Anita Dongre and Sonam Kapoor at DIVALICIOUS LONDON

I recently went to DIVAlicious London which hosted renowned Indian designer Anita Dongre in exclusive soiree with Sonam Kapoor. After amassing cult popularity the world over in destinations such as the UAE, India, Kenya, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Hong Kong and Indonesia, London played host to a unique, luxury boutique pop-up exhibition – ‘DIVAlicious 2017’ – on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th March 2017 at The May Fair Hotel, London.

International film and fashion icon Sonam Kapoor graced the event. On the by-lines of the exhibition, DIVAlicious London’s partner The Rack – by Kachins presented renowned celebrity fashion designer Anita Dongre. Hot off the ramp of India’s Lakme Fashion Week’s Grand Finale, Anita Dongre has been at the forefront of fashion for over 20 years, having created one of the most successful fashion houses in India. A metaphor for supreme craftsmanship, Anita Dongre’s designs showcase Indian aesthetics in a contemporary language.  Inspired by Rajasthan and India’s rich craft tradition, her handcrafted bridal gotapatti lehengas and handwoven heritage benarasi creations are coveted by brides across the world. Anita Dongre’s commitment to revive, sustain and empower the Indian crafts and textiles led her to launch Grassroot, a sustainable and eco-conscious luxury prêt label. DIVAlicious London marked Anita Dongre’s inaugural London showcase. The event showcased Anita Dongre’s acclaimed collection “Alchemy” (A Magical Transformation).

Private banker turned full time fashion entrepreneur Vanitaa Bhatia launched DIVAlicious in Dubai in 2011.  This is what she had to say about the event “We had a resounding weekend in London with a great turn out. With the reception we received, I can immediately claim that we will be back again next year and hope to make it an annual spring affair for the fashion-conscious market that is London.  Our next step is Nairobi, Kenya!”

I enjoyed exploring the new Anita Dongre’s Lakme Fashion Week’s Grand Finale collection. It was stunning and the designs were very fresh and feminine. The good thing is that these designs can be bought directly from http://shop.anitadongre.com/. Do have a look at the website and you will find all the latest pieces there.

I also came across a brand called Azuli by Nikki from Bombay. I really liked some of the pieces in her collection and tried this cream colour straight kurta. The one I am wearing in this picture has yellow embroidery but I ordered the same design with peach coloured embroidery.

 

I also spotted this stunning pearl work kurta by Mehreen Noorani. Mehreen Noorani  is a Dubai based brand and you can find them on facebook here.

 

Next stop was Payal Jain. Her collection included lots of creams and whites. I tried this white embroidered anarkali on me. I loved the all-over embroidery and the colour.

 

Also spotted the lady behind CILVANA Designs wearing one of her beautiful pieces.

 

 

In the end if was a good fashion fun day and like always, it was great to bump into some of my blogger friends. I also bumped into one of my competition winners and she was really happy to be there.

I hope you enjoyed exploring some new brands. Do let me know your favorites.