Dandy Paris Hilton inspires India fashion week
Tony Tharakan

NEW DELHI—Socialite Paris Hilton and her lifestyle inspired Indian designers at the fashion week in Delhi — as the epitome of a 21st-century dandy.
Paras Bairoliya and Shalini Jaikaria of ‘Geisha Designs’ poked fun at Hilton and other celebrity socialites on Saturday with an evening wear collection that sought to capture the “haughty self-display” among the elite.
Models took a stroll down the red carpet, pouting and blowing kisses as they posed for photographers at the edge of the runway. One model clutched a crystal ball, another a half-filled glass of wine while a third cradled a doll. The ‘Dandy’ collection featured silk and lycra dresses in shades of black and mauve with poppy prints and sequins.
“The big dandies would be Paris Hilton and people like that.” Jaikaria told reporters after the show.
“Essentially they are a lot in news because of the way they are, their character, their personality.”
In June 2007, Hilton ran afoul of Los Angeles law enforcement officials and served three weeks in jail stemming from a drunken driving incident.
Hilton, 27, unveiled an MTV reality show in Hollywood Hills on Thursday — to choose a “best friend forever” from among 20 men and women competing for the honour.
But the Indian designers said they were just having a bit of fun at Hilton’s expense and not condemning celebrity socialites.
“They are here to celebrate dressing up. They want to enjoy life and we just want to enjoy with them as well,” Bairoliya said.
Around 80 designers are showcasing autumn and winter collections on the runway or in stalls at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week which ends on Sunday.
Designer JJ Valaya introduced a new “currency” in his regal collection with red dresses and velvety gowns bearing motifs of coins stamped by the ‘Kingdom of Valaya’.
Bollywood also made its presence felt with actors Zayed Khan and Soha Ali Khan walking the ramp for designer Manav Gangwani while cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa took a spin on the runway for Raghavendra Rathore’s show on Saturday night.