On Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, an estimated 80 fashion designers, brands and home-decor labels will gather in the Godolphin ballroom of Dubai’s Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The two-day event, called DIVAlicious, is the brainchild of Vanita Bhatia, a 34-year-old former banker from India. Here’s the inside track on the extravaganza that she dubs a “shopaholic’s paradise”.
You established DIVAlicious in 2011 and average three events a year in India and the UAE. What was your motivation?
My first show was in Dubai and then I launched in Mumbai in 2012. Before that, I was working in finance but always had an interest in fashion. I knew I didn’t want to be a designer, but my experience helped me do something “associated” with fashion. So, I decided to gather lots of brands together with the idea of trying to introduce shoppers in Dubai to new labels. I adopted the same approach with the Mumbai event, too.
There’s a mix of Pakistani and Indian designers exhibiting this weekend, some of whom have shown at Lakme Fashion Week. Who are the big names to look out for?
Yes, we’ve gone a notch higher this time around and now have designers from Lakme and Wills India Fashion Week. So, if someone is looking for something that’s just been on the ramp, they’ll probably be able to find it at DIVAlicious. Nishka Lulla [the daughter of the acclaimed Bollywood stylist Neeta Lulla] is a young designer and already popular. There’s also Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary and Aartivijay Gupta, who’s highly rated. I’d also look out for Valliyan by Nitya who is excellent with jewellery.
Should shoppers expect to pay couture or ready-to-wear catwalk prices?
In one respect, I’ve sourced more prêt-à-porter pieces from the fashion-week designers this spring/summer event. Affordable pieces are important. When I do my next show in September, I’ll try to get more couture designers.
Describe some of the home decor that will be on sale. Will it be traditionally ethnic and feature rich embroidery, metal detailing, vibrant colours, etc?
Yes, there will be lots of soft furnishings such as table mats and runners that are Asian-fusion in design. They're not completely ethnic, but offer bold colours with gold, all combined with western elements. People looking to add an Indian touch to their home might like to do so with the cushions that will be on sale and accessory prices will range anywhere from Dh50-Dh500. You've introduced an outdoor lounge for the first time. What are the key features? There will be refreshments and shisha served daily and Emirates NBD customers will get an additional 15 per cent discount when they use their card, plus a free express massage.
Who are you hoping will attend DIVAlicious?
We have a lot of Asians visiting each season and also Arab women who are interested in the fashion – mainly because the designers are quite western in their creations. But there’s something for everyone.
Who’s on your designer wish list and won’t be exhibiting this time around?
Manisha Malhotra, J J Valaya and Sabyasachi.
Star buys
• Pearl and precious stone necklaces • Beaded cuffs, tasselled earrings, nose rings • Hand-finished waistcoats and suits for men • Silk tunics with embroidered cuffs for women • Couture lehengas • Designer wedding trousseau • Floral spring separates and cocktail dresses • Candles, throws and handcrafted home accents
The designers
• Nishka Lulla • SVA by Sonam and • Paras Modi • Valliyan by Nitya • Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary • Payal Singhal • Aartivijay Gupta • Pinnacle by Shruti Sancheti • Rimi Nayak • Siddartha Tytler • NEZ by Neha Agarwal
DIVAlicious runs on Friday, January 23 and Saturay, January 24 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Entrance is free from 1.30pm to 9pm; visit www.facebook.com/DDIVAliciouss
rduane@thenational.ae
