By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, December 9 – Ramp, lights and Tibetan models displaying exotic couture, an evening to remember that even Tibetans can create and display Tibetan style fashion to the world, our hats off to all the organizers, models, volunteers, crew and the designer for putting up a superb well coordinated first ever Tibetan fashion show in Nepal presenting creations of designer Tenzin Tsetan.
The Drokpo Team and Ancient Culture Protection Center organized the first Tibetan fashion show in Nepal at the Shahenshah Hotel in Kathmandu on the eve of the celebration of Nobel Peace Prize award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a purpose to protect Tibetan culture through the medium of displaying Tibetan angels and regional costumes and also promote Tibetan style fashion to become popular in the world. There were over 300 people present to watch the show including many Tibetan officials and actor Rajesh Hamal of Nepal. The show kick started with masked Tashi Choepa performers introducing five Tibetan angels in exotic Tibetan costume, jewelry and head adornment. The introduction of the seven regional dresses of Tibet was a major attraction and the crowd loved it. Some major regional dresses of Tibet like Kham, Amdo, Utsang, Ngari, Kyidrong, Kongpo and Drokpa were displayed, even though the basic style of Tibetan dress chupa for both men and women, the major difference lies in the style of wearing the chupa and adornment of additional typical regional hats, jewelry, ornaments, shawl etc. The fashion night was also full of entertainment with performances by artistes, singers, school children and dancers in between. The presentation of the prêt line of Himalayan Couture was noteworthy with long fashionable colorful ready to wear overcoats that have some Tibetan elements, the basic fabric used is silk as used in China, Japan and other Asian countries, however there are some distinct features like bottom of sleeves or cuts that makes it look Tibetan. The presentation of western outfit collection by designer Tenzin Tsetan was just fabulous, something inspiring to youngster, all ready to wear western outfits and all them have some features that makes it look distinct and very Tibetan, the designer says that the creation has some elements of the eight Tibetan auspicious signs, black, red and blue were the primary colors, and the Tibetan models supported by some local models walking down the ramp in all those elegant dresses was just awesome and glittering for Tibetan standard even though it might not be at par with ftv. Some simple t-shirt collection of Drokpo Team with patriotic messages was displayed by models. The major attraction of the evening was the presentation of odd couture or high fashion collection by the Tibetan designer to display his creativity, it is just amazing to see how he has put together Tibetan dress elements to create five elegant gowns that have Tibetan elements, one particular red dress was eye catching, looking like half chupa half gown, the presentation was themed ‘a journey to Tibet on an Oscar red carpet’.
The show concluded with distribution of appreciation certificates by actor Rajesh Hamal to all participants, volunteers and performers that make it a wonderful evening. The main persons responsible for such an successful show are the Drokpo Team led by Phuntsok and Pema and the Ancient Culture Protection Center led by Any Yeshi Lhamo. Tibetan would definitely love to see the continuation of the show next year with active participation of young Tibetan models, designers, crew members including makeup artistes and most important of all enthusiastic young leaders.
