Vikram Phadnis Show at Aamby Valley India Bridal Week day 4

BOLLYWOOD BRIDAL GLAMOUR CAME ALIVE WITH THE VIKRAM PHADNIS NIZAM COLLECTION AT AAMBY VALLEY INDIA BRIDAL WEEK 2010

Here comes the bride in all her traditional ethnic imposing splendour!

Bollywood’s popular designer Vikram Phadnis, recreated the bridal glamour of the silver screen which he is so renowned for on the runway with his Nizam collection inspired by the Nizam jewellery from the Gitanjali Group at Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2010

When it comes to choosing colours, Vikram is a master at the art and his collection was a kaleidoscope of hues, fabrics and elegant embellishments. Dreaming up an assortment of dramatic motifs, Vikram splashed them on languid drapes, swirling panels, full circle skirts and subtle shapes in every vivid colour. Sensational lehengas, sophisticated flowing kurtas, long maxis and stunning saris for the bride were crafted perfectly with intricate embellishments but in a modern trendy style. With rich brocades, silks, velvets, tulles and vibrant luxurious fabrics, Vikram’s collection played with shades of green, mustard, blue and then added antique gold and silver to give the garments the opulent edge for the wedding festivities.

As the house lights dimmed and the ramp lights blazed onto the 240 ft ramp divided into five split level catwalks in the circular atrium of the Sahara Star Hotel, the Tropical Lagoon turned into a bridal wear fantasy venue.

A quartet of male and female Qawals sat on platforms at the edge of the pool by the curved ramps on either side of the main catwalk and swayed to the music as the show opened to the strains of the live band featuring top singer Kavita Seth who sang the famous sufi song Chaap Tilak. Internationally renowned sufi singer Raja Mushtaq of the Bhangra Knights gave a scintillating rendition of the Qwalai Dumadum Mast Qalandar in the finale. The melody reached a crescendo as the first of the 46 models posed in front of rows of appreciative audience who marvelled at the intricate craftsmanship of Vikram’s ensembles.

The look spelt pure grandeur in all its regal form as models Rachel and Kavita opened the show in stunning layered anarkali ankle length kurtas with embroidered dupattas. There was a distinct mix and match concept of not only colours but fabrics and patterns, that gave the creations a festive look. Sanae and Anjali in a profusion of fabrics and textures glided down the ramp in layered long sleeved jackets over swirling skirts and churidars. The broad brocade borders edged most of the lehengas and kurtas while the gowns had a fusion look with Indian fabrics but marked western silhouettes in a pinafore cut with long sleeves.

The empire line panelled kurta teamed with an ornate bag for Iris, the orange and gold weave sari with a gold border worn with a tiny embellished choli by Alesia, Sonalika’s multi fabric swirling gown, Candice’s green ghagra with a tiny sexy blouse, Indrani’s beige printed lehenga choli and dupatta, Shreya Kishore in a maroon silk ghagra with a key hole back velvet choli were great bridal offerings. Zardozi, gotta, kundan work, brocade borders and crystals which were the main embellishments turned the ensembles into works of classic couture for the bridal season. The finale entries were the twins Tapur and Tupur in full crystal encrusted lehengas with sparkling blouses and tulle dupattas.

Mention must be made of the very unusual hair styles – high conical shapes were either completely covered with rows of mogra flowers with a floor length plait at the back or had sparkling jewellery and at other times golden mesh webs for the hair.

The Nizam jewellery collection was a visual delight as diamonds, pearls, emeralds and rubies came together with gold for sparkling chokers, magnificent necklaces and impressive earrings, to match the amazing creations by Vikram.

The Nizam Collection by Bollywood’s ace designer Vikram Phadnis and presented in association with the Gitanjali Group will undoubtedly gladden the hearts of the brides and was a great end to the fourth day of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2010