Designers see an extravagant affair REPUBLICA As Nilima Maden walked the stage, the cheers and applauses on her victory echoed the hall at Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza Saturday evening. As the winner of the Republica IEC (Indian Education Center) Designer Contest 2010, she couldn’t express her happiness. “I’m so nervous,” said the elated winner, who won the best design under one of the themes titled “Paradise Lost”. Her design, a dramatic one-shouldered white Victorian gown, helped her win the title. She was presented with an LG Chocolate mobile phone, which was launched at the function. As the models walked the ramp, cameras flashed, supporters cheered and fashion commentators criticized and observed the 138 designs by IEC students currently pursuing Bachelor and Diploma programs in fashion designing. Their creations were categorized under 18 themes ranging from “Hey, it’s official,” a roundup of office wear, to the tribal African prints in “Amazonian Delight,” the 1960’s fashion in “The Golden ‘60s” and winter wear in “Snowbird.” Nilima Maden and her winning design. Keshav Thoker A mixed bag of designs mostly evening dresses, the contest showcased different dimensions of the Nepali fashion industry. Most of the designs had similar cuts, style and the color schemes. “Due to the lack of fabrics in the market, designers cannot play with their imagination. Most of the designs were limited to textiles such as stain, chiffon and georgette,” commented Khusboo Dangol, a young fashion designer and a judge for the contest. Sahana Bajracharya, an audience member, said, “There was a lot of stuff in one design, which instead of accentuating the apparels overshadowed them.” Dangol shared a similar opinion. Details such as frills and ruffles eclipsed the designs. Bajracharya, however noted that fashion events in the capital are gradually improving over the years. Zenisha Moktan, Miss Nepal 2009 and a judge for the evening, said contests like these create opportunities and provide good platform for amateur designers and emerging artists. Of the other judges were Shova Gyawali, the director of Nepal Republic Media, Upendra Poudyal, the chief executive officer of NMB Bank, sportspersons Deepak Bista and Paras Khadka, fashion designer Tarunika Mahato and actress Arunima Lamsal.