Tuesday 13 August 2013

ROHIT BAL

“I don’t do anything off–the-rack. When a bride or groom or their families come to us, we make it just for them. It takes about thirty or forty people about three or four months to make an outfit for a bride or a groom,” he explains.
Though the word “couture” is often misused, it’s certainly true that the amount of skill, handwork and time that goes into these incredible Indian garments puts them in the same league as the very best garments fromhaute couture houses in Europe, albeit with very different aesthetics and silhouettes.
Mr Bal’s show, of course, ended with the traditional Indian showstopper: the appearance of a major Bollywood star — in this case, the stunning Sonam Kapoor, who is possibly the only Bollywood star to have a sense of style and credibility that translates on a global level. As she shimmied down the runway in a signature Rohit Bal bridal lengha to the sounds of “Aa jaane jaan” from a 1969 Hindi film, the crowd exploded with delight.
“I’ve sold that lengha about 25 times already,” reports Mr Bal, acknowledging the power of Bollywood to sell fashion in this country. “And it doesn’t have even one millimeter of bling. It is all dull, beaten, gold tillafrom Kashmir. I surrounded it with two very blingy outfits, because people should know I can do that too. But for me, what Sonam was wearing — that is who I am.”























Thursday 1 August 2013

ASHIMA LEENA


Ashima-Leena collection at Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012 sparkled on the catwalk with amazing creativity. The creation had that exquisite touch of craft and style. The colour story was deep jewel tones with ruby, emerald and amethyst jade green and cerulean blue as well as white to play a perfect fashion symphony. The silhouettes, worked around the chakdaar jama with the Mogul touch. With hand crafted delicate workmanship inspired by the country's rich culture, the pair has added dramatic touches to their creations. The sarees were in Net and Silk and embellishments included beaten gold work.NARGIS FAKHRI WAS THE SHOWSTOPPER FOR THE COLLECTION For bridal wear, Ashima-Leena’s “Raag Rattan” collection had all the magnificent touches for that Big Day. Click the images for enlarged view.

Saturday 27 July 2013

JOTSNA TIWARI


ELOHIM BY JYOTSNA TIWARI She has a vision to design modern ensembles with ideas driven from Indian culture and to have an outcome which is contemporary in nature. Jyotsana Tiwari showcased her collection- ELOHIM in the second part of the show on Day 2. She counted on her source of inspiration like colours, fun and festivities around the wedding for her collection in the India Bridal week, 2013. The idea was to present classic silhouettes amalgamated with international trends with the incorporation of fine tailoring and to present a very occasion oriented collection. She visions Indian bride as someone who is chic yet traditional and is happy to wear a light weight, fun clothing during her wedding functions. One of the noteworthy ensembles was a fitted bodice in silk and embroidered in gold with a leafy pattern at front, attached with a flowy net at the bottom, just like any princess dress. There were other too like short fitted dress with sharp cuts and traditional embroidery, and peplum beige long strapless tunic with pencil fit pants which was teamed with a traditional dupatta. The modern version of ‘Khoya Khoya Chaand’ was playing as background music. Another eye catching off-shoulder poncho like beige top over a lehenga was showcased to give an effect of saree but in a modern style. Today’s modern and chic bride would happily carry a brocade bustier with gold work and nude coloured lehenga in soft pink embroidery. The beautiful blend of traditional craft and indo-western silhouettes with ethnic touch resulted in the creation of very modern and international outfits. Jacqueline Fernandez was the show stopper who walked the ramp in a hot pink strapless dress with slits and gold embroidery, teamed with pencil fit pants.

Meera Muzzafar Ali

Film maker, painter turned designer Muzaffar ali, together with his wife Meera presented their collection' PEARL OF ORIENT' inspired by the traditional craft of the region of Awadh on the day 2 of India Bridal Week. Craftsmanship reminiscent of rich cultural heritage of Awadh has been extensively incorporated in their collection. Their 20 year old, international couture brand 'Kotwara' represents timeless craftsmanship and constant innovation in embroidery and weaving techniques. Kotwara infuses cultures and styles from different parts of Lucknow, Kashmir, Hyderabad, Kerala, and Benga. The exotic bridal wear collection showcased masterpieces which spoke volumes about the classic yet contemporary designs by the designer duo.

Rina Dhaka


PRATEEK BABAR AND AMYRA SHOWSTOPPER FOR REENA 'S COLLECTION,SOFIE CHOUDHARY SHOWCASED THE COLLECTION AT RUNNWAY Rina Dhaka is a veteran designer who has not only marked her niche in India but also has her distinct stamp in the international arena. Her clients include Naomi Campbell, Martha Marzotto, Vittorio Radice, to name a few. “Silhouettes become smooth and precise, they add structure to the free flowing” is the philosophy behind this particular collection of Rina Dhaka showcased in India bridal week, 2013. The set was so beautifully laden with lights that it reminded of a star studded sky at night. Sophie Chaudhary opened the show donned in a beautiful mirror work bustier with an attached panel extending till her navel, teamed up with appliqué patchwork sharara. Rina Dhaka’s collection- ‘Free Spirited Bride’ was a play of textures, embroidery, opulence and style with panache. Patchwork, gotha work and traditional kamdani work ruled her collection. Neutral shades were beautifully paired with brighter hues to give a stark contrast in the outfits. Flared pants and voluminous skirts were the integral part of her collection.