The Secrets Lounge in Queens rolled out the red-carpet on Saturday, Sept.21 to welcome a collection of elegant authentic Indian attire at the 2nd Annual Desi Look Fashion Show against a colorful backdrop, designed lighting.
The spacious 171-07 Jamaica Ave. venue was adorned with Indian floral garlands, and Indian music, that brought together partners Naya Andaaz Productions, Eugenia Ram, and fashion designer Nash Desire, for a night of dazzled elegance that captivated an audience, in two segments that traced the older and younger generations of Indian cultural wear, and Bollywood styles.
The red-carpet runway set the tone for the welcoming event, attended by dozens of patrons elegantly dressed in Indian ensembles, who were presented with a complimentary glass of champaign upon entering the event.
The show opened with a variation of colorful Lehenga, also known as a ghagra, or lacha, a design of ankle-length skirt paired with a short bodice, short sleeve, and shawl, from the Indian subcontinent.
The embellished outfits, worn at weddings, and special occasions saturated the runway in colors of red, blue, green, pink, white, beige, and burgundy.
Different patterns and styles of traditional embroidery are used to decorate lehenga. Gota Patti embroidery is often used for festivals, and weddings. The beautiful models accessorized the outfits with layers of gold jewelry, draped on their heads, noses, and hands.
Owner of Desi Look, Eugenia Ram, told Caribbean Life that the second annual event was planned with partners, “to bring the Indian culture to the community and let them see what Queens has to offer.”
Ram said that her show is a continuity of creativity and culture. The creations were handpicked by her for the show, purchased during her trips to India, and sold at “Desi Look.”
“They are all different designs that represent the culture of India, and our heritage because we are Indians. I wanted to bring that out to the community to show that our culture is alive.
“I want people to see that our culture is not dying, she said adding that the pieces are traditional Indian wear, called Lehenga. Six pieces showed the modern India and the other six showcased cultured India, meaning the older generation meets the new generation, she explained.
“Showcasing alluring Indian fashions was a dream I had three years ago when I visited India. I travel to India thrice yearly to select pretty outfits.”
“This is my hobby,” said Ram, who herself was draped in a jeweled encrusted black lehenga – designed with a short bodice, and paired with a flowing floor-length skirt.
“I love everything about the Indian culture, from the dancing, the clothing, the food, the music, everything I love, because I am Indian. I want to bring that out to the community,” said Ram adding, that she is also passionate about showcasing the outfits.
“I buy these outfits and I bring them to my shop. They are different from each other, but they’re still all from the same culture,” she shared.
Pakistani Ambassador and Businessman, Saghir Khan, applauded the evening’s event, saying, “my good friend Sebena invited me to this event. I think it’s an amazing event, of beautiful women and nice clothing I think all of us will have a wonderful time and we’ll enjoy tonight,” he said.
Former Miss Immigrant USA- Guyana- 2024, Sebena Sankar, also beautifully dressed in a wedding lehenga, did an excellent job as host of the entertaining evening. She was also sashed as the new Miss Independent.
The audience enjoyed performances by dancer Lakeram Lall, Raisa Ghanzi, and Belly Dancer Mio Takhashi respectively, along with infectious Indian music.
A Sari draping demonstration in four different styles was done by Nash Desire Designs to engaged and educate the audience. This was followed by a presentation of gifts to models by Rhonda Dixon and Eugenia Ram
Additionally, Japneet Singh, office of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, congratulated the community, and organizers of the fashion show for their contributions to Queens, while passing on the culture to the next generation.
He then presented Citations to owner of Secrets Lounge Nancy Chandarjeet, owner of Desi Look, Eugenia Ram, and officiator NeeRanjan Liliah.
The beautiful models included, Naitram Singh, Raisa Ghazi, Shiveta Balram, Rebecca Esar, Sydney Sinanan, Amolya Dhanraj, Kassarenna Kajal Katwaroo, Lakeram Lall, Shriveta Balram, Suraiya Lal, Binesha Ahmad, Alicia Rampoop, Sarah Lall, Savanna Ava Gangoo.
