Bhutanese Models
Young aspiring Bhutanese models sashayed down the ramp, infusing beauty and grace into designs that captured the seamless fusion of traditional pattern on modern style in the annual Textile Fashion Show held at the RAPA Hall. Choreographed by Bhutanese model-actor, Kelly Dorji, the show was an incredible success. A special highlight of the evening was the participation of Lara Datta, a well known Indian celebrity, who returned to her ramp roots in a bright multicolored silk Kira.
The first, second and thrid prizes for innovative wear went to the Mawongpa team, Bhutan Design Team and Kezang Choden, respectively. In the pesar (new design) round, the prize winners were Kuenzang Wangmo, Jurmo Wangmo and Kinley D. Yangzom. For traditional wear the winners were Kuenzang Choden, Zela from Kurtoe and Sonam Choden from Trashigang. The prize values stood at Nu. 50,000 , Nu. 30,000 , and Nu. 10,000.
The winners were awarded their prizes by Her Royal Highness Ashi Euphelma Wangchuck.
The Textile Fashion Show was launched in 1998 to promote living textile arts through specific focus on the artistic and technical significance of historic and contemporary textile traditions. Earlier, only traditional garments were displayed, followed closely by pesar and a few innovative costumes. Entries have picked up tremendously after the success of the first few shows and Bhutanese designers are now experimenting more with western approaches. The Bhutanese models, all volunteers, contributed largely to the success of the show.
All the Bhutanese models are volunteers as modelling still hasn’t caught up with the times like in other nations. Most Bhutanese models are young beautiful bhutanese girls who are still students in high school or who are in college. The Bhutan Fashion Show was attended by a lot of people including outsiders who are interested in seeing beautiful Bhutanese Textiles.
Bhutanese designers are mostly the ones who otherwise weave textiles at home. Weaving is an art and designers learn it at an early age from their mothers. Normally women from eastern Bhutan learn the art of weaving and making textiles such as kiras and ghos at an early age, from their mothers and family.
