Once Upon a Time,Again

Telling stories of a bygone era through their collections has become a signature style of designer duo Ashima and Leena Singh. Also,their shows,particularly couture,are known to have dramatic starts and this Friday was no exception. Having got singer Zila Khan to sing live for their show at the Delhi Couture Week last year,this time around at the ongoing Amby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2013,the designers got dastaango Nadeem Shah to set the pace for the show in his unique narrative style. His storytelling and the story itself of how Chandni Chowk came around and the richness of wedding wear built up expectations to the collection titled “Aalap”. Art and architecture have been popular muses and for this collection,Ashima-Leena chose the timeless appeal of Delhi’s Mughal architecture. Apart from the storyline,the designers used technology as an aid to add a new dimension to the presentation. At the show,large screens formed the backdrop with projections of minarets,domes and arches setting the mood,even though all of it was a tad familiar.

Focusing on Mughal influenced styles and techniques,this year’s collection brought in dhoti style saris,short kurtas and sheer jackets,sharara pants,transparent embroidered churidaars and varying lengths of anarkalis among others. The colour palette initially showed restraint with beige and dull beaten gold but progressed to include mint green,pale pink and rust. The pietra-dura motif was omnipresent and the use of shimmer fabric was equally noticeable all through the collection. The embellishments were light with zardozi embroidery and gota-patti work. It was nice to see blouses with cut-outs in the back resembling the dome of a mausoleum. It also highlighted the label’s attention to detail.

Nargis Fakhri — in a royal red jacket with intricate zari work teamed with a shimmery lehenga and wearing heavy jewellery as headgear — concluded the show for the designers.

This bridal collection also marked the official debut of Rhea Singh,daughter of Leena,as the one who would carry the legacy further. Strangely,she didn’t take a bow along with her mother and aunt at the close of the show.