Bridal Asia 2012: A glittering assembly of high-octane bridal fashion

Resham Sengar

New Delhi: If there is an occasion that one wishes to stand out, it is undeniably one’s own wedding. And why not, after all it is that time when even the most non-glamorous souls get desirous of getting bedecked in lovely clothes, jewels and the works. So, to let you have things the way you want them to be on your special day, there is no better place on earth other than Bridal Asia 2012. The event is being currently being held in the capital city at the Ashok Hotel. And even this year, there are a lot of unique and versatile offerings from the brands that have put up their stall to showcase and sell their respective wedding wares. For those who are on a lookout to buy clothing only from popular names in business, there are ample designs on display by Tarun Tahiliani, Nikasha Tawadey, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Curio Cottage, Divine Chocolates, Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor, Nalanda Bhandari, Gaurav Gupta, Siddhartha Tytler, Notandas & Sons. Designer Pallavi Jaikishan, who has been around in this industry for years now has made a generous use of sequins, resham embroidery, imported fabrics and lovely colours to craft her lehenga-cholis. The result of all that hard work are an array of flattering bridal wear that will make you blush with desire the moment you set your eyes on the clothes. For loyalists of India’s one of the most celebrated designers from the younger lot- Sabyasachi Mukherjee, this is a place to indulge in some of his enviable sarees which are selling like hot cakes at Bridal Asia. When it comes to Bridal wear, how can the land of India’s royalty Rajasthan stay far behind? Showcasing Rajasthani’s wedding wear in complete splendor were designer labels like Aashima from Jaipur and Pooja Shroff. While Aashima’s potlis with gota-patti work make for a good buy, it is Pooja Shroff’s waist coats with dabka work in colours like hot pink and blue are not to be missed buying. But it is Nidhi Tholia, who seems to be getting a lot of attention for her creations at Bridal Asia 2012. Nidhi is rated to be the most to-go-to designer for every to-be-bride in Jaipur. And the line-up of buyers at her stall stands as a testimony to fact that bridal fashion is truly her forte. Another highlight of Bridal Asia 2012 is the two designer labels Tantuvi and Royal Trousseau owned by Mumbai based designer Smriti Morarka and Delhi-based designer Abha Dalmia respectively. The lovely hued Benarasi sarees being sold under these labels are special for the fact that they are woven by the deft fingers of the saree weavers in Benaras. The beautiful handloom nine-yard wonders with real zari work available with these designer labels could be your way in the direction to preserve the dying art form. Elisha W, a label owned by designer duo Elisha Wadhvani and Vishal Wadhvani were one of the few labels who have come up with their collection of wedding wear for men. “We refrain from doing our groom’s clothing in red, maroon and other dark shades (except black). My clientele have got a very classy taste and ever since we began designing wedding clothes we have been using colours like beige and ivory and that is what we excel in. My clothes are understated, classy and subtle”, said Vishal. The USP of their creations is their colour, cut, styling and classy embroidery done on every outfit. “We are using the best of pearls and Swarovski on our clothes”, added Elisha who has been doing men’s wedding clothing with her husband Vishal for 10 years now. To complement your trousseau with adornments, there are a plenty of drool worthy options here. So, if the choker necklace worn by Kareena Kapoor at her Dawat-e-Walima had you lusting for it then make a pit stop at Sunita Shekhawat’s stall in Hall B and grab the jewelry for Rs 25 lakhs. This Jaipur-based jewelry designer’s offerings are simply outstanding in the way they are designed and crafted. Be it contemporary or the old-world designs, you will find every piece of jewel right here to suit your taste. KS Durlabhji’s rare emeralds from the Nizam’s treasure collection and the Burmese rubies are your best bet if you are a connoisseur of precious gems but only if you are ready to shell out moolah for having them with you. For those who long to stack costume jewelry in the vanity box, Malaga Bespoke (Hall B) and Jayashree Kanwat’s (Hall A) alluring ornaments are worth giving a whirl. Trueso, a Noida-based brand is an apt choice to cater to your gifting ideas for the festive season with their stuff made in silver like photo frames, vases and cuff links (take your pick). Also, there is something like Eternal Grace armed with their innovative invitation card collections. However, it is Chokola that promises to ‘seal the deal’ with its sweet offerings. When asked to give her precious advice on five things a bride must have in her bridal trousseau, designer Abha Dalmia answered in her motherly manner, “Love, love, love, love and love”. And we could not agree more! So, for you’re A-Z wedding needs make haste to grab a range of goodies at Bridal Asia 2012 which lasts till October 23, 2012.