Oriya designer goes solo in Paris

BALASORE: Internationally acclaimed designer Pritam Panda of Balasore Town hosted his first solo runway in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, on Tuesday.The runway titled ‘Ma journey to Paris’ on his Autumn-Winter 2011-12 Haute Couture line was showcased at the luxe ballroom of the Royale De Louvre Hotel. He is the first Oriya and second Indian to showcase a runway in Paris. Altogether 21 models showcased Pritam’s 60-odd ensembles mostly couture evening gowns and stunning white embellished wedding gown in a well knit runway extravaganza which lasted for an hour.The show was a treat to the 150 elite guest list of French, Indian and Arabic high profile socialites and celebrities like Jade Jagger.It was all about the designer’s grab of cultures from Orissa to the hi-fashion street of Paris. Explaining his creations Pritam said, rich in textiles, half of the collection is based on ‘Paata’ from Orissa juxtaposed with rich and luxe fabric from all over the world. “The outfits have been handcrafted with different methodologies of couching, velcoquoing, filigree ornamentation and surface ornamentation,” he said.