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Police on lookout for model behavior...
(gg)
By Krittivas Mukherjee
MUMBAI, Nov 2 (Reuters Life!) - Indian police have an
unusual undercover surveillance job this week,
scanning the ramps and observing models at a top
fashion show to check that no one intentionally
displays too much flesh.
Police in plain clothes mingled with India's
cigar-chomping, crystal-clinking class at the Lakme
Fashion Week, after busting zippers and slipping
bustiers at the show's last edition sparked a morality
debate in the conservative country.
"We are keeping an eye on each show. We don't want any
bad example to be set," said Sanjay Mohite, deputy
commissioner of police in Mumbai, India's financial
and entertainment capital.
In March, a series of "wardrobe malfunctions" at the
show saw models exposing their breasts and buttocks,
sending newspapers and television channels into a
frenzy of excitement.
Indian police even launched an investigation into the
incidents, but later concluded that the clothes had
come undone by accident.
This time, police have issued a 28-point guide for the
organizers and designers, including a directive that
models wear nipple tape so that they don't show
through flimsy dresses, and that lights be switched
off if clothes come off.
Police said they reserved the right to cancel a show
if their guidelines were violated.
"We have a set of guidelines to follow. I think
everyone is happy about it," said Anil Chopra,
vice-president of organizers Lakme.
The Lakme Fashion Week, which ends on Saturday, is
being attended by top buyers such as Browns, H&M and
Saks Fifth Avenue, and is parading the creations by 47
young or famous designers.
Talk of sex in public is considered rude in India,
while even holding hands or kissing in public is
frowned upon and can draw jeers.
Officials even declared war on Mumbai's traditionally
risque nightlife last year, shutting hundreds of
popular dance bars on the grounds they bred crime and
prostitution.
Some hardline Hindu groups are part of a growing band
of cultural vigilantes opposed to what they see as
increasing mimicry of the West, especially by
teenagers.
Such groups have in the past stopped young people from
celebrating Valentine's Day and prevented the
screening of controversial films dealing with
homosexuality, saying they denigrated India's ancient
traditions.
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