New Delhi: After a few hiccups due to rain prior to designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s show at the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW), actress Sonam Kapoor, in a golden gown that trailed across the ramp, opened the show to a packed audience. The show by Jani and Khosla, known as the masters of ‘revival and reinvention’, having transformed chikankari, zardozi and mirror-work into their signature contemporary style of classical elegance, featured an elaborate theatrical set that recreated the Varanasi ghats.
Their collection showcased the rich legacy of silks, brocades, gold and silver thread work and carpet weaving. The designer duo, for whom India has always been their muse, presented their bridal collection titled “Varanasi”, which paid homage to the city. The palette too reflected the different moods and unique spirit of the city. Colours like white, yellow, saffron and orange and a riot of Holi hues were used in abundance, even for menswear that consisted of sheer vest, dhotis, long jackets and more.
“Varanasi has always left a deep impression upon us. Its history, energy, spirituality and symbolism as well as its astonishing legacy of craftsmanship. “We’ve worked with weaves indigenous to the city over the years. But there is always a moment… a time when those impressions are translated into a solid and dedicated expression. This is that moment for us. And the collection is the result. “It is an ode to everything we hold dear about the city and its indestructible soul,” Jani told IANS.
If there were a few western inspired ensembles, the collection also had the traditional saris, suits and ghaghras with Banarasi dupattas. Like the silhouettes, the music was a mix of western and Indian numbers. There was a mix of Bollywood classics like “Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” and “Pyar mein sauda nahin” and Ellie Goulding’s “Love me like you” too. While there were many moments when the audience lauded during the show, one particular time was when a Sikh model, who matched his blue turban with his dhoti and bandhgala, took the stage.
Sonam’s confident walk, though she sported heavily embellished garments, was also praised by many. She even lip-synced Lana Del Rey’s song “Will you still love me” as she made a dramatic entry on stage. Before it was revealed that Sonam would be the showstopper, the designer duo shared that “the ensemble will be the showstopper. And the woman wearing it a goddess who deserves no less than the cream of the collection”. When IANS asked Sonam about the “goddess” compliment, she said: “That’s kind of them and I am happy that they think I am one”.
Sonam, who wore two creations of the designer duo, certainly looked like a diva in the gown when she opened the show and when she donned a vermilion lehenga with a zardozi and Swarovski blouse and a dupatta on head, the 30-year-old looked nothing less than a bride.”I feel like a bride. I loved every moment of it”, Sonam, who is “happy to be single”, told reporters after the “spectacular and dramatic” show at the luxury shopping destination DLF Emporio here on Friday. The “Khoobsurat” actress wasn’t the only one who contributed to the star factor of the evening.
Veteran actors Dimple Kapadia and Jaya Bachchan, a loyal client of the designer duo, were also seen lauding the new bridal collection. From the Bachchan family, Shweta and her daughter Navya Naveli were also spotted though they sat far from Jaya, who smiled and waved at them before beginning of the show. Ace designer Ritu Kumar was also seen sitting in the front row. Suneet Varma, who will bring the curtains down on the event on August 11, also attended it.
