Critics are an integral part of fashion shows
Fashion designers and critics share a love-hate relationship, one can’t do without the other. Even as rapper-cum-fashion designer Kanye West banned journalists from his Paris Fashion Week show recently for the fear of his designs being slated, designers in the capital believe that a critic’s presence is vital.
“Fashion is a very competitive field, when you put your foot forward, you have to be ready to face everything. As a designer, you need critics and people who praise you. Media is an integral part of a designers’ life and every designer gradually learns to take criticism in his/her stride. You can never get a clean chit, and the success of your collection doesn’t rest on critics alone, but they are important,” fashion designer Charu Parashar says,
A show is meant for buyers, clients and media, what critics will say about the collection matters, believes Anjalee Kapoor. She adds, “Whatever I am today is because of my confidence and media’s support. This confidence comes with years of being in the industry. I would never fear a negative preview of my show. And I would never block the media. What Kanye West did was his choice.”
It’s definitely a designer’s call to invite or uninvite people on his show, avers Parvesh of duo Parvesh-Jai. He adds, “Some designers may take criticism lightly, some may not. Sometimes, a critic may not understand a designer’s collection, and at times, a designer is too touchy about his materpiece. But it’s important to remember that it’s a collection that is being judged. A designer doesn’t have to share a relationship with a critic.”
Jenjum Gadi agrees with Parvesh, and says, “Everyone has the right to critisise, even if they are biased. At the end of the day, a collection speaks for itself. I do not think it’s an option, you have to invite the press. Fashion industry is still growing and we need media’s support.”
Having been in the industry for more than 15 years, Rina Dhaka says, “We can’t afford not to call the critics, even if we wish we could. At a show by Sabyasachi, he didn’t call the mainstream media, and the show had a really good crowd. But reviews matter to a designer at the end of the day. Criticism does hurt, and it’s strange that some designers act in complete ignorance. Both critics and designers have to co-exist. I, for, one, don’t believe in screening media, I have the courage to take criticism so long it’s in the right spirit and not a personal attack.”
Sanjana Jon sums up saying, “Every designer has an option whom to invite at their show. For me, fashion is an art, some may like, some may not. It’s all about preferences, just like a journalist may decide to come or skip a show, it’s similar for a designer to decide his guest list.”
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