Rising Novas of the Fashion World : Fashionova 2008

Beauty of the confused mind ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

All the glitz, glamour and over the top creativity converged at this year's Fashionova 2008, an annual event showcasing the creations of the graduating Fashion batch of Manipal University- Dubai. On the 15th of May 2008, the Safina Ballroom at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel was buzzing with fashionistas and well wishers of the students whose vision would be under the radar for the next 2 hours.

Pillars of Serenity ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

This year the event's main sponsor was Mikyajy (Cosmetic Line) and was co-sponsored by the Apparel Group. The event was also sponsored by Rosy Blue Diamonds, Joy Allukas Jewellery and Peugeot. Media support was extended by the Real Media Group, 101.6 City FM and City Times.

Colours of a carnival ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

Super model turned Fashion Show Director, Marc Robinson directed the show. Some of the biggest names including Miss India 2008 Parvathi Omanakuttan, Miss India Tourism 2007 and Miss Earth 2006 modeled the creations of the aspiring designers. Top models Carol Gracias, Shawar Ali and Zulfiqar added a glamour quotient at Fashionova 2008.

Arabic Allure ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

The show began with the MC- Sachin of 101.6 City FM introducing the Miss Indias' to the audience. The Apparel Group kicked off the Fashion Show with its summer collection setting the stage for the student's big reveal. Once on a roll, 18 students showcased 6 creations each that was being judged by an eminent panel from the fashion industry. The dazzling lineup kept the audience enthralled throughout while claps, cheers and photo flashes kept the atmosphere alive.

Gem of the sea ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

At the end of the show 5 designers were awarded for their ingenious creations and garment construction. Walking the ramp with their winning collection the potential of these designers shone vividly and provided a glimpse into the future where they will be names to be reckoned with.

Winners of Fashionova 2008

The winners of Fashionova 2008: A dazzling display from the talented and upcoming designers from Manipal University, Dubai.

Best Design : Famita A. Latheef (Fariyaad)

Photograph by Afshan Ahmed

Most Innovative Collection: Anshu Moolchandani (Confusion was never so beautiful)

Photograph by Afshan Ahmed

Best Academic Performance: Amruthalakhsmi R (Painting Prayers)

Photograph by Afshan Ahmed

Excellence in Garment Construction: Fatema A. Doriwala (Facets)

Photograph by Afshan Ahmed


Viewers Choice Award: Noor (Le Carnival)

Photograph by Afshan Ahmed

Creativity at its wildest! Kudos to the winners!

Behind the scenes ticket: Fashionova 2008

As we count down the hours to Manipal University's grandest and most glamorous event - Fashionova 2008, all set for tomorrow, the graduating students of Fashion are applying final touches to their most precious creations.

Eighteen students will present six of their outfits each, modeled by none less than India's hottest super models. The show is choreographed by Marc Robinson an ex-supermodel himself who now directs fashion shows. Models for tomorrow's show also include Ms. India 2008, Ms. India 2007, Ms. India 2006, Ms. India 2004 and a host of other top models.

Mark Robinson charting out the plan ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

Today, the fashion students had a dress fitting session with the models. Event Director, Marc Robinson called the shots on the sequence and positions and patiently spent the entire morning finalizing the plan for the event.

All changes and fittings were completed and approved by Marc, after which he headed for an interview with the local media.

Here is a peek into the hubbub behind the scenes:

'Hmm...she should be on the other side of the stage...'

Marc Robinson delibrating on the positioning ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

A fashion student discussing her creation with Miss India World 2008- Parvathi Omanakuttan ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

The intricacies of the garment ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

Manual labour of love ~ Photo: Afshan Ahmed

EVENT DETAILS:

Fashionova 2008

Date: 15th May 2008

Venue: Safinah Ballroom, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

Time: 8:00 pm

Tickets: Special invites and Tickets

Visit the Fashionova website for more details.

Fashion at its Best - Fashionova 2008

The years most anticipated event that has put MAHE -Dubai Campus on the fashion map, is here. Fashionova 2008, an event showcasing the creations of the Graduating students in the Fashion Design Department is a booster for young designers to make it big in the sixth Fashion Capital of the World-Dubai.

The event is choreographed by famous ramp expert and model, Marc Robinson and walking to his tune this year are Femina Miss India 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2004. The fashion show will be followed by a Grand Buffet and entry is by special invites and tickets.

Date: 15th May 2008
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Safinah Ballroom, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai

A Display of Bridal Fashion

The Bride Show 2008 ended on 26th of April with an award ceremony to acknowledge the fresh outlook of budding designers in the region. Competing to display the many facets of a bride, imagination was taken to new heights with all sorts of designs being showcased at the Swarovski Yong Designer Awards.

Our students Asma Rafiq and Neelam Kunti who were shortlisted for the competition did not quite make it to the top but nevertheless have made us proud by catching the lens of shutterbugs present at the ceremony. Their unique perspective to the theme 'The Art of Being Intimate' and an innovative use of material like plastic gave the audience a glimpse of the future bride.

Pick up City Times (Issue: Tuesday, 29th April 2008; Page-12), a supplement of Khaleej Times to see the creative endeavor of our fashion design students.

Dressing up Newspapers in style!

XPRESS Front Page, dated MArch 13, 2008

At MAHE Dubai Campus, it is not just the students who do not cease to amaze, but there are some MAHE Dubai faculty who literally 'make the front page' of newspapers without much publicity. The MAHE Media Dubai Community Blog noticed that one of the popular weekly UAE newspapers 'XPRESS' celebrating its First Birthday (March 13, 2008), had a very unique cover which was of a model wearing a dress completely made of newspapers.

Little did many people in MAHE realize it was a creation by one of our own faculty members and a student from the Department of Fashion Technology behind this innovative design which graced the newspaper's front page for the XPRESS's special first year anniversary edition.

The Department of Fashion Technology was approached by the XPRESS team to dress up aspiring Lebanese model Lana Wehbe for a innovative front page cover design. A team consisting of Mr. Kailash Menon, Sr. Lecturer and Ms. Amrita Laxmi Rajgopalan, a student from the Fashion Department took up the challenge and designed a 'work of art' promptly named by the newspaper as the "XPRESS dress."

Congratulations to Mr. Kailash and and Ms. Amrita Laxmi Rajgopalan! The MAHE Dubai Community Blog hopes that they will showcase more of their designs at the University.

Click on the title to read and see more pictures of Mr. Kailash Menon creating the special "XPRESS dress" - Haut Spot: We are One, March 13, 2008.

Also read the XPRESS Editorial mentioning the concept behind the dress "Birthday confections."

Lana and Kailash all set to make 'news'.
© XPRESS / Sankha Kar

MAHE Dubai at Creations 2008 - Gulf News Coverage!

Designs showcased by students of the Department of Fashion Design at Creations 2008, Burjuman Centre as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival was highlighted in today's Tabloid, Gulf News (21 February 2008).

Click on picture to download and read!

Kudos to all the faculty and students of the Department of Fashion Design.