Pretty pretty models all around and all the men sporting six packs made me feel rather frumpy in my jeans and chappals. But then I'm the media -- and the media is forgiven almost anything, right? So I walked in, got myself a nice cool drink and thankfully sank into one of the bean bags that had just been vacated by a model so tiny, she could have fit into my lovely long-stemmed glass!

Anyway, so I sit there and take a long cool sip while surveying the scene around me. I see the model Sahil Shroff, munching on finger food by the door, I see the MD of Skoda, Thomas Kuehl chatting with some young girls from the media, I see the bartender pouring a freshly made cocktail into a tall glass with a flourish and I see our photographer furiously clicking pictures, trying to capture the essence of what the Skoda Lounge stands for and offers.

Above the hubbub of "lounge-noise", I overhear a conversation.
"Ask a question."
He shakes his head. "I don't have any questions."
She looks at the cards and takes a long look at him. "You have been waiting a long time?"
"For what?" he asks.
"Your cards tell me a good time is coming up next year. It will be very beneficial for you. Hmm...ok, ask a question. These are question cards."
He concedes. "Okay...will I make lots of money?"

I turn around curiously and discover that it was exactly what it sounded like. I was watching the Tarot card reader at the Skoda Lounge at work. What's a tarot reader doing at the Lakme Fashion Week, you ask? Well, according to Kuehl, "Fashion is about future trends; you have to be ahead of the others, and it's about the feel-good factor. A fortune teller gives you a look into the future and also a good feeling, isn't it? And India is a spiritual country; a fortune teller fits right into the scheme of things." It's unique logic, but it works. The poor lady barely has time to catch her breath before the next person sits down in front of her, eagerly waiting to draw some cards.

Young, upcoming designer Kunal Rawal has designed the Lounge, giving it an out-doorsy feel, while retaining the relaxed pub-like atmosphere of a lounge. The walls have photographs of women and the spare parts of a Skoda, as well as artworks from Kunal's own collection. Faux green plastic leaves hanging from all nooks and crannies, green lights that cast a greenish glow on everything that enters the lounge and a DJ who obligingly plays the latest greatests makes this Lounge the perfect place to put your feet up for a few minutes before the bell goes off and yet another fashion show starts.

Mr. Kuehl is very clear about the objective of the Lounge. He says, "The Lakme Fashion Week is a stressful event; there needs to be some place where people can relax and chill out after having run around all day. But after 5 pm, only people with passes are allowed." Well, that's one rule I can safely say is not strictly enforced. It pretty much depends on which hostess is at the door and how elitist she wants to be.

So if you're one of those who find yourself at the Lounge, grab a seat and look around. See that bunch of models by the DJ console? They're pissed because one of the biggest designers dropped them in favour of a bunch of nobodies. And see those slinkily dressed hostesses at the door? They decide whether you'll be let in tomorrow or not. And the bartender? He's just happy to make you a cocktail and watch you sip it appreciatively. Take my advice, and step in for a cranberry cocktail, make small talk with a model or designer, listen to the gossip that will invariably make its way to you, watch the Pradas and Versaces sashay in and out…and savour the essential spirit of the Lakme Fashion Week. As it is, and as it should be.

Text: Insiyah Vahanvaty | Photograph: Rajesh Karkera

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