After the resounding success of Aashni & Co Wedding show last year, it was time to appreciate the work and craftsmanship of the very best in Indian & Pakistani fashion. Last Sunday we had a unique opportunity to interact with India’s favourite and most respected designers at the Aashni & Co Wedding Show.
Personally I was really excited to meet Anju Modi and get a glimpse of her latest Baji Rao Mastani Collection. A lot of research has gone into creating the looks for Deepika as Mastani but the results have been well worth the wait.
The event also featured floral styling by Zita Elze, who recreated a breath taking, enchanted garden installation. It wowed visitors and created a standalone focal point in itself. The garden was adorned by key designers pieces, creating a magnificent entrance.
Press and bloggers had a chance to interact face to face with their favourite designers and the find out more about their latest collections. Here are a few of my favourite designers at the show.
Anju Modi – I simply adore her designs and she has been able to differentiate herself from the crowded Indian bridal market. Her designs truly reflect her deep-rooted knowledge about various techniques and crafts. I asked her about how she manages to create this differentiation and from where she gets her inspiration. To that she replied that she likes to go back to her roots, visit the interior villages, meet the craftsmen, stay with them and absorb as much as she can from her creative surroundings. Another unique facet of her designs is the layers she adds to a garment. I asked her about this layering concept and she replied “I like the mystery that comes with layering”. It was lovely to meet and discuss fashion. She is a lovely person and very approachable. I also managed to try on an outfit of hers and it looked very graceful.
Me in Anju Modi
Sabyasachi – How can we miss him. There were long queues outside his stand so you can imagine how popular he was. If you are looking for a timeless Indian wedding wear then he is your man. He has managed to change the Indian Bridal fashion scene and now owning a Sabyasachi outfit is a dream for every bride. Still he is so humble and grounded. When I asked him about that he said “ I am from a middle class family. No one in my family has done business before. I am the first one to enter this industry. So my roots keep me grounded”. His collection included heavy bridal pieces and this gorgeous sari which Deepika Padukone wore this year.
Image: Pinkvilla
Manish Malhotra – Manish spoke about his busy schedule and launching his Regal Threads collection which is a tribute to royal Benaras and Gujarat weaves. Beautiful collection of pink and coral lehngas were on display at his stand. The collection was definitely a hit with team bride.
‘The Regal Threads’, Manish’s latest project
Varun Bhal – His collection was jaw dropping. I loved it. Brides, he should be on your wish list. He had an amazing collection of saris and lehengas on display. I loved this red show stopper dress dress on display.
Deepika in Varun Bhal
Anamika Khanna – One of my other favourite designers.She was sporting her own creation (which by the way very few designers do. I wonder why) and looking very graceful. She talked about wearability of Indian garments and said if we have to bring Indian design to mainstream fashion then it has to be adapted to suit modern day wearability. She had a lovely collection of flowing capes and layered dresses.
Masaba Gupta – Masaba who just got married said that now after getting married she understands why every bride makes such a big deal of her big day. Everyone wants to look their best so brides should be given that special attention. Her collection included long flowing capes and dresses, not necessarily for your big day but for other smaller functions.
Here is a list of other designers at the event Anita Dongre, Nikasha, Rimple & Harpreet Narula, SVA, Akanksha Gajria, Anushree Reddy,Gaurav Gupta, Chiquitita kidswear by Payal Bahl, Nikasha, Samant Chauhan, Faraz Manan, Sonali Gupta and Ridhima Bhasin.
Jewellery and accessory collections by Amrapali and Amishi London. Amrapali also has a store in Knightsbridge, London in case you are looking for some fine jewellery.
Events like these are a good opportunity to interact with blogger friends specially this one. Victoria from London Ki Ladki
Here are the rest of us. 
From Right to Left – Victoria (London Ki Ladki), Me, Nazma (Asian Fashion Blog),Rabbia (Asian Wedding Ideas) Poonam, (Maharani Diaries) Safeera (Habibi Lifestyle), Arti (My Asian Wardrobe)
Finally this is what I wore to the event. Kept is casual and fresh for a day fashion event.
Top : Warehouse | Jeans : Next | Shoes : House of Frazer | Necklace : Anthropology
Hope you got a little glimpse into the event and your favourite collections. Here is a little teaser video and more images from the event. Enjoy it.
The collection will be available at Aashni & Co store. If you have any queries then do contact the store team
Image courtesy : Aashni & Co