All flashes and cameras will be turned towards Delhi’s Pragati Maidan where the India’s most renowned fashion show Wills Lifestyle India Fashion week (WIFW) kicked off on Wednesday with designer Vikram Phadnis’s show, themed ‘save the earth.’

Promising to be a splendid affair, this 11th edition began with a dance sequence giving an environment saving message. The first series saw warm, neutral, and earthy colors accompanied by muted tones of cream and ivory.

The resourceful designer is promising something different this time.

Phadnis’s collection includes jackets, knee-length dresses, pleated skirts and shirts in fabrics like georgettes, linens, and silks.

Phadnis said, “My collection was inspired by elements of nature like soil, water, leaves etc. Since I had to open the fashion week, it was extremely important that the line-up was inspirational and gave a message to all those who were watching it.”

“With the world facing threats like global warming, I tried to convey the message that its high time we must pull up our socks to save our planet through my collection,” he added.

With over 82 designers and 40 shows within five days, the eyes of the fashion community will be firmly glued on the tracks. About 61 designers would present their collections on the ramp and the remaining in their stalls set up at the venue.

WIFW is being attended by buyers from London, Paris, Tokyo and Europe.

Rathi Vinay Jha, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) Director General said, “There will be about 150 domestic and foreign buyers, including organised retailers like Reliance Retail and Pantaloon. Of this, 50 buyers are from European and other countries.”