Journalism of Courage
Dripping with glam,a model stumbled on stage with a bottle of wine in her hand. The look on her face was that of a heartbroken lovers. She sat on the steps,desperate and alone. Just then,her prince charming made an entrance,she ran to him,they embraced,kissed and parted ways to walk the ramp and showcase the drop-dead-gorgeous garments by Mumbai-based designer AD Singh. His collection,titled Crystallized,featured couture bridal wear including Swarovski-studded sarees,lehengas,ghagras,anarkalis,wedding gowns and sherwanis. The drama onstage at the beginning was to prepare the audience for an equally dramatic collection of garments to follow, says AD Singh.
While Singh began the second day of the Signature Premier Pune Style Week with drama,the second designer for the evening,Mumtaz Khan from Bhopal,showcased a collection titled Purab Paschim. Like the name suggests,his garments were a fusion of Western and Indian design influences. He used Indian weaves such as Chanderi and Benarasi,and block prints from Bagh,Madhya Pradesh,for above-the-knee blazer-style dresses. Actor Zulfi Sayed opened the show,while city-based singer Anaida and model Shawar Ali were the showstoppers.
The finale for the evening was a showcase of bridal and festive wear by city-based designer Gulnaz Amin. My designs are influenced by the grand lifestyle of the Mughals and their traditional aesthetics. My collection includes a mix of traditional and modern apparel with vintage detailing inspired by the Mughal stye of embroidery. I have used Swarovski crystals and Japanese pearls, she says. The collection includes kalidaar kurtas,Pakistani kurtas,palazzo pants,shararas,ghararas and lehengas in a variety of colours. Model Natasha Suri posed as the showstopper with a glamorous lehenga.
