New Delhi, Mar 13 : A model walking the ramp in a red jacket teamed with tattered blue upturned jeans, symbolising the rebellion and angst of youth, kick-started the show for designer Prashant Verma's collection 'Giant', at the India Fashion Week held at pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Drawing inspiration from 'Rebel Without a Cause' actor and Hollywood youth icon and the 1950's legend James Dean, the collection was an ode to the angst of youth, its dangerous, all consuming humanity.

'Giant', the multi-chaptered presentation of Verma's collection began with the iconic James Dean look, replete with classic biker jackets, memorabilia t-shirts, corsages in metal zippers, dresses made in taffeta that looked like the wreck of a speeding car, accessorised with clutches and bags made of shattered car lights which moved onto a section drawing inspiration from Dean's leading ladies across his cinematic works.

Dresses draped in Swarovski embellished bandages, outfits in psychedelic prints, old school classical silhouettes in galaxy prints reminiscent of yesteryear-Hollywood beauties Eva Gardiner and Marlyn Monroe comprised Prashant Verma's young and funky collection signifying youth rebellion.

"It's a tribute to James Dean. To rage, to young blood, severity, desire, immortality and the fact that it never really lasts forever," said Verma.

Meanwhile, an attempt to revive the traditional crafts of north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, egged on designer Nitin Bal Chauhan to showcase his 'Waiting for Yellow' collection at the country's biggest fashion extravaganza.

'Yellow', a colour symbolic of hope and happiness inspired the young designer's Autumn-Winter'08 collection's name.

Made from specially hand crafted and hands woven wool, sourced from shepherds from Kullu and Chambal region in Himachal Pradesh, the collection infused bright and vibrant colours to bring out the spirit of the northern state.

Models strutted around in structured outfits in checks accessorised with specially designed hats at the show.

"It is an attempt to revive, promote and create a market for the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. Also for me, the look I've intended to work for, it's a look where I mix folk and Indian sensibilities with that of Rome and Greek," said Nitin Bal Chauhan, designer.

Events like the Wills India Fashion Week provide a platform for the designers to directly interact with the buyers and do good business. (ANI)