Japanese designers at LFW shocked by tsunami

Mumbai: Three renowned Japanese designers,who are in the metropolis to showcase their collection for the first time at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) have expressed deep shock and grief over loss of lives in the devastating quake

and tsunami which hit their country, leaving over 1,000 dead.

Designers Tamae Hirokaro, Motonari Ono and Sara Arai unveiled their creations on the catwalk for Summer 2011 at the LFW here last evening and were "disturbed" on learning the catastrophe back home.

"We are very much shocked with what has happened in Japan. This is something we never imagined. This is a sad moment for all of us. We would stand by each in this time of crisis and would try and help in every way possible," designer Montonari Ono told.

Montonari however heaved a sigh of relief knowing that his near and dear ones are safe and secure. "My family, friends and colleagues are very much safe there. We would be leaving for Japan soon," he said.

Arai and Hirokaro too expressed grief over the unfateful incident that has left everyone traumatised. "We are concerned about all our people back home in Japan. It is moment of grief...we are disturbed," Hirokaro said.

A massive tsunami triggered by Japan's most powerful earthquake of 8.9-magnitude in northeast coastal Japan, swept away houses, ships and cars, besides setting ablaze several buildings, leaving a trail of destruction.

The Lakme Fashion Week and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan have inked a collaboration with their cross-cultural exchange initiative 'Tokyoeye' that saw the noted designers showcase their collection here.

The government-aided project aims to create enterprising relationships and provide access to international collections to buyers from India as well as other parts of the world.