'Royal' start for IBFW with Valaya's collection

The first show of the India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) here had everything that one would like to see - if opening designer JJ Valaya recreated royalty on the ramp with his exquisitely designed ensembles, Kangna Ranaut and Kabir Bedi added glamour when they hit the ramp as showstoppers, dressed as an "elegant princess" and an "energetic maharaja" for the designer.

Titled "The Maharaja Of Madrid", Valaya's show was definitely a visual treat for fashion followers Tuesday. IBFW, a regular in Mumbai, has come to the capital for the first time.

Valaya's collection was divided into six sections and as many as 50 models, dressed in lehengas, saris and dresses teamed up with embellished jackets and headbands and turbans, hit the ramp and spread the royal flavour. What caught audience's attention were the beautiful motifs on the outfits.

When Kangna and Kabir came on, it was like a visual treat.

Looking resplendent in an orange-golden lehenga teamed with a blue velvet choli and golden headgear, Kangna looked every bit a princess. Internationally acclaimed actor Kabir justified the Maharaja look in a black embellished sherwani and maroon duppatta and a black turban.

The entertainment quotient was high with Valaya adding musical flavour to the show by having dance artists performing a jugalbandi of Kathak and Flamenco. The set depicted the old world charm of India and Spain.

"The collection projects a medley of Spanish and Indian influences, both visually as well as through a specially created soundtrack by Gaurav Raina of Midival Punditz," the designer told IANS when asked about the music used in the show.

Kangna, the actress of hits like "Tanu Weds Manu", said that she walked the ramp after a while and that "it feels good to get back on stage because it is something I don't get to do often."

"I felt like a princess in this heavy outfit. Also, I was wondering how princess' must have felt wearing such heavy outfits," added the 26-year-old after the show.

Kabir, who played emperor Shah Jahan in "Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story", fell in love with his outfit and said: "It made me feel like a maharaja, I wish I could take it home."

So far so good.

But arrangements on the first day were chaotic and it got worse when the show started two hours late with the media not allowed to enter the Main Show Area (MSA) till all the guests were seated. It, in fact, almost led to a stampede-like situation outside the MSA.

Many guests were left standing because the number of invitees was more than the capacity of the venue.

This might be a teething problem, but one hopes to see better arrangements in the coming days.