New Delhi:
When Delhi's glitterati were kept waiting for more than two hours, many presumed it was a fashionably late start for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.
Unfortunately, the problem was far more serious.
Just before the official inauguration at 12 PM, a squadron of policemen arrived to ask for fire safety permits. It turned out the organizers, the Fashion Design Council of India, (FDCI), didn't have these. So Fashion Week, typically attended by fashion industry insiders and thousands of people (not bogged down by day jobs), had overlooked one of the most basic rules of public safety.
This time, the event is being held at the NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) Grounds in Okhla Industrial Area. Last time, the venue was Pragati Maidan.
"FDCI authorities don't have the permission to hold the event, that is why we are here. They have not taken a permit from the fire control department of the city," police officials said
Dress rehearsals stopped and models who were ready with make-up were told to take a break.
Bollywood Glamizon Sushmita Sen was to walk the ramp for Ritu Beri at night. Minissha Lamba had show-stopper billing for Rana Gill.
It's not clear yet when the shows cancelled on Wednesday, like Ritu Beri's, will be held. Or whether Sushmita Sen will be available to walk the ramp on the rescheduled date.
F-Week is scheduled to wrap up on the 28th.