They say that ‘virtual’ is the new ‘real’. Really?! I miss the old real … especially with Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) just around the corner, from October 21 to 25. For the very first time ever, instead of making my way to the venue (St. Regis for many years now), I would be settling down in my living room in front of my laptop.
It will be a different story altogether. Missing will be the thrill/headache of wondering what to wear on each day of the five-day fashion feast … can’t possibly repeat the same clothes as the last season!
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So many other things will be absent now. Like getting up early to make it to the first show on time, standing in a queue to collect my photo ID, riding the elevator to the ninth floor, waiting patiently for the main show area doors to open, dutifully making my way to my assigned seat on the second or third row, sometimes lucky to be upgraded to the front row.
And, yes, the view of the front row across the ramp on the other side, who’s wearing what! Will miss all that people-spotting, the sight of the photographer brigade clicking pics of celebrities as they pose at the end of the ramp before being guided to their seats, the thrill of seeing familiar faces and the bother of not recognising someone who is obviously important or at least page-three material.
There is something so special about being inside the fashion show venue, the lights dimming, the music lilting, the lights brightening, the models taking to the catwalk and, of course, the attractive attire of various designers. When things are real it is all about hugs and kisses, cheer and camaraderie, small talk and animated conversations, meeting old friends and striking a friendship with new ones, clicking selfies for social media posts.
What I will surely miss this time around is the bountiful buffet at Seven Kitchens at St Regis and walking into the VIP lounge in between shows for some fine wine, chilled beer or to sip and savour luxury spirits and cocktails, not to talk about meeting people, especially the models who have been working so hard right through the week and need a break.
And one last thing: may not wear designer clothes as I sit in front of my laptop, but will be properly attired … definitely not in shorts or pyjamas!
The first-ever digital edition of the season-fluid Lakme Fashion Week opens tonight with designer Manish Malhotra's grand curtain raiser show and we cannot wait. For those who are late to this digital party, here is an elaborate schedule for the 'Five days of Fashion':
DAY 1
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DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
Can't wait already, what are your thoughts?
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