The best of ethnic fashion from the fourth edition of Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani’s fantastic bridal couture collection borrows from India’s rich cultural roots, original sense of style, drama and intricacy and imbues it with lightness. Glimpses of shimmering gold, hues of soft pastels and a whimsical frothiness are reminiscent of an era of charm and elegance. Creating couture which keeps distinctive Indian crafts alive, while exploring visions in sparkling crystal and carat, reflects emotions that give shape to sensuous, elegant and bespoke luxury for brides, grooms and their families as well as for other occasions.
Falguni and Shane Peacock
The Garden of Eden by internationally acclaimed designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock takes you through their fashion paradise with bridal and evening gowns, full ghagras, anarkalis, farshi pyjamas and kalidaar saris teamed with bustiers, halters and shrugs. Using myriad hues such as pistachio, pink, ivory and gold and combining them with intricate silhouettes, the collection celebrates nature. Floral motifs, vintage laces and delicate feathers amalgamated with net, chiffon and georgettes play the perfect back story for the collection. With each piece crafted by hand, the collection seeks to replicate the beauty and movement of nature in a contemporary form.
JJ Valaya
Titled “The Maharaja of Madrid”, JJ Valaya’s line for the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week was a visual spectacle involving over 50 models and 30 artistes. The ivory collection inspired by the laces found in Spanish fans and headgears, and combined with the elegant grandeur of Indian jewels, was very impressive. We loved the huge fringed shawls, known as Mantón de Manila which are a charming Spanish tradition. The battle-inspired range in velvets, tulles and georgettes held court in lush burgundies and distressed greys. And who could forget the designer’s flamboyant creations inspired by the costumes of the matadors (Spanish bullfighters) and accessorised by unique forms of Thewa jewelrley and digitally printed Matka silks.
Raghavendra Rathore
Celebrating the magnificence of Indian royalty and heritage at its opulent best, Raghavendra Rathore’s collection was resplendent at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week. The collection harks back to the days of the Raj nad the Maharajas, and is reflective of absolute refinement and stylish dressing. A plethora of exquisite embellishments in the regal shades of fuchsia, midnight blue, wine, saffron, gold and silver are thrown in to exude richness.
Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal’s delightful new collection, The Mulmul Masquerade is a journey through centuries of Indian and Elizabethan eras of sublime elegance and luxurious opulence. Handcrafted with traditional and timeless art forms of embroidery and surface ornamentation, Mulmul reflects the glorious indulgence of the privileged aristocracy from The Golden Age of India. From antique gold Kasab Kashmiri embroidery on muslin to Shibori on fabrics like chanderi and voiles, the look and feel is understated and ethereal. The rich jewel tone of velvet combined with the starkness of ivory muslin offers the ultimate in bridal luxury. The collection also offers glimpses of the Elizabethan era of corsets, costumes and coquetry; a time of secret, seductive indulgence and revelry.
