Spider weaves and silks

Glitz and glamour ruled the ramp on day two of  the ‘BMW India Bridal Fashion Week’ with creative collections from Rina Dhaka and Ashim Leena.

The Autumn/Winter 2015 collection from Rina Dhaka showcased classic checks, stripes, spider weaves and Ikat-like patterns which are then distorted from convention to modern and graceful. The collection portrayed box-like asymmetrical designs such as rectangular patterns, square and spider-like weaves all caught in embroideries to give a lace like romance. Each piece had a story to tell. It was crafted after an extensive exploration of cut-work, bead-work, patchwork prints and wrinkled fabrics. The designs have been done to develop a new order.

The range can be defined as a high-fashion lesson oriented toward a mix-and-match over a spectrum of colours. Black, shades of beige and gold, a dash of blue and childlike irony and a good portion of romanticism.

Whilst using a contrast of black and white and dropped waists to V necklines or high necks and bias cut hems, the show has a contrast of shadow and light, of lines and plaids, of movement and silence.

Ashim Leena’s collection ‘Dakshna’ spoke about the temple tradition of the South. They brought out the same sense of purity and tradition for the brides. Inspired from the beauty of Southern India, this collection takes elements from the South in forms of motifs, jewels, fabrics and drapes.

Finely appliqued temple motifs on rich silks, hand-embroidered jewelled motifs and borders bring subtle illumination. Organza, French net and specially woven South silk and brocades were the highlights of this collection. Bright, intense, contrasting hues of indigo blue, crimson red, beige, fuchsia, marigold orange, mellowed gold, emerald-green, black and the quintessential South gold amalgamated to create this. Embellishments include embroideries infused with semi-precious jewels and patterns of the temple jewellery, delicate and fine tassels border the hemlines of blouses and cuffs.

Re-invented lengths and patterns took focus, with blouses, necklines, cowl drapes and layering of sheer fabrics. The iconic ‘lehenga-choli’ transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns, crafted for both the contemporary and the traditional Indian bride.