As brides, our main sources of inspiration these days are Instagram and Pinterest. This entails spending endless hours, scrolling through pages of gorgeous lehenga designs and yet you’re still just as confused as you were at the beginning!
Tag Archive for: Anushree Reddy
January saw the return of the Aashni + Co. Wedding Show. Once again, The Dorchester played host to India and Pakistan’s fashion royalty. Amongst the designers exhibiting at this breathtaking exhibition were Anushree Reddy, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Tarun Tahiliani, Rimple and Harpreet Narula, Akanksha Gajria, Elan, JADE By Monica & Karishma and Gaurang Shah.
Now in its third year running, the Aashni + Co. Wedding Show has become the go-to wedding show for brides searching for their ideal outfits. Boasting of an elegant showcase featuring the latest designs, the show enables attendees to truly experience the form, fit and detail of each garment, whilst also receiving first hand attention from the designers themselves.
Upon entering the ballroom we were greeted to a forest of dreams created by award winning floral artist, Zita Elze. Scattered amongst the enchanted fruit laden forest were exquisitely crafted designs from participating designers. Founder and director of the show, Aashni Anshul Doshi stated that “Zita is an integral part of the show and my extension.”
“I tend to work from the soul with my concepts, for Aashni especially, and for other major commissions. This idea was very site specific, in direct response to the beautiful Gold room at The Dorchester and with a view to showcasing the statement designer pieces that were going to be featured. I wanted to create a blend of French orchard and Garden of Eden with lots of fresh fruit and botanical touches, sculptural trees and natural materials against a darker background of bark, which was used for the floor. This was more about the atmosphere and mood and less about flowers than in previous designs for the wedding show, a magical pause before entering the main event, somewhere for people to be transported into an imaginary world. It was lovely to see how the visitors, designers and models responded to the space, creating their own stories. – Zita Elze
The relaxed atmosphere in the ballroom offered an exciting shopping experience for visitors. Aashni spoke highly of the response from happy customers. “It has been a spectacular show, surpassing even last year’s, and I thank our incredible designers. We had a great response from attendees who had the chance to see a bridal outfit to make their special day even more memorable.”
We were fortunate again this year to spend some time chatting with every bride’s dream designer, Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Fresh off the back of his recent successful couture line titled ‘Firdaus,’ the designer was all praise for the show. Sabyasachi said that brides of today should “keep a cultural identity, wear colour as it’s part of India’s heritage and invest in good textiles.”
The designer told the press,
“Aashni is a great friend and her show is very well put together and organised. It feels like coming home. There is absolutely no stress and things are seamlessly planned. A lot of people in London were excited to see my latest debut collection with Christian Louboutin for shoes and handbags. I also showcased my very celebrated ‘Firdaus collection’ that has done well all over the world. I am very happy to bring this to London.” – Sabyasachi
As you can tell from the photographs, the Louboutin’s didn’t fail to impress!
Rimple Narula, one half of the designer duo and self-titled couture line, Rimple and Harpreet Narula was there riding high on the success of designing for Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bansali’s next magnum opus, ‘Padmavati’ talked about how there isn’t much of a difference now between the international bride and the quintessential Indian bride from India. “The gap has been bridged by social media, but perhaps the only difference is the weather.” She later went on to say that “This is our third time at the show and I think London has become pretty much the second largest market, when it compares to India, looking how fashion savvy Asians are and their overwhelming response which has been really good.”
We had an opportunity to ask Rimple about the must have elements a bride should have in her trousseau.
“A bride must have anything which is timeless and classic. Feel the fabric and embroidery, see the designs and purchase something which is going to remain in your wardrobe for years to come. The hand zardosi work which we do has been around for years. These kinds of pieces are a luxury in today’s time and it will stay with you forever.” – Rimple Narula
Inimitable designer and pioneer of haute couture in India, Tarun Tahiliani talked to B4U Entertainment a little about his design sensibilities.
“Fashion has to be a fusion of who you are today and what you wear as a bride or to an event.” – Tarun Tahiliani
He also touched on the collection he bought with him to London which comprised of light and structured drapes and mixed brocades. “The collection is toned down. It’s subtle, romantic and contemporary with a very international couture fit.”
Aamir Naveed Hair
Gaurang Shah couture
Tarun Tahiliani couture
SVA couture
Famous for pieces that combine the finest fabrics with exquisite craftsmanship and designs for a range of international stars, including Beyoncé in Coldplay’s “Hymn For The Weekend” music video, designer Abu Jani of the renowned designers Abu-Sandeep said, “it has been great to come to the 2017 Aashni and Co. Wedding Show and to introduce our latest brand ‘ASAL’ to the UK audience. We were enthused by the interest attendees had in our designs, which is a testament to the strong interest in Indian fashion in the UK. We hope pieces from our collection have helped to make some wedding days extra special.”
Aashni has captured the design pulse of her clientele through extending her vision to produce an uber-luxe wedding show. She has introduced discerning wedding buyers to ensembles that are exquisite in form whilst at the same time providing the access to visionary designers of South Asian background to the residents of the UK.
“I think the best part about this event is that it allows people to meet the designers behind their wedding outfits and if they wish to have a bespoke creation. Our show makes that possible and demonstrates that you don’t have to travel to India for the right designer outfit.” – Aashni Anshul Doshi
The Aashni + Co. Wedding Show is proudly supported by Zita Elze, Sony TV, Akshaya Patra, Bazaar Bride, Khush Wedding Magazine and Hello! Pakistan.
Monisha Jaising couture
Happy customers
Ambreen make up artist
Akanksha Gajria couture
Anamika Khanna couture
Zita Elze floral design
Garments on exhibition at the show will be available to purchase from the Aashni + Co. boutique located in Notting Hill. For further information, visit http://aashniandco.com/.
Were you at the Aashni + Co. Wedding Show this year? What was the highlight for you? Let us know in the comments below.
*Images courtesy of Muse Motion Pictures and Monica of Mango Luxe & Co.
Manisha Kumar is the woman behind quite possibly the most acclaimed fashion and lifestyle exhibitions in the U.A.E. She is instrumental in bringing high end designers as well as artists to showcase their work through the popular fashion and art exhibitions.
Established in 2012 Numaish exhibitions brings western and ethnic designer wear, accessories and jewellery fresh off the runways, this shopping extravaganza is a one-stop fashion destination that fulfils every bride’s shopping needs.
Now in it’s fourth year running and on the back of another successful summer edition presentation, the Numaish shows are living up to the hype and building an excellent reputation with both organisers and exhibitors.
We caught up with the lovely Manisha to learn more about Numaish and find out what’s next for these hugely popular shows.
Tell us about yourself? What inspired you and how did you develop it?
I have been passionate about fashion since a very young age and had always dreamt of being a part of the industry one day. I started in the banking sector and then did a complete 360 to move into marketing and events management. Numaish began in 2012 with the intention of bringing eminent and emerging South-Asian designers to Dubai showcasing their seasonal collections in fashion.
We want people to have access to this designer fashion and so far the response has been fantastic. Shoppers get an opportunity to meet and receive personalized styling tips from designers from India, Pakistan, London and also UAE.
Could you give us a little insight into the Numaish Talent Hunt?
Our path-breaking initiative gives emerging designers a platform to showcase their creations alongside well-established designers, providing them a jump start in their fashion careers.
We give them free space, provide the marketing and PR for them as well and it’s kind of like a launch pad for them to get an idea about how the customers in the region will react to their products. This is an amazing initiative that has proved to be very successful.
Your first international edition took place last year in Singapore. Tell us a little about it and why did you choose Singapore?
Singapore is similar to Dubai in many ways in terms of demographic, weather and lifestyle. There are exhibitions that do take place in Singapore, however this event was something different for the shoppers.
We had a good mix of designers to fulfil the South Asian expat’s needs for Diwali and Eid. Over the years Numaish has been renowned for its association with ‘revivalist’ designers who are preserving the craft of traditional textiles and making a significant economic impact to the weavers in the villages of India. We presented these designers in Singapore with their latest collections designed by traditional art forms.
It was an honour and a privilege to present the fist international edition.
The feedback was overwhelming and we want to strive to take the brand globally with a diverse range of new and seasoned designers.
How many designers have you worked with so far?
We are proud to say we have provided a platform to over 600 designers to establish their brands in the UAE Market.
Our designers have included the likes of Gaurang Shah, Ritu Kumar, Anushree Reddy, Masaba Gupta and Anavila.
Gaurang Shah for Numaish
Arpita Mehta for Numaish
Mandira Bedi for Numaish
Purvi Doshi for Numaish
Anavila for Numaish
Fatma Shaikh for Numaish
Prama by Pratima Pandey for Numaish
Anjali Jani for Numaish
Anushree Reddy for Numaish
We particularly like to showcase work from women entrepreneurs. Numaish provides an opportunity to talented women designers with limited resources to showcase their designs in an international market and give them access into the global fashion industry.
Why are such events important?
Numaish is a one-stop fashion destination aiming to fulfilling shopping needs. Shoppers not only have the opportunity to meet their fashion idols, but they will also receive personalized style tips from fashion week designers.
Sarab Khanijou for Numaish
Vavci for Numaish
There are often many misconceptions about these shows. Many people often have reservations about it not being affordable. 
What are your thoughts on this?
We strive to work with designers who are give us affordable designer wear. So, it’s not going to pinch your pocket. Their designs will be reasonably affordable as well as wearable.
What has been your greatest achievement to this date?
I love hearing stories of people who have purchased their outfits from a Numaish event. I feel a sense of accomplishment and it’s a great feeling to know that they had a great experience at my show. Shoppers’ perceptions have changed. No longer do they have to travel all the way to India. Numaish is a one-stop shop and the exhibitions take place during the festive season, that being Diwali and Eid. So it’s the perfect time to shop.
Apart from the fashion shows what else do Numaish organize?
I also host an art fair once a year where I get artists from India and the rest of the world to showcase their work. It’s like a global art fair.
Who is/are your favourite fashion designers?
I have a long list of them actually. Too difficult to narrow down. I like to work with designers who value tradition and are reviving age-old textiles, such as Gaurang Shah. Ritu Kumar of course is another favourite of mine. I’ve worked with her on many occasions. She’s a very classic designer and I love her designs.
What’s next for Numaish?
We want to go international and develop an online portal to give shoppers who are further away the access to the brands I love to work with.
Thank you so much for taking the time out to chat with us Manisha. All the very best with Numaish and we wish you all the very best for future shows.
Have you attended a Numaish show before? Let us know all about it in the comments below.
For further information about Numaish, follow the links over in our vendor directory and stay tuned to our events page as well.
Talented artist, Aparna Ram from Cuckoo For Colour creates beautiful fashion illustrations that has captured the attention of renowned Indian designers.
We caught up with the watercolour artist to discuss fashion, her inspiration and how her illustrations became “Insta – famous.”
The audience were definitely in for a treat on day 4 of Lakmé Fashion Week. The line up featured the likes of Anushree Reddy, Arpita Mehta and Payal Singhal all showcasing their diverse, ethnic collections.
ANUSHREE REDDY
Designer of the minute, Anushree Reddy’s summery, princess-like lehenga-choli outfits featured her signature floral motifs adorned with intricate gold zardosi embroidery work. A relatively new designer, her elegant and romantic flowing lehenga’s have become an instant hit with Bollywood-town celebrities and Indian brides from around the globe.
The alluring ensembles featured refreshing summery hues such as blushing pastels, bright pinks and even bright reds. Anushree’s clever play on feminine colours in her collection, struck a chord with young Indian women from around the globe and the following week her work was tagged and credited all over social media.
‘The Royal Courtyard’ runway show closed out in a spectacular fashion with actress, Ileana D’Cruz dancing alongside Indian pop-star, Kanika Kapoor. A defining show-stopping moment of Lakmé Fashion Week.
Anushree’s classic and timeless ensembles are without a doubt fit for an Indian princess.
SINGER, KANIKA KAPOOR, ANUSHREE REDDY AND ACTRESS, ILEANA D’CRUZ.
“For ‘The Royal Courtyard’, I took inspiration from the home of Nizams, where ethereal begums redefined grandeur. Each design from this collection is soaked in nostalgia and each piece holds a piece of history within it.” – Anushree Reddy
ARPITA MEHTA
Designer, Arpita Mehta presented a beautiful and neutral coloured collection featuring intricate accents of mirror work. ‘A Royal Summer Affair’ was stylish and youthful yet retained that traditional feel about it.
Arpita’s ensembles have become synonymous with mirror work. For this collection though, she opted for neutral toned sheer silhouettes with subtle, bright traditional accents.
Esha Gupta’s gorgeous and sensuous, high-slit netted gown was fitting as Arpita’s show-stopping ensemble.
DESIGNER, ARPITA MEHTA WITH BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, ESHA GUPTA.
“Mirror work is my forte. I’ve always liked sparkle, all my collections have mirror work with a twist.” – Arpita Mehta
PAYAL SINGHAL
One of India’s most versatile designer’s, Payal Singhal showcased a collection which saw a modern take on western and ethnic outfits. Inspired heavily by the Sheesh Mahal in Amer Fort Rajasthan, ‘Palace Of Mirrors’ featured silhouettes with subtle, yet intricate work. Payal presented a modern interpretation of the famous, mosaic patterns on the walls of the beautiful palace.
Elegant fluid floor length lehenga-choli skirts and modern crop-top choli outfits in stunning pastel tones wowed the audience. Actress, Tamannah Bhatia turned showstopper for Payal Singhal on this occasion, dressed in a majestic peach coloured lehenga choli.
Payal’s metallic, intricate embroidered garments are what sets her apart from her counterparts. These beautiful bridal ensembles will without a doubt become an instant hit with South-Asian brides for the upcoming wedding season.
DESIGNER, PAYAL SINGHAL WITH BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, TAMANNAH.
“I have grown up on the runway. I say that as a joke, but it’s kind of true. I was 21 when I started, and I am 38 now. I think I was really serious about fashion from the day when I joined the business.” – Payal Singhal
Payal Singhal’s runway show highlights can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/1O9w0c2
NEHA AGARWAL
‘From Russia With Love’ is a stunning, vibrant, vintage collection showcased by new designer, Neha Agarwal. In her second season of Lakmé Fashion Week, Neha presented romantic and elaborate 20th century Russian inspired ensembles with an array of unique designs in a variety of colours.
The collection featured eye-catching gowns, intricately embroidered capes and denim crop tops. The silhouettes were adorned with Russian doll prints, intricately embroidered floral motifs, chains and even tassels.
The show closed with popular nineties Bollywood actress, Karisma Kapoor dressed in a sheer, peach coloured cape and beautifully printed gown.
DESIGNER, NEHA AGARWAL WITH THE BEAUTIFUL, KARISMA KAPOOR.
Neha Agarwal is without doubt one designer to watch. She has an incredible ability to fuse two cultures to produce show stopping collections with world appeal.
SUNEET VARMA
Talented designer, Suneet Varma presented a meticulously crafted bridal wear collection that exuded elegance. His grand runway presented entitled, ‘Decorative Arts Of India’ covered traditions of all the regions in India.
Suneet Varma pulled out all the stops here. The timeless collection featured an array of different fabrics, work and colours. From tulle sarees, heavily embroidered lehengas to intricate jaal mirror-work blouses, it’s no wonder why this designer’s outfits are highly sort after by Indian brides.
The outfits were complemented beautifully with delicate Reliance Jewels. No doubt though that the pièce de résistance of Varma’s show came when the gorgeous, Nargis Fakhri flaunted the show-stopping vibrant crystal encrusted red lehenga-choli.
DESIGNER, SUNEET VARMA WITH HIS MUSE, NARGIS.
“I use colour to express or communicate my ideas and will go to any length to find the exact shade that will make all the difference.” – Suneet Varma
I absolutely loved Suneet Varma’s modern bridal ensembles and if you did too, you can re-live the highlights here –> http://bit.ly/1Sq88lJ
What were your favourites from day 4 of Lakmé Fashion Week Spring/Summer week? Let us know in the comments below.
*All images are courtesy of Lakmé Fashion Week.
