Aashni & Co Wedding Show London – Jan 2016

I’m so excited to share this with all of you. I attended the Aashni & Co Wedding Show London last week and cannot describe what an amazing experience it was! As you all probably know by now, I just love ethnic fashion and so when I got the opportunity to attend the event, there was no question of me missing it at all.

(Zita Elze – Enhancted Woodland Theme)Zita Elze Aashni&Co-Wedding-Show

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, this show brought together some of the most celebrated Indian designers, the names being the likes of Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi, Varun Bahl, Rimple Harpreet Narula, Masaba, Gaurav Gupta, Anamika Khanna, Anju Modi and Anita Dongre, who were exhibiting their stunning bridal-wear collections at The Dorchester Hotel, London. The event was further graced by Pakistani designer Faraz Manan’s collection as well as Zita Elze’s magnificent floral styling.

AashniCo-Wedding-Show

This show which first debuted in January 2015, is an initiative by Aashni & Co, a high-end Indian Fashion concept store located in Notting Hill. Given the scale at which it was done, it is clear that Indian ethnic-wear has captured the imagination of people across the globe, which makes me so, so proud!

AashniCo-Wedding-Show-2

Now coming to the show itself, what can I say? If I had to use just one word, I’d say it was Exquisite. Every piece of clothing I saw on the day was unique and elaborate; so much so that I still haven’t got over it. In fact, I even suggested to my husband that even though we are married why don’t we do it again. Then I’ll have a legitimate excuse to splurge on all this fabulous designer ethnic-wear!

For me, the highlights of the show were the collections by Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra. Call me old fashioned, but I simply cannot get enough of their classic brand.

And you have to admit, if it’s Indian bridal-wear we’re talking about, Sabyasachi pops into one’s mind straight away. You can simply never go wrong with the Bengali designer’s uber-elegant creations. At this show, his collection was targeting winter wedding trends and displayed a lot of intricate sequin work. Staying true to timeless styles, Sabyasachi managed to steal the limelight once again.

(Sabyasachi Mukherjee)
Sabyasachi-Aashni&Co-Wedding-Show

And before I could even take in all of what I had just seen, Manish Malhotra’s collection overwhelmed me further. The thing is that when we think of Bollywood, we think of Manish Malhotra, and that is why one’s expectations are very high. And once I saw his collection live, I was more than pleased; his was the most glamorous and chic of them all. Embellished with a lot of fine embroidery and phulkari work, each piece was absolutely gorgeous. His collection was huge with many options to choose from, though since all were so alluring, choosing one would be so difficult!

(Manish Malhotra)
Mansih-Malhotra-Aashni&Co-Wedding-Show

And I wasn’t the only one awed by the sheer immensity of the event. After all, it isn’t often that the cream of the Indian fashion industry are all under one roof with their beautiful work on display. Some of the glitterati were themselves quite taken in by the brilliance of the show. It was one of the best shows in recent times and you could see everyone to be really enjoying it. It was spectacular and beautifully put together with enchanted woodland theme by Zita Elze and complete with a PhotoBoot booth for everyone to have their pictures taken by Elegant and Wild Photography.

(Elegant and Wild Photogtaphy – PhotoBooth)Elegant-and-Wild-Photography-At-AashniCo-WeddingShow

(Zita Elze – Enhancted Woodland Theme)Zita-Elze-Aashni&Co-Wedding-Show

All I am hoping for is that they are back next year for the  Aashni & Co Wedding Show 2017 so I can feast my eyes on all the spectacular display once again! *fingers crossed*

PCJ Delhi Couture Week Review – Series 2

Day 4

The 4th day of the fashion week saw some sizzling collections presented by ace fashion designers Ritu Beri and Manish Arora.

Ritu Beri

True to her sensibilities, Ritu Beri, presented a collection inspired by her culture. Being a Punjabi, the colours and magnificence showcased in her collection were truly a treat to the onlooker. Titled aptly Punjabi Rock and Roll, Ritu Beri took the traditional attires to another level. The choice of colours ranging right from pastels, whites, dark and metallic with Swarovski’s, satins, silks, nets, rich brocades, etc. was ornately presented by Ritu Beri through the different ensembles. The fashionable look ranged from gararas, long jackets, gowns inspired by Sarees, Patiala Salwar, Kurtas and voluminous Ghagras.

Manish Arora

The last segment on Day 4 was presented by ace fashion designer Manish Arora through his traditional Indian collection. A combination of colours inspired by the baroque period and Buddhist temples along with his exquisitely designed jewellery; the fabrics and textiles ranged from chiffons, silks, crepe to beautiful hand-woven silk brocade. Georgettes were used to design the ornate display of ensemble that included Lehengas, Saris, Churidars, Anarkalis, etc. Each costume had a unique amalgamation of zardozi, metals, leather, stones and crystals beautifully fitted into them. A true delight to the viewer, the collection of Manish Arora ended day 4 with panache and grace.

Day 5

Day 5 was marked by the presence of world-class fashion designers Gaurav Gupta and Manish Malhotra.

Gaurav Gupta

The red carpet presentation of ‘Lightfall’ by Gaurav Gupta kept the audience captured with his exquisite designs and applique ensembles. The collection spoke for itself with beautiful gowns and offshoots of Lehengas and Sarees. The colour palette consisted of neon to moon grey to dust gold to teal and ecru with a collocation of variety of techniques of Indian craftsmanship.

Manish Malhotra

The Grand finale of the Fashion Week was by none other than ace designer Manish Malhotra. His collection inspired by the era of royalty- 1930’s, left the audience captivated. The colour palette was a combination of mustard, royal blue and beige, red and ochre all creating a vintage look. The Lehengas, Anarkalis, Sarees were beautifully crafted with ornate embroidery, zardozi, velvets, silver and gold thread work along with Chantilly lace that was used during that period were gracefully presented by Manish Malhotra. A finale with élan and opulence, Manish Malhotra truly brought the Indian Couture Week to a perfect end!