The Belgian King's Day was celebrated in Mumbai with music, fashion and food showcasing the essence of Belgium. This year, the theme 'From Belgium to India with Love' had special focus on fashion and music with two of Belgium's finest fashion designers and a well known DJ participating in the festivities organised by the Belgian Consulate General in Mumbai.
The event also witnessed the presence from Corporate India and culture including Miss World 2018 Manushi Chhillar. Apart from the music, dance and a visual art show, various delicacies of food cuisines from different parts of Belgium formed part of the buffet-diner.
Fashion designer Jean-Paul Lespagnard and Shuting Qiu, a graduate from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp, who recently debuted at the New York Fashion Week were at the centre of this gala evening.
Famous Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck from the Antwerp Fashion Academy was also there to support his pupil.
Jean-Paul Lespagnard worked for 2 weeks with students of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai, fusing his own clothing line with Indian traditional garments into an interesting cross-pollination of two different cultural and design philosophies.
The fashion show was followed by a prominent Belgian Tomorrowland-DJ, DC Salas, adding to the revelry. Not just that, the invitees were also treated to a dazzling visual art show.
Consul General Peter Huyghebaert said, "For the Belgian Consulate, it is important to showcase different aspects of Belgium to our Indian friends - be it our fashion, our music or our food. It was wonderful to see the best of Belgian fashion, with an Indian twist. I was delighted to see an eclectic mix of invitees from Bollywood, the Indian fashion sceneto India Inc be a part our celebrations."
Jean-Paul Lespagnard said, "It's been a lovely and wonderful experience coming to India and working together with the students of NIFT, Mumbai. In only 2 weeks of time and through hard work, the Indian students brought a fabulous collection inspired by my own collection and adding an Indian touch to it. The response from the Indian audience was fantastic and I look forward to coming here soon again."
An informal 'Master Class' by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp, is also being organised on November 16, 2018 at NIFT, Mumbai.