New Rules

If you thought a collection for prospective brides and grooms has to be about bling with noticeable embellishments,then designer-duo Shantanu-Nikhil’s collection “To Die For” is a good example of how that’s not always true. Showcased on the opening day of the India Bridal Fashion Week,the collection with its contemporary notes is,in the designers’ own words,“an ode to the woman of today”. Looking to offer the new age bride ensembles with a mix of Indian and contemporary styling — the designers refer to it as ‘new luxury’ — the show started with ensembles such as gowns,lehengas,mermaid dresses and Anarkalis in white with floral embroidery in dull gold,especially at the hems and borders. The focus was on draping and fits. The designers chose earthy,almost nude tones with spurts of colour. The peplum tops worn over long skirts seemed to be their favourite. The gold leaf patterns,akin to Grecian floral wreaths,were prominent across the ensembles. It felt as though the two were trying to show some restraint. There were sherwanis for men with soft but intricate gold work. The floor-sweeping gowns in soft tones were another highlight of the collection that saw Miss Canada Sehar Biniaz as the showstopper.