Ashima-Leena’s Raag Rattan

Bringing in the rich beauty and designs of 18th century in contemporary avatar, designer duo Ashima-Leena created sparkles with their couture collection on the catwalk at Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2012. Models dazzled the ramp in sheer luxury creations having exquisite touch of craft and style.

Named as ‘Raag Rattan’, the designers had the very popular Sufi singer, Zila Khan whose voice enchanted the audience throughout the show. Opening the show with white section, in brocade and net lehengas with intricate pearl embroidery worn with sexy backless kurtis, blouses with body jewellery for the bare backs, the cutaway halter cholis, the net sari with a crystal encrusted blouse and the crinkle silk layered long skirt and slit kurta created a charismatic impact. Asymmetric bias cut kurta with gold appliqué and worn with net palazzos were stunning; while the gold leaf appliqués on layered creations were eye catching.

Gradually bringing in colour with the gentle pinks with 3D silver and sequin embroidery for a mix of net and silk for sari, the designers added peach brocade for a long panelled skirt with a midi kurta and the shararas in raani pink silk. The silk multi layered kurtis, the saris in net with brocade borders and the bare shouldered blouses matched with swirling net and shot silk full circle skirts were magical. Gold lamé appeared under net saris while velvets in reds were turned into cholis with jeweled yokes and shoulders. The final silver and shocking pink zardosi cutwork lehenga and corset with net dupatta was a fitting end.

The embellishments included beaten gold work and the silhouettes, which worked around the chakdaar jama with the mogul touch. The gorgeous jewellery by Anmol Jewellers added to the beauty of the creations. The colour story was a treasure trove of deep jewel tones with ruby, emerald and amethyst coming together with tourmaline, jade green and cerulean blue as well as white to play a perfect fashion symphony.