Every upcoming bridal show in the Capital inevitably brings with it a certain amount of hype. The 16th edition of Bridal Asia, spread across three days, is going to be no different. Beginning September 27, the event has been conceptualised to spring a surprise in more ways than one.
Apart from featuring a wide array of lehengas, anarkalis and saris created by top-notch couturiers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Tarun Tahiliani and Anita Dongre, the annual extravaganza will have a broad representation of the country’s unique weaves and embroidery work. Thus, there will be Kashmir’s famous jamawar and Assam’s intricate weaves competing with international names like Malaysian shoe designer Jimmy Choo, known for customised shoes.
The event will see the participation of over 47 designers from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. The rest will be jewellers and proprietors of lifestyle products. Much sought after items like clutch and shoulder bags and shoes from iconic luxury brands like Gucci and Prada will be available during the event.
This time round, foreign designers will be only from Pakistan and Hong Kong. The event will offer an opportunity to designers as well as representatives of Indian and foreign brands to interact with buyers. .
According to Bridal Asia CEO Divya Garware, this year Sabyasachi and Tahiliani will present their fall/winter collections.
“We are an exhibition organising company. During 1990s, we realised that the wedding graph never went downwards. It took two years of planning to arrange everything and have all stakeholders on board. In 1999 our dreams were realised and we had representation from the sub-continent, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The response was beyond our expectations,” explains Divya.
However, breaking the ice with senior designers must have been pretty tough?
“Yes, they were reluctant to be seen on a public platform. So I had to explain to each one of them that fashion lovers are intimidated by you so you need to be more interactive and this would eventually increase your clientele,” the CEO says.
Reiterating that as in previous editions, this year too aesthetics is the main criteria for selection, Divya says, “We have given preference to quality over quantity. If I want 200 additional exhibitors can be roped in but there can be no compromise on quality. So we have maintained a good balance of known as well as not-so-known designers.”
This time two fashion-related events in Pakistan are clashing with the Indian one with the sole representation from across the border being Honey Waqar. Comments Divya, “Last time, eight designers from the neighbouring nation had participated. With two shows in Pakistan, only Honey Waqar is participating. She has been constantly participating with us. Like our silhouettes, Pakistani silhouettes are very stylish and much in demand. We have trump cards as far as contouring of colours or embroidery is concerned.”
Acknowledging Bridal Asia’s role in his ascendancy as a designer, Sabyasachi says, “I have been with them for a decade now. At a time when I was a newcomer Bridal Asia helped my business to grow.”
Anita Dongre, will showcase her latest winter festive collection “India Modern” –– a celebration of all things Indian but with a modern contemporary twist.
“Comprising flowy bridal lehengas being reinterpreted with an innovative twist of modern day styles, the collection highlights subtle detailing and layering juxtaposed with intricate gota patti, dori and hand embroidery on rich fabrics. ,” says Anita.
