Anita Dongre’s coveted couture and prêt pieces need absolutely no introduction! A venture that started out in a tiny 300 sq. ft. area is today a world-recognised fashion house, all thanks to the designer’s creative vision and business acumen. Known for not only ruling the runway but also a bride’s heart—her collections have always made a splash in the fashion world. Her journey at the Lakmé Fashion Week, in particular, is a dazzling display of her prowess and sartorial sensibilities.
So let’s take a look back in time and reminisce some hauntingly magical moments created by her on the runway. The Jaipur Bride Collection 2013, for example, drew inspiration from the opulence that characterizes the Pink City. Her refreshing take on conventional wedding trousseau presented ethereal, easy-to-pull-off outfits that tie in with her larger philosophy of catering to the new-age woman. The soft palette of lime, pink, blue and peach was accented with her signature gota patti and resham embroidery. Dongre’s legacy of creating wearable fashion with an oomph lives long ans stands tall today. Her efforts at creating ready- to- wear pret gave form to to even finer luxury attires, wedding ensembles; the works!
In 2014, Anita Dongre collaborated with LFW to honour the magnificent history of textile in India. Conceptualised with a view to bridging the gap between folk culture and contemporary fashion, her collection ‘Varanasi Weaves’ wowed us to bits. While the silhouettes were modern and appealed to the urban woman, the vintage weaves exuded traditional glory. The effervescent and gorgeous Dia Mirza opened the show in a flowy yellow skirt and crop top as soulful folk music set the tone for the event.
The fabulous designer’s love for handlooms also reflected in her 2015 Grassroot collection that was centred on the motto of ‘Revive, Sustain, Empower.’ Dia Mirza introduced the show and shed light on the variety of Indian handloom fabrics used. A host of intricate embroidery designs and techniques from Gujarat, Karnataka Hyderabad, Rajasthan and Banaras were the highlight of this collection. As a token of appreciation for their extraordinary skills, 22 craftswomen from Gujarat walked the ramp at the end of the show and were joined by Anita and Dia for the final bow.
Her Summer Resort 2016 offering ‘Love Notes’ at the latest Lakmé Fashion Week beckoned summer with romantic hues of white, blue, pink and yellow and narrated a tale of everlasting love. A bewitching affair of functionality and fantasy, this spellbinding collection epitomised the modern Indian woman—assertive yet feminine, progressive yet timelessly graceful. While the colourfully illuminated stage simulated the beauty and opulence of a Rajasthani palace, actress Sonakshi Sinha effortlessly owned the runway as a young princess experiencing love and passion.
Now that the gloomy winter clouds are making way for sunny days, the countdown to the unveiling of this year’s collection, at a surprise location, has officially begun. As the temperatures soar, so does our excitement and we can barely wait to treat our eyes to the new collection! As one of the top bridal designers in India, Anita Dongre’s collections always find a special place in the hearts of her brides and carry with them the promise of eternal love and happiness. What really amplifies the whole unveiling experience is the overall effect of the show. The royal, splendidly lit backdrop, heartwarming music and positive vibes collectively bring the theme to life.
Dongre blessed us with a sneak peak into her upcoming collection at her flagship store in Delhi, which is a radiant combination of golden hues and traditional Rajasthani prints. With liquid gold/ argan gold at the forefront (also the main component in Lakme Absolute’s range of lipsticks) Dongre magnificently managed to incorporate her love for rajasthan into her collection, ye again! The mood board looks like a beautiful tapestry of shimmering gold and nature, inspired from the designers love for wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan.
We are pretty sure that this year, the designer will surpass all expectations at the Grand Finale of the LFW and needless to say, will leave us all enthralled, hook, line and sinker.
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