With wardrobe malfunctions becoming a regular spectacle, BT finds out the precautions taken by the fashion frat before a show

PREVENTION is better than cure. And any self-respecting fashion designer would agree with the adage after the spate of mishaps on the ramp of late. But the malady here seems to be incurable despite scathing comments by fashion critics.

In fact, malfunctions have almost become mandatory now, with more people attending fashion weeks in the hope of catching more flesh than expected. And while critics abroad are more forgiving towards a mishap on the ramp, it’s considered a huge faux pas here. This has prompted one of the fashion weeks to introduce a list of dos and don’ts that models are made to sign before the show. And the majority of the fashion frat insist there’s extensive preevent preparation even for a regular fashion show.

Fashion choreographer Marc Robinson, who was working at the Dubai Fashion Week says, “I make sure all the models rehearse in their garments and footwear before the show. I also ensure that all the models wear proper innerwear and nipple tags before walking the ramp. I’m so meticulous about these things that I need to see the entire look before I okay it with my signature. Sometimes the texture of the ramp can make models trip and fall, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable footwear. We check for all that before sending a model on the ramp.”

But mishaps are unavoidable despite all these measures taken by fashion professionals. Model Priya Reddy, who tripped and fell in the recent fashion week, blames it on the backstage madness and unprofessionalism by certain designers. Says Priya, “I tripped because my pants weren’t altered despite my insistence. Designers are supposed to do the alterations before the show. The models can then check the garments. There’s usually 30 seconds to a minute between two sequences. But models in India seldom rehearse with their garments since they’re not paid for the fitting shows. But designers abroad take more precautions.”

Designers, however, disagree that they’re extra cautious for shows abroad. But inadequate number of models — too many clothes and too few models to showcase them — contributes to the madness backstage. That’s why garment-fitting is entirely the designer’s responsibilty. Designer Nikhil Mehra of the Shantanu and Nikhil duo says, “We always do the fittings ourselves and don’t leave it to any one else. We’re also present when the model is just about to make an entry. This is done to to avoid last-minute glitches that happen due to poor light backstage. But it’s not feasible to make the models rehearse with the clothes before the show since that would mean ironing the clothes all over again before the final show. There’s no time for that.”

Designers are also accused of not spending enough time on garment production and compromising on quality, leading to malfunctions. But Nikhil defends the fraternity saying, “A designer should take responsibility only when the garment tears. We use the best quality products, including zips, which come at Rs 38 a piece, but it’s delicate nonetheless and can come off if it’s pulled in the wrong direction in a hurry.”

Sometimes shows are also flawed due to light and sound fiascoes. But they’re checked only a night before the event, provided the venue is available. Else, it’s done on the day of the event, when a complete blackout is possible. Work is also designated to stylists to ensure smooth operation and to preempt ramp bloopers. Stylist Ajay Bisht, who styles models for fashion shows, says, “A stylist comes after everything is done. It’s his duty to point out a repetition and make sure that the makeup and hair are in sync with the look. Accessories are also decided beforehand. I always do the fittings 3-4 days in advance to prevent mishaps on the ramp. We mostly plan the shows three months in advance, while in case of a fashion week, the planning starts only five days in advance, which is why the fiascos take place.”