IBFW: Designers at experimental best (Review)

Be it black bridal collection or an esemble with a wild twist - the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) saw a melange of experimental wedding ensembles enticing prospective brides and grooms.

As many as 10 known designers, including jewellery brand AZVA, gave the traditional red a miss by delving into unusual colour palette, cuts and details. Flattering gowns with traditional embroidery turned out to be scene-stealers at the four-day event that

concluded in the capital Sunday night.

The sixth edition of the extravaganza began Aug 7 at the DLF Emporio mall with Tarun Tahiliani's show. It also saw participation of Gauri and Nainika, Ashima and Leena, Raghavendra Rathore, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Suneet Varma, Jyotsna Tiwari, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, and JJ Valaya, who closed it.

With elaborate and well-planned sets, some of which told a story of their own, the line-up of designers took inspiration from Indian as well as international destinations, elements and culture to offer a fresh take on wedding wear.

"Bridal wear makes a huge chunk of the Indian fashion industry, and we need to keep experimenting to cater to the market," Falguni of the internationally known duo Falguni and Shane Peacock, said here.

Can you think of wearing an embroidered biker jacket, a jersey with '10' on the back and crop tops teamed with an intricately crafted lehenga or a saris? The duo made it a reality at the fashion event, while also giving prominence to black - a colour most Indian women avoid at their weddings.

"Women may not wear it on their wedding day, but black is quite a hit colour when it comes to pre-wedding functions," explained Falguni.

Black turned out to be a staple in most collections showcased at IBFW. Be it Tahiliani, Varma, Valaya or Gauri and Nainika, who presented western style outfits for wedding parties.

"It's timeless," exclaimed Tahiliani.

Creations in the flattering red were part of the lines, but the colours seen in abundance were neutral and nude hues like white, beige, peach and powder pink.

The colour palette was also dominated by soothing shades like turquoise, yellow and pistachio green as well as by bright and dark ones like orange, coral, navy blue, plum and more.

The high-end saris, lehengas, sherwanis, pyjamas, palazzos, churidars and dupattas were seen in different interpretations at the extravanganza, sponsored by German luxury automobile brand BMW.

Pre-draped saris, sari gowns, capes instead of dupattas, layered looks, innovative blouses and an array of designs for women to go gaga over, while men could relish anarkali kurtas and stylised dhotis, as well as unique sherwanis in colours different than the tried and tested.

"Grooms are taking equal interest. It is the age of metrosexuals," Tahiliani said.

While most creations were high on wearability factor, one saw an emphasis on accessories and jewellery, which are an intrinsic part of a bridal trousseau, according to Vipin Sharma, director, Jewellery, World Gold Council.

Jewels from Azva, Alpana Gujral and Ankita Tiwari were used in different shows to bring out the best of a bridal look.

The fashion soiree also saw a decent dose of Bollywood with names like Kangana Ranaut, Ali Fazal, Aditi Rao Hydari, Nargis Fakhri, Shraddha Kapoor and Esha Gupta walk the ramp. Also seen doing the catwalk were supermodel Ujjwala Raut, and socialite sisters Priya and Charu Sachdev.

IBFW has thrown up a world full of options in time for the wedding season.