FUSION - An Explosion of Fashion, Dance, Music and Art
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20 May, 2007 12:41
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The anticipated and controversial show FUSION took place on Saturday 12th May at the Central Hall. A brief delay in the doors opening, due to fire and safety regulations, did not create any commotion amongst the long queue of people eagerly waiting for the doors to open.
Although the Central Hall may not be know to many, the FUSION team managed to transform the hall and take the audience to a whole new place. The moment you walked through the beautifully decorated doorway you were greeted by traditionally dressed Indian and Spanish hostesses handing out Indian bhindis and Fusion gift bags. A first for any show produced in Gibraltar.
The Hall had been transformed into a unique setting with purple and gold decorated chairs, a large stage and catwalk that created an atmosphere of professionalism and awe. The giant projection screens welcoming the public and presenting the sponsors and show information was as good as we see at international events. The idea of making everyone a VIP was pulled off elegantly.
As soon as the audience had sat down the lights dimmed and the show begun. Silhouettes appeared from the smoke filled backdrop and the music and lights prepared the scene for the exhilarating and breathtaking presentation of the lingerie section. This was not fashion, this was a performance and all the models were in character at all times. The play of lights, music and the final tear off of one of the models bra showing creative henna designs and the FUSION logo on the back was a statement of what was to be expected. The audience rapture of applause was a sign of their acceptance and appreciation.
This was then followed by a mystic and serene solo performance of traditional Indian dance introducing the women’s traditional sari dresses. All the models presented a variety of highly decorated and colourful dresses to original choreography and music. The music did not stop and eight bhangra dancers from Urban Dance entertained the audience with a vibrant and energetic performance that got the audience clapping to the beat.
The bhangra made way to the men’s traditional section to a great reception from a mainly female audience. All male models gracefully walked down the catwalk and presented their outfits in character. Each male routine was choreographed and accompanied by the bhangra dancers adding a unique touch to what could have been just guys walking down the catwalk.
After the roars of the male collections the deep blue lights depicted the shadows of two dancers, Deepak Ramchandani and Jolene Gomez who provided a short but entertaining piece to a fused score. The music became more upbeat and reminiscent of the sixties pop but with an asian twist. The designer’s creations were brought alive by all the models in a vivid spectacle of dance, colour, energy and vibrancy. The added touch of using two pregnant women brought the hall to a silence of murmurs.
The audience was already engrossed in the show and wanted more. Every time a section appeared the audience encouraged the performers to grow. The smoke appeared and a dusk orange outlined the silhouette of Yalta Pons in a modern Indian costume. The lights changed and an outline of a flamenco dancer appeared to the side, Eva Sanchez. The combination of the Indian and Spanish dance routine to Nhitin Swaney music encompassed the whole idea of fusion in their performance. Their emotions, timing, choreography blended seamlessly into a fusion of cultures and dance that left the audience speechless.
This was the introduction to the main collection of the night, the Principito Collection by Ismael Lopez. The music started, the projections appeared and we new that the
collection was going to be different. The choice of models, music, choreography was fresh, unique and challenging. The creativity of the designer was present in the outfits, the colours, textures, cuts and overall breaking of boundries of traditional dresses for both Spanish and Indian cultures was a breath of fresh air. The choreographies of the routines were carefully executed and personalised for each outfit, each model became the design and the whole collection became more than just a normal catwalk routine.
The hall became dark and the backdrop transcended into a deep orange. Deepak Ramchandani’s late parents appeared on screen and Deepak and dancers entered the stage to honour his late parents. The whole show has been dedicated to them and the audience stood in respect. After a few words of gratitude by Deepak the images elevated, the music changed and the lights became festive engulfing the hall in an atmosphere of euphoria.
The finale culminated in an explosion of energy with a standing ovation from the public. The idea of parading the whole crew of backstage, hair, make-up, stylists and front of house should be noted. The after-party event was a great success with everyone enjoying complimentary champagne and Indian and Spanish snacks.
The creativity and professionalism of the entire production from start to finish cannot be underestimated and the whole Fusion team should be congratulated for producing a show worthy of any international stage or location.
FUSION has broken boundaries and will no doubt be a benchmark event for many years to come.
Congratulation to Deepak, Yalta, Darion and Ismael and the Fusion team.
Although the Central Hall may not be know to many, the FUSION team managed to transform the hall and take the audience to a whole new place. The moment you walked through the beautifully decorated doorway you were greeted by traditionally dressed Indian and Spanish hostesses handing out Indian bhindis and Fusion gift bags. A first for any show produced in Gibraltar.
The Hall had been transformed into a unique setting with purple and gold decorated chairs, a large stage and catwalk that created an atmosphere of professionalism and awe. The giant projection screens welcoming the public and presenting the sponsors and show information was as good as we see at international events. The idea of making everyone a VIP was pulled off elegantly.
As soon as the audience had sat down the lights dimmed and the show begun. Silhouettes appeared from the smoke filled backdrop and the music and lights prepared the scene for the exhilarating and breathtaking presentation of the lingerie section. This was not fashion, this was a performance and all the models were in character at all times. The play of lights, music and the final tear off of one of the models bra showing creative henna designs and the FUSION logo on the back was a statement of what was to be expected. The audience rapture of applause was a sign of their acceptance and appreciation.
This was then followed by a mystic and serene solo performance of traditional Indian dance introducing the women’s traditional sari dresses. All the models presented a variety of highly decorated and colourful dresses to original choreography and music. The music did not stop and eight bhangra dancers from Urban Dance entertained the audience with a vibrant and energetic performance that got the audience clapping to the beat.
The bhangra made way to the men’s traditional section to a great reception from a mainly female audience. All male models gracefully walked down the catwalk and presented their outfits in character. Each male routine was choreographed and accompanied by the bhangra dancers adding a unique touch to what could have been just guys walking down the catwalk.
After the roars of the male collections the deep blue lights depicted the shadows of two dancers, Deepak Ramchandani and Jolene Gomez who provided a short but entertaining piece to a fused score. The music became more upbeat and reminiscent of the sixties pop but with an asian twist. The designer’s creations were brought alive by all the models in a vivid spectacle of dance, colour, energy and vibrancy. The added touch of using two pregnant women brought the hall to a silence of murmurs.
The audience was already engrossed in the show and wanted more. Every time a section appeared the audience encouraged the performers to grow. The smoke appeared and a dusk orange outlined the silhouette of Yalta Pons in a modern Indian costume. The lights changed and an outline of a flamenco dancer appeared to the side, Eva Sanchez. The combination of the Indian and Spanish dance routine to Nhitin Swaney music encompassed the whole idea of fusion in their performance. Their emotions, timing, choreography blended seamlessly into a fusion of cultures and dance that left the audience speechless.
This was the introduction to the main collection of the night, the Principito Collection by Ismael Lopez. The music started, the projections appeared and we new that the
collection was going to be different. The choice of models, music, choreography was fresh, unique and challenging. The creativity of the designer was present in the outfits, the colours, textures, cuts and overall breaking of boundries of traditional dresses for both Spanish and Indian cultures was a breath of fresh air. The choreographies of the routines were carefully executed and personalised for each outfit, each model became the design and the whole collection became more than just a normal catwalk routine. The hall became dark and the backdrop transcended into a deep orange. Deepak Ramchandani’s late parents appeared on screen and Deepak and dancers entered the stage to honour his late parents. The whole show has been dedicated to them and the audience stood in respect. After a few words of gratitude by Deepak the images elevated, the music changed and the lights became festive engulfing the hall in an atmosphere of euphoria.
The finale culminated in an explosion of energy with a standing ovation from the public. The idea of parading the whole crew of backstage, hair, make-up, stylists and front of house should be noted. The after-party event was a great success with everyone enjoying complimentary champagne and Indian and Spanish snacks.
The creativity and professionalism of the entire production from start to finish cannot be underestimated and the whole Fusion team should be congratulated for producing a show worthy of any international stage or location.
FUSION has broken boundaries and will no doubt be a benchmark event for many years to come.
Congratulation to Deepak, Yalta, Darion and Ismael and the Fusion team.
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