Kozhikode native Arun choreographs Pakistan catwalk

Kochi: It was a rare feat for Arun Ratna from Kozhikode, an acclaimed fashion choreographer, when he  choreographed the Pakistan Fashion Week in Dubai last week.

The event held  on April 24 and 25 showcased Pakistani designers, fashion, fabrics and textiles at an international stage.  Arun was the only Indian behind the scenes.

“I was overwhelmed when the organisers rang me up to choreograph the huge event. They wanted me to train 25 female and 25 male models. Twenty  upcoming and top fashion designers, including Deepak Perwani, Nasreen Sheikh, Ali Zeesha and Emraan Rajput from Pakistan presented their collections.

“I held discussions with the designers and sought their opinions. Since designers are the most important part of a fashion show, a choreographer should help them  showcase their talent by grooming the models,” he said.

This year, the Pakistan Fashion week focused more on bridal collection. There was a beach wear section, cocktail section and the traditional Pakistani Sherwani collection. “I planned different styles for different rounds,” he said.

Arun holds Pak designers and models in high regard. According to him, their fashion sense and determination are  unparalleled.

Arun has been  in the fashion industry for the last nine years. He has so far done shows in 12 countries.

Arun was the first Asian to choreograph for Miss Asia Pacific World 2014 which is Asia’s biggest pageant. Contestants from  52 countries participated in it. 

He also attended the Miss India Worldwide Finals 2013. Arun will be choreographing for Dubai International Fashion Week and African Fashion Week.

He has trained several models, including Sabrina Benner, who participated in the Miss Universe 2014 representing Malaysia.

About the grooming sessions, Arun feels that to turn a normal girl into a model  requires changing the body postures, stride and  walk. The  important part is to have the right body posture  and eye contact, Arun adds.