BANGALORE: Vivid colour palette, luxuriant fabrics, desi embellishments, and all that bling that entreats a garment to be called as Indian trousseau, commanded the ramp again and again and again. With three out of five designers showcasing their bridal lines, the opening day of the fourth edition of Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week was more of a bridal extravaganza. For once we wondered if we were attending an Indian bridal couture week.
Only Western touch
The day kicked off with designer Haasya Chandna’s summery line titled ‘Transcendence’. It was a line of colourful cocktail dresses and drape gowns in a burst of bold colours in satin silk. The garments were elegant with defining cuts sans fussy adornments, perfect for the woman who is strong and fiercely feminine. Bollywood newbie Kuljeet Randhawa walked the ramp for Chandana in a bright, printed flowing gown.
Chandana was the only designer whose creations had some international flavour.
In pursuit of grandeur
Kishan Bagri took over with his bridal line. He used pretty much all the ingredients, making sure that nothing fell short of the splendour quotient. Rich fabrics like silk, satin, velvet, net, georgette and brocade; embellishments comprising Swarovski, semi-precious stones, feathers, sequins and zari detailing; silhouettes ranging from structured sherwanis to voluminous skirts; cast over the line. The desi collection was beautiful but nothing extraordinary.
Bridal goes casual
Riyaz Ganji from the label Libas, who is famed for his BTown clientele, made the audience wait for LONG. Thankfully Ganji had a superb showstopper — yesteryear fashion diva Zeenat Aman. His collection called ‘Valley of Flowers’ was a little confusing, we saw the floral motif in womenswear, which comprised beautiful bridal sarees with sexyily interesting cholis and lehengas, but the men’s garments did not have any hint of flowers. There were structured jackets, sherwanis with tail coat finish, highlighted with fine detailing in the lapels and back teamed with tapered casual pyjamas and folded denims. The causal approach to Indian trousseau was refreshing, but it wasn’t aesthetically appealing.
Zeenat Aman’s red and gold ensemble was well tailored, a gorgeous pick for a woman of that age attending a wedding.
A matter of difference
Soothing colours and fabrics then surged with Anju Modi’s. Whites and off whites with a dash of faded blue or pale lavender weaved a calm ambience. The garments, all Indian, were brilliantly crafted. There were long crushed kurtis, wraparound dresses, sarees, funky banjaran tops, kaftans, waist coat like top, interesting dupattas, in cottons and voiles. The look was serene, bohemian; the beauty laid in the layering.
Doing the best
Staying true to itself, Satya Paul showcased its latest line of bridal wear. It was grand as expected, embellished with tones, silk knit, velvet cut work, brocades, zardozi, gotta, pearl and stone. These traditional detailing was beautifully weaved with a modern fine tuning. What made the collection standout was the colour palette. The usual brightest of reds and pinks, emeralds, royal blues took a back seat. Pastel tones looked pretty and chic. Again, nothing awe-inspiring here too.