Ahima Leena's timeless collection transported audiences to the Mughal era at India Bridal Fashion Week

Ashima Leena singh, with their almost 20 years old eponymous label dedicated to the amalgamation of the periodic trends with modern times, have achieved a notable status in the fashion industry. Their traditional yet contemporary collection which is an exemplary of timeless and fine craftsmanship was showcased on the Day 4 of Ambey Valley India Bridal Fashion week (AVIBFW).  Rhea Singh, daughter of Leena is making her official debut with a bridal collection, and will be a fresh face of this legendry label. With the incorporation of Rhea’s new strategic planning skills, Ashima –Leena have focused on Mughal influenced styles and techniques for their this year’s Collection at India Bridal Fashion Week.

The show opened with a man in pristine white kurta pyjama speaking about "Delhi ki Daastan." He beautifully told the story behind Delhi and Chandni Chowk, and spoke in length about Indian tradition, culture and Wedding.  As soon as the melodious traditional classical music in fusion with western music started playing in the background, all eyes were fixed on the ramp. Doors opened in the backdrop, and models draped in subtle dhoti style sarees in the hues of light beige, and dull gold, appeared on the ramp.  A pietra-dura motif shimmered on the shades of burnished gold and carnelian, while one couldn't overlook the use of beautiful gota-patti work on delicately designed ensembles. Matte gold sparkled in an intricate, ornamental embellishment was very beautifully blended with long sheer jackets worn over sarees. The whole traditional classical look of the ensembles was further enhanced by models supporting the side braids as the hairstyle in sync with the traditional gold and precious stone jewellery. Dhotis were teamed with short kurtas and sheer jackets with intricate zardosi work.

Another set of the collection was in soft greens, fuschia pinks with fine gota-patti work. Sharara pants, transparent embroidered pyjamis in pietra-dura motif teamed with short anarkali were few highlights of their collection. Long jackets in paisley pattern work in the hues of red, copper and gold were teamed with a royal broach holding up the jacket in the middle, to give it an aristocratic look to the whole ensemble. A lot of experimentation was done with 'dhoti' as it clearly evident with the way sarees were draped dhoti style, and also teaming up of short kurtas with dhoti-pants. Their collection intended to celebrate an esoteric romance, woven in silken thread and beaten metallic gold. Taj Mahal stands as the finest example of the art and architecture of the bygone Mughal era, and by deriving their inspiration from those times, the designers aspire to reflect a poetic flow in volume, layers, and impeccable garment construction through their extravagant collection. Nargis Fakhri in royal red jacket with intricate zari work teamed with shimmery lehenga, and adorned in heavy jewellery as her headgear, concluded the show for Ashima Leena.