Reminiscing about October 2023, amidst the chaos of a book launch trip in India, an unexpected but fashionable memory stands out vividly. I remember having too many pending tasks on my hands to juggle. Fashion was the last thing to think about. But sometimes, the most unplanned moments turn into cherished stories, worth documenting before they slip away into the abyss of forgetfulness.

As I embarked on my journey to India, my agenda was packed to the brim with family and book launch obligations. Yet, amidst the flurry of activities, things that were not in my plans somehow crept into my schedule. Upon landing, my schedule unfolded like a whirlwind. I had to address students and faculty at NIST, interact with the members of an e-library in Berhampur, which was partly funded by OSA, meet a friend after 30 years, and visit a few temples with family members. This period also included my travel to visit my sister in another town, Rayagada, which required a strenuous five-hour drive one way from Berhampur on mountain roads. The journey was particularly challenging given I had a jetlag from the long trip

In a short period to achieve all of these is like rushing from one class to another just to mark your attendance. Emotionally, neither party is satisfied with getting enough of your attention. It’s the sad truth of life when we are far away from family. But I always think many of my old friends who live out of town but within India don’t make an attempt to visit their hometown that often. Here I am crossing seven seas to be there. So I guess it’s no small feat and worth giving yourself a pat on the back.

Providing all the necessary background was crucial for me to share about one particular evening that stands out amidst the chaos. A casual invitation from Satya Moharana, a renowned academician turned fashion designer who actively promotes Odisha’s handloom, led me into uncharted territory. Little did I know I was about to embark on an impromptu runway experience.

After a hectic week of constant travels, I started for Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, where I was to concentrate on my book release. I remember reaching late afternoon and checking into the Bhubaneswar club, which I called my home for the next few weeks. Rajesh and Biswajit stopped by to pick me up to see the venue. After visiting Rabindra Mandap, we settled in the Dalema restaurant for a late lunch. In the meantime, I had received a message from Satya inviting me to one of his fashion shows that evening at a five-star hotel. Rajesh introduced me to him a few months back, and since then we have built a good friendship given we both advocate for handloom. I could not deny his invitation. In his message, he casually asked for me to come early to the event. I continued my chitchat and lunch with Rajesh and Biswajit, going over the event details.

We finished lunch at 4:30 and Rajesh asked me to return to the club so that I could get ready to join him at the ITC hotel for the fashion show by 5:30 pm. I reluctantly inquired, “Since the event is at 7:30 pm, why go so early?” He too casually mentioned, “Oh, just come early, and I will be there too.” After a few seconds pause, “By the way, if you have a pair of heels, do bring them over,” he urged, looking at my casual slippers.

I was a little confused by his request. But I thought to myself, maybe at the event people would be dressed up, and to not embarrass me he gave me a subtle hint to dress well. But I still had the challenge of having very little time to return to the club, unpack, shower, get ready, and drive to ITC, which itself may need 30 minutes. With no time to spare, I hastily prepared myself. The journey was a race against time.  

Too many thoughts rushed through my head as I worried about reaching early. Satya might be busy, Rajesh might not show up so soon, I might not know anyone there, and I had never been to a fashion show before. What was I supposed to do there?

Anyway, I reached there early, carrying my 4” heels in my purse as I couldn’t dare wear them with my swollen feet. I knew Satya generally showcases Kotpad or Nuapatna handlooms, so I chose a simple Kantha stitch saree that I had with me to blend with the theme. I reached the hotel premises a little past 5:30 pm. I was thrilled when Satya came out to receive me from the car. Quietly I thanked God; otherwise, I don’t know what phobia I have for unknown places.

Now the real drama unfolded. He walked me inside through the lobby and on the way, he paused to introduce me to the emcee saying, “Meet our second showstopper of the evening”. Satya’s unexpected revelation left me both nervous and exhilarated – I was to be a showstopper. Seeing me puzzled he nodded with a smile saying, “Nani (didi), let me guide you to the makeup room as you are going to be my female showstopper alongside Subhasis Sharma, a leading superstar of the Ollywood industry.” I was surprised by his trust in me to venture into something without any prior notice, practice, or ramp walk experience of mine. I was a bit nervous but there was no time for it. Not everything can be planned in life I suppose. Navigating through the bustling backstage atmosphere of models who were running around getting ready and clicking pictures, he announced to a room full of makeup artists, saying, “Please get her ready with a classy look for my showstopper.” 

I was not a familiar face to them, but they simply obeyed their boss and gleefully got busy to get me ramp-ready. I sat there like a doll as they worked, asking each other for various makeup items and discussing the perfect shades. “Pass me this foundation, that brush…give me that mauve color for the eyes and blush…no, not this lipstick color… let’s blend the colors…oh… she looks gorgeous…a little more for the final touch maybe,” they said. I’m not used to wearing too much makeup, so I kept my fingers crossed. Even with the full-blown AC I was sweating like crazy. I felt sorry for the hairdresser as he tried to blow dry my hair; despite his efforts, the humidity caused my stubborn hair to revert to its original curls. But he diligently tried his best. I found myself in the hands of skilled makeup artists and hairstylists, transforming me into a vision of elegance. One could sense that the air was filled with fashionable excitement.

Later, I remember pleading Satya to brief me a little about the superstar. I didn’t wish to offend him with my ignorance. Subhashis, popularly known as Montu, is a heartthrob hero from Odisha. When I encountered him backstage, he was extremely sweet. Sensing my nervousness about not being able to visualize the stage from where we were standing, he gave me a one-liner instruction saying, “Pause at the starting point, walk front, end of the ramp pause, look left, right and smile, turn back and walk, pause at the middle to look back and smile, come to the starting point to pause and smile again, then exit.” There you go… rest is history. With each step, I felt a surge of empowerment, a testament to the transformative power of fashion.

A little bit of a crazy life we all live, I suppose. If I narrate the eventful day in short, here is the timeline: by 3 pm, I reached Bhubaneswar after a 3.5-hour ride from Berhampur. I briefly visited the venue for my book launch and had a super late lunch. Until 4:30  I had no idea about the event. By 5:30 I was doing makeup in the ITC Welcome hotel, which was 30 minutes away from where I was staying. At 6:30 I got to see what I was wearing. Lo and behold! By 7:30 pm, I was walking down the ramp to a room full of audience. As I started moving and adjusting to the rhythm of the music, I saw the ramp for the first time—phew!

I am glad that I embraced those spontaneous moments and allowed my confidence to shine through the unexpected spotlight.  No one noticed my swollen feet were trembling in those pencil heels that I had practically not worn since the pandemic. Despite the discomfort, I walked with poise, as that is all that mattered. Confidence looks good on everyone if we wear it like our favorite accessory. So why not unleash our inner fashionista to let our style speak volumes? The event reminded me that life’s most memorable moments often arise when we least expect them. 

Here is the link to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/live/DPKWjhx3Ic4?si=9CNhm7iIisyE-RJn

(Skip to 37 min for Satya Moharana’s  collection and I come after 50 min)

#Bhubaneswar_runway_week Day 2 #earthy_hues
Designer : #satyamoharana