DNA

• The star will be the showstopper for designers Prriya & Chintan at the Nargis Dutt Foundation fundraiser in NY 

Mumbai, Aug 13: It is  the season to give back to society…at least that’s what it seems like with a whole host of Indian celebrities, from all walks of life, associating themselves with various social causes.

Close on the heels of a book on Aids, with the who’s who of the Indian literary circuit offering their creative services for charity, comes news of fashion designers Prriya and Chintan making their way to the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation (for cancer patients) fundraiser to be held in Long Island, New York on August 24.

“We’ve always wanted to do something more meaningful, so when the foundation approached us for this fundraiser, we jumped at the opportunity. The reputation that the foundation enjoys, the knowledge that the real victims will be helped and the money raised will not go into the wrong hands…all this made the offer irresistible,” says Chintan, who incidentally also has a store in the  Big Apple.

The duo, who’ve had the likes of Salman Khan and Sridevi walk the ramp for them in the past, have roped in actress Vidya Balan as the showstopper for this fashion show.

Ask him why they chose someone who has been criticised time and again for her poor style sense and Chintan reasons, “For me, what she is as a person and the confidence she exudes is enough. Plus, she looks fantastic in Indian outfits and hence, is perfect to showcase our collection for the NY show, which is festive.”

On a completely different front, the two seem to have notched up another winner by setting up an art gallery at their Mumbai store—possibly the first in India. “Our interest in art is due to our art education background, besides the fact that we have been collecting Indian art for the last four years. It’s a very exciting time for Indian art as it takes its rightful place on an international platform. Also, there is a great connection between art and fashion as they are both created to stimulate a similar aesthetic”, says Chintan, who has studied Fine Arts at Parson School in New York.

So, what’s next for the two? The Lakme Fashion Week, of course, where Chintan promises a radically new collection! “It’s going to be completely Western and seriously prêt,” is all he is willing to reveal at this point.