Visit: Lakme India Fashion Week: A Sify Special

New Delhi: The much-hyped Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) had its share of hiccups following the organisers' tiff with some models who walked out of the fashion extravaganza at the last moment.

During the fitting session last week, three male models opted out of the event after differences of opinion with the organiser Fashion Development Council of India (FDCI).

However, FDCI Executive Director Vinod Kaul played down the issue, saying there were some personal reasons behind their decision.

"We talked to the models during the fitting sessions but three of them -- Aditya Bal, Ajay Balhara and Muzamil -- were not convinced." But the remaining models saved the day for the FDCI.

Sources said the male models were unhappy with the comparatively lower package being offered to them vis-a-vis their female counterparts.

"Modelling by and large remains a female-dominated field. Opportunities for men are not as good as women because male modelling is still in its infancy," Mr Kaul told UNI.

And while some male models had to quit, women managed to have their way as a clause in the contract was changed to suit their whims and fancies.

"Some female models threatened to leave over a clause stipulating their presence on time for the shows. After they objected to signing the papers, the clause was deleted," designer Rohit Gandhi told UNI.

He, however, said the models had given verbal assurance that they would be on time for the shows.

Altogether 13 male and 48 female models are participating in the week-long event dubbed as the launching pad for aspiring models and designers.

Among the 57 designers showcasing their collections at LIFW, Rohit Bal is the lone couturier designing exclusively for men. His show on May 1 will be an all male model affair.