Fusion 2005: East Meets West

It’s hot couture all the way at the AAN fashion event

by Chemboli Srinivas

Nationalites lead the way! The Alumni Association of Nationalites (AAN) of R D National College proved it with panache with their intercollegiate fashion competition “Fusion 2005: East Meets West”.

R D National College, established in Bandra in 1949, is a dynamic institution enriching the lives of students in all walks of life. The Alumni Association of Nationalites (AAN) was founded in the golden jubilee year of the college and is growing under the dynamic guidance of Nationalites prominent entrepreneur Mr Hari Ram Mehra, and academician Ms Usha Gautam. AAN has sponsored the Mediclaim policy since the last three years of the non-teaching staff of National College, and provides scholarships to meritorious students. Principal Dr S Anand’s constant encouragement and support ensured that no stone was left unturned by the ebullient AAN team of Dr K Jathar, N R Ajwani, C JogaRao, Nikunj Desai, Hemal Thakkar, and Rohan Mehra. The event was supported by Baskin Robbins, and radio coverage provided by GO 92.5 FM.

The elimination rounds on 21 and 22 November were judged by Mrs Bhargavi, Mrs Samiksha Verma, and Ms Neha Nagpal, reputed fashion mentors. Under the microscope were teams from H R College, K C College, R D National College, M M K College, Rizvi Institute of Fashion and Creative Arts, Rizvi College of Arts Science and Commerce, Mithibai College, G N Khalsa College, C H M College, Sathaye College, and Dalmiya College.

The finale of the competition on 23 November was a night to remember. Internationally renowned fashion designer Mrs Monisha Jaising was the Chief Guest for the event. Miss India World 2004, Sayali Bhagat was the Guest of Honor. The six finalists now had to prove their mettle before the eagle-eyed appraisal by Mr Viren Shah, CEO Roopam Fashion Studio, Mr Haider Khan – India’s ace fashion photographer, fashion designer duo Mr Asif Merchant and Ms Sajeda Virji, Grasim Mr India 2005 Mr Viraf Patel, and Gladrags Supermodel 2005 Ms Nikki Daas. Aasma’s Jimmy Felix, Sangeet Haldipur, Neeti Mohan, and Vasudha Sharma, and AIR R J Pankaj Athavale graced the occasion.

After the first round of student presentations, the ramp was set ablaze with the pulsating colors and embroidery of Asif Merchant and Sajeda Virji creations. The sequence works bore their inimitable signature mark.

Following it was the second theme for the evening, the choreographer’s choice, and Rizvi Institute of Fashion and Creative Arts sashayed away with the Roopam Special Jury Award. [shown in pic left]

The event ended on a high note with ace designer Manish Malhotra showcasing his creations to the expert choreography by India’s leading choreographer and Nationalite, Shakir Shaikh. Inspired by the theme of Fusion 2005, pastel shades with intricate chikan work dominated the evening.

The creations were worn by a veritable who’s who of the ramp world--Grasim Finalist 2001 and Nationalite Amir Ali, Elite Model and Nationalite Sohni Jaitley, Grasim Finalist 2003 Bobby Sanioyol, Grasim Mr Photogenic 2002, and star of ‘Kahin To Hoga’ Manish Raisinghani, Ford Supermodel Top Five 2001 Manasi Tambde, Miss Mumbai 2003 and Miss India 2005 finalist Gwen Athaide, Ford Supermodel 2001 Finalist Harshada Redkar, Miss Mumbai 2005 Neha Kaur, Miss Mumbai 2005 runner up Anjali Raut, Gladrags Mister Photogenic 2003 Ritesh Aras, and lead actress of K Street Pali Hill, Jassi.

While event compere Hugo D’Souza had everyone on the edge of their seats, waiting for the finalists, Aasma regaled the audience with an impromptu rendering of their chartbuster “Tumse Pyar Karna Hai…”

Tahir Mithaiwala (K C College) was judged as the Best Male Model, and Noorie Sha (Mithibai College) won the Best Female Model title. Their prize was an exclusive portfolio by ace photographer Haider Khan and Star of the Month on EventDomain.com, managed by Nationalite Pradeep Chandran (Eddie).

Sushil Peswani (M M K College) won the Best Choreographer Award, while K C College bagged the award for the Best Designer.

H R College claimed the runners-up position, and the crown went to Mithibai College. The AAN Special Jury Award for overall presentation was awarded to Rizvi Institute of Fashion and Creative Arts.

Finally, it was time to end the wonderful evening on a musical note by faculty Ms Aparna Himatsinghani, capturing the spirit of AAN: Nationalites First, and Nationalites Always!