FHM India June 2011

Tadaaa!!! The FHM June 2011 issue is out!! 

Styled by Heta Bhuta and Shweta Shetty

Left:Dress-Gavin Miguel, Right: Red dress-Ramona
Photo courtesy: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1700786

Following is the tragic story of a beginner in the industry.

We were warned nearly ten days in advance about the cover story for FHM India with bollywood celebrity, Katrina Kaif. For someone who’s just set foot in the industry, presented with this shoot on a silver platter and promising credits in the magazine, was like being jolted up to cloud nine and bathing in a cascade of beer! Or something like that.

My colleague Shweta and I immediately started work according to the brief. The brief was short and simple – short, sexy glamorous dresses and gowns. Equipped with the power of internet, brawn of fashion and crave for perfection we stepped into the field, determined to deliver our best. Emails were sent out to Indian and international designers, selections were made from stores and boutiques, finest jewellery and shoes were picked out to go with the stunning outfits. Parcels started pouring in from all over India, Milan, Paris and all the heavens of fashion.

This shoot was our baby and like proud mothers we watched it grow. A day before the shoot we were invited to Katrina’s abode for trials. She personally appreciated our arrangement but insisted that the editor and she had a different discussion about the brief, that none of us, including her manager were aware of. Just to make sure nothing goes wrong, in spite of full preparation, we did our share of last minute running around the city to dig up some more options. By midnight our looks were set, the garments, shoes and accessories were matched perfectly.

The day of the shoot arrived. We meticulously set up the changing room; color co-ordinated line up of our selected looks. Thrilled to show off our composition we awaited the panel. One by one the glitterati appeared. The biggest photographer, most celebrated make-up artist, editorial team and Katrina Kaif, all engrossed in a discussion with us! After trying on various outfits, the first shot was chosen. The editor still seemed hesitant and insisted we bring in plain white shirt options, belts and skirts. Mind you, absolutely contradicting our previous – short, sexy glamorous dresses brief! To ensure the shoot goes smooth we ran around the city while the first shot was on begging and pleading brands and designers, even the smaller Bandra stores to give us white shirts and belts; promising a feature of the brand on the cover.

Two additional hours of blood and sweat and we were back with a bang! Our bang was gagged almost immediately when nobody even remotely glanced at our white treasure and changed the brief once again. This time around garments were summoned from the celeb’s wardrobe. New trials took place once again!

Finally, the shoot ended with a delighted editor, a bored celeb, an aloof photographer and exhausted stylists. Out of everything we brought in only two garments were shot. No jewellery, no shoes, no nothing! For the cover Katrina wore denim shorts and a cropped top –something that can be sourced within an hour. All our labor went in vain. But at least we had the comfort of exhibiting our name in print. Alas, the issue is out and absolutely no styling credit mentioned in the story. A couple of phone calls and half a month later we still await justice.

No doubt Katrina looks stunning on the cover but lets face it aren't the last two dresses gorgeous? Non-biased opinions are welcome. 

*sigh*

Hoping for the best next time around...

Till then,

x,

Heta