Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012

Luxe Couture is what designers Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor are known for. I have always loved their opera style ball gowns, and that was the attraction for me to head to their show at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012.

The brilliant luxurious collection that they unveiled is called “The Mogul Opera” and it had the signature touches of the designers - opera style ball gowns and ethnic bridal wear. Cleverly blending the 17^th century Victorian era styles with the grandeur of the Mogul era, the creations comprised seductive gowns, lavishly ornate lehengas, heavily paneled floor hugging kurtas, remarkable corsets and sexy cholis. The collection was also a beautiful dedication to the country's rich Jamevaar heritage which was recreated in the amazing embroidery. With rich fabrics, gorgeous vibrant colours and tantalizing sensuous silhouettes that sparkled with twinkling embroidery, the presentation was a vision of beauty.

Embellishments formed the key note of the collection as Swarovski crystals and zardozi merged perfectly into the glittering lehengas on rich velvet. Luxurious satin was the basis of most garments, while Banarasi brocade was turned into shimmering borders. French lace appeared on the sleeves of voluminous anarkalis, which twinkled with crystals to create an enticing effect on the garments. Contrasts played a harmonious role in saris. Colours were vibrant with gold, fuchsia, orange, red and silver making a dramatic impact.

Men's wear had regal bundhgalas and dazzlings sherwanis. The shaded rust tonal embroidered Jodhpuri jackets, the Moghul inspired sherwanis and the stately jackets were truly meant for a royal entry.

Creating a sensation on the ramp was the very stunning Bipasha Basu in a maroon and gold paneled Jamevaar embroidered glittering corset blouse and lehenga with a seductive ornate neckline. The full luxurious petticoat under the voluminous creation gave that marked Victorian feel to the ensemble.

From the grandeur of yesteryears to the glamour of contemporary bridal wear, the designing duo combined the two segments to create exclusive statement pieces for the great day.

Do you too like the blend of the Victorian and the Indian ethnic styles like me? Would love to know :)

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Tarun Tahiliani at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012

Despite having been married for over 2 years, bridal fashion still excites me and that is why Trousseau Planning is one of the services I offer as a part of my Fashion Stylist Services. So when an invitation to the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012 reached me, I was thrilled :) More so because none other than every bride's dream couturier - Tarun Tahiliani was kick starting  the week.

Tarun, whose creations have revived the beauty of India's rich heritage, brought in his opulent touches for the bridal collection which feature 41 creations inspired by the glamour of the 20s. The innovative U shaped ramp was turned into a virtual Garden of Eden with foliage, creepers and greenery swirling down from the ceiling and around the stage. Clumps of delicate plants hung from the walls lit with tiny circular bulbs and blue fairy lights twinkled around the ramp. As the lights dimmed, the lit bushes rose up to the ceiling to the strains of melodious music and the gentle voice of Sonam Kalra, the trained opera and Hindustani singer. The backdrop of painted temples created a very earthy character for the amazing show that was about to unfold in front of our eyes.

Stunning lehengas, paneled long cholis in tulle and silk with gorgeous embroidery, draped net saris with superb craftsmanship, self designed brocade maroon saris with heavy crystal and sequined borders, long gleaming velvet appliquéd covers with matching pants, peplum cholis, asymmetrical lehengas with churidars and sleeveless tunics over shot silk voluminous skirts- the collection was pure luxury from the studios of Tarun Tahiliani. 

The eye-catching slim mermaid gown kurta, glamorous shararas with kurtis, keyhole jackets, contemporary anarkalis in juicy citrus shades with meshes of Swarovski elements brought in a hint of old world. Embellishemnts were lavish with zardozi, sequins, antique gold work, clusters of crystals and appliqués which added to the beauty of the garments. Volume was the key word for the collection with just a few slim line kurtas with sexy low backs. 

Men’s wear was as ornate with bundgalas and sherwanis favoured by Tarun, teamed with churidars or comfortable dhotis.

The colours chosen were ideal for the wedding mood with reds as the predominant colour while fuchsia, rani pink, deep saffron, ivory, pink, peach, beige, maroon and black appeared in perfect harmony.

The very lovely Chitrangada Singh was the show stopper in a sensational ivory net lehenga, choli and dupatta creation splashed lavishly with crystals and sequins.

Presenting an utterly feminine line that refined luxury combined with the grandeur of his embellishments, Tarun’s collection was a dream to behold. 

Does bridal fashion also excite you as much as it excites me? Then stay tuned for the next post too!

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