showstopper of your collection?
aLL: The Plus Size Store, the first Indian brand to enter this category, caters to a niche segment by giving them every reason to be who they are as well as the freedom to choose who they want to be. We value the beauty that transcends size. Because we share the same fashion philosophy, Neha Dhupia Bedi was the ideal choice as a showstopper for our brand. The actress accepts her body and wears it with pride, and fashionably owns it like a queen. She encourages plus-size women to be proud of their bodies and to wear what they want. The brand adheres to the same ideology, and we couldn't have found a better model/actor to represent us on stage.
Q. The fashion industry is witnessing a lot of changes around the body positivity movement. Do you think it was long due?
The industry is fast-paced and constantly changing. There is evidence of diversity and inclusivity. Previously, only zero-sized models were the show's main attraction. Today's plus-size models are not afraid to be themselves and embrace their bodies. Women today are confident enough to carry themselves with opulence and elegance, regardless of their body shape or size. It was a long due change and the love and support received from the audience is overwhelming.
Q. What are your views on the infamous ‘Fat Tax’
Fashion is for everyone. We believe that clothes, regardless of size or shape, are meant to be used to express oneself and bring out one's best qualities. The fat tax is one of the most contentious issues we've ever faced. As a plus-size store, we believe in fair pricing for all. Nobody deserves to be judged based on their body type, shape, size, or curves.
Q. With COVID-19 still around, what precautions were taken during the fittings/ rehearsals of the show?
We've been extremely cautious and mindful of the situation, taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all those involved during the fittings and rehearsals. We imposed rules such as requiring double vaccination certificates and requiring RT PCR test results to be shown ahead of time. To ensure everyone's safety, ground rules such as the constant use of masks and sanitization points were established.
Q. How different is orchestrating a physical show from that of a phygital show? What’s your preference?
Although virtual runway presentations lack the physical attractiveness of traditional fashion shows, they have demonstrated the ability to leave lasting digital impressions and drive visitors. We were all forced to think outside the runways as a result of the pandemic and come up with everlasting phygital show ideas. In our opinion, physical shows, of course, have a distinct feeling that can never be matched by phygital shows.
Q. Post this, do you already have any next collection in mind? When can we expect it?
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We are most definitely coming up with new and exciting launches for our audience which we will be revealing shortly. We have a wide range of products in our collection for all occasions right from formals and casuals to athleisure and ethnic. We are soon going to be launching a lingerie line for women and undergarments for men which we are most looking forward to.
(Source- PeepingMoon)
