 Increasingly the two worlds are merging. The audience was all-American as well as tourists from Germany to Australia and the venue was a chic restaurant in Manhattan. But the models were all flaunting the jewel-toned collection of Indian designer Natasha Sehgal. This was at the popular bi-weekly Champagne Fashion Brunch organized by Andres Aquino of USA International Fashion Shows such as Couture Fashion Week, Bridal Fashion Week and the Martini Dinner Series.
Over a three-course meal and champagne, tourists, buyers and socialites enjoyed Sehgal's collection and she got exposure to a whole new audience. Aquino has been matching audiences and new and noted international designers together. Sehgal, who studied at NIFT in New Delhi and Parsons School of Design in New York, has also worked for American design houses such as Anna Sui, DKNY and New York & Co. She now designs under her own label Nat Non, lives in Delhi and supplies to local retailers there.
The big American marketplace is always alluring and she's always popping into New York to meet buyers. Her fusion wear in vintage jewel tones is embellished with stones, gold thread and tassels, and her collection includes fishnet sweaters, fishtail skits and slim fitted flared trousers. She says, "There's a lot of scope here if done with western silhouettes."
The champagne brunches are held every other Sunday and showcase different designers. Aquino says, "Natasha's was a beautiful collection with lots of color and fabrics which India is famous for. She received thunderous applause." Designer Payal Jain has also been featured earlier, and Aquino is next introducing the designers Priya and Chintan at the Couture Fashion Show and is also working with companies in India to introduce Indian designers to the U.S. market. -LM | |
