Winning comes naturally for – and at – Verve, as we believe in diving where others fear to tread, to come up with rich rewards. For a cutting-edge fashion shoot in our issue (Volume 15, Issue 5), actor-photographer Parvin Dabas plumbed the depths, so to speak, to come up with a riveting collection of memorable images that had already received rave reviews when the issue hit the stand. And now, Verve’s underwater fashion feature has grabbed the global spotlight at the International Photography Awards 2007 and Dabas – who has showcased his innovative work for the first time in Verve – has bagged first place (Fashion) and second place (Beauty), both in the non-professional category.

The pooling of imagination and the diverse talent created magic underwater as Dabas and Verve proved that one could be stylish in the swim of things. To guard against any unforeseen mishaps – despite all the precautions taken to ensure the crew’s safety – two scuba divers remained on hand, completely alert. They were not needed eventually… all they had to do was watch attentively while the drama unfolded in the acquatic realm.

Model Aneesha Dalal – quite comfortable diving for sequins and pearls – was the perfect choice. And having taken to the medium since she was six years old, she was a complete natural in the water. And finally, all the preparations, the effort and creativity resulted in an award-winning fashion shoot, aptly summed up in Verve’s issue as liquid poetry!