From Sonam Kapoor to Vidya Balan, Gaurang Shah’s designs have been worn by some of the biggest names in the country. But on Saturday, the Hyderabadi designer found himself walking down an unfamiliar though exciting stage as he kick-started the IIFA awards show in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The anarkalis, ghararas, lehengas and odhnas were crafted in organza, woven in Banaras and Kanchipuram and blended with Kota and Chikankari.
Gaurang presented 26 looks as part of his collection ‘Umrao’, a dancer from the 1860s and it took him and his team of weavers 60 days to create. “The fashion show was a different experience. Since it was a film-fashion merger, the whole set up was superb. From the ball room to backstage to the green rooms, everything was well-planned and spacious.
“Actor Sonu Sood was my showstopper. He is very down to earth. After the show, he came up to me and appreciated his outfit and the style with which I draped the shawl. Though he wanted to drape it in another way, he was quick to appreciate my suggestions,” says Gaurang, who was further encouraged by the reactions of the Malaysian delegates and the Bollywood glitterati, who were present.
“I met Malaika Arora Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari and others. When I introduced myself, they said they have heard a lot about me and have been following my work. Aditi was surprised and very happy to know that I was from her grandmother’s school, Vidyaranya High School. Dia Mirza, who walked for Rocky S, entered the green room to get ready, and when she saw me, said wish I could have been your showstopper again. She saw the models getting ready in my outfits and was very appreciative,” says Gaurang.
Even though part of a huge celebration, Gaurang admits he wasn’t nervous. “I have completed seven seasons at Lakme Fashion Week and have conducted many shows in different cities. It was my debut show and I wanted it to leave a lasting impression. This, to an extent, was stressful,” says Gaurang, who couldn’t stay back for the rest of the festivities, as he had to begin preparations for the launch of his maiden Delhi store in about two weeks from now.
