Mumbai: Ace celebrity designer Seema Mehta is expected to add glamour to the contestants at much awaited Rubaru Mr India 2018 pageant,which will be held in Goa between March 7-10. The designer has already made mark for herself in various fashion events and pageants. The Neutral View caught up with her in the run up for the event.
- How different is it to design for the pageant compared to the usual fashion shows?
> The pageant like this will decide someone’s future. So there is more responsibility and challenge both compared to the fashion shows. Keeping that in mind, I have created a different concept for the event. The concept is that I am working for a proper tuxedo in formal wear so that the contestant looks good and fit. In Ethnic wear, I am designing a different styling so that they look good on the ramp.
2. What are your plans for Rubaru Mr India contest?
> The ethnic collection is on dark earthy colours but different cowel kurtas, some Nehru jacket, Jodhpuri bandgala, and some Sherwanis. It has Zardoshi embroidery with the animal motifs. I want them to make more presentable and add to their prospects of winning the title.
3. How much does the costume play a role in giving a make over for the contestant and how much is his talent?
> If a person is not well presentable then how they can show the talent? And its vice versa. Costume plays important role as it also give an opportunity to showcase how they carry certain kind of looks. It also provides opportunity for the judges to judge them better. Contestants will always like to look good besides carrying a good physique.
4. How different these contestants are from the usual models that you chose for your fashion shows?
> These models are not experienced or highly trained. So it is a challenge for the fashion designer to design the clothes in such a way that they carry it fluently hiding their inability to walk the ramp professionally. The usual models are trained for the purpose and these models are not trained. And when it comes to pageant I don’t have option to choose the model. It is a challenge for designer to make them look good whatever they have been given to carry.
5. Your brand has been making waves in the fashion world, but how much important is the current pageant for you for your portfolio?
> I always respect people who try to make their career a success. I feel lucky in helping someone making future in the fashion industry. I really thank Rubaru who chose me to help these young men make their future in the industry. It is always a pleasure to get associated with the brand like Rubaru Mr India which has put up this pageant.
6. Your brand created waves in India Fashion Week in Dubai in the year 2015. Do you expect similar or more response this time for Rubaru Mr India event?
> Of course I am expecting more response. Every year I do some or other activity, I have fashion shows I have also worked for beauty contest. I have also worked on Miss Earth. I am looking at more good activities in future. From 2015 my brand has grown manifold and my experience will reflect during the Mr India Pageant.
7. What are your future plans
> I want to take my brand to higher level. I want to work hard. There are so many things that I plan to do. I will disclose them once I am ready for that.