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ontroversy erupted this morning at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2005.
One designer accused another of copying his creation.
The accuser: Designer Suneet Verma
The accused: Designer Aki Naurla
The accusation: Aki, who is designing for the Yashraj film, Bunty Aur Babli, has used a creation from Suneet's 2003 Fall/Winter collection to dress Rani Mukerji.
Suneet says he will sue Yash Chopra, Rani Mukerji and Aki Narula for infringement of copyright.
The other side: Aki says, "I have clarified with Suneet on Saturday. I don't know why he still called a press conference today."
Behind-the-scenes: Aki explains, "A costume stylist for a film designs as well as sources the garments from clothes stores. The demand for clothes in Hindi movies is such that you do tend to source a lot of garments."
Aki has a team assisting him for Bunty Aur Babli.
A member of his team sourced the individual pieces of Rani's costume -- a chiffon poncho and a pair of embroidered black bootleg trousers -- from a Mumbai store called Options. There were apparently no labels on the outfit.
He also says he has clarified matters with Suneet, post Suneet's press conference.
The damages: Rani's costume by Aki costs Rs 8,500
Suneet's design from the fall collection costs Rs 14,500.
Suneet Varma was not available for comment.
The Fashion Design Council of India, meanwhile, says it will not take any action. "You have heard both sides of the story," says Rathi Vinay Jha, director-general. "Suneet is unavailable for comment. We are trying to reach him."
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