#ICW2016: Anita Dongre’s Rajasthani Splendour
Last night, Anita Dongre made her debut at India Couture Week 2016 with a bridal collection called Epic Love, symbolising a new age gypsy princess bride who loves traditional Indian crafts as much as she loves Kardashian-style boxer braids. Inspired by the splendour of Mughal gardens and Rajasthani palaces, the collection included chintz-inspired printed lehengas, jewel-toned solid colours, and the designer’s signature gota patti work that was a common thread running throughout the collection.
A highly wearable collection both on and off the ramp, the highlight of the show were the versatile blouses — including embellished cropped vests and caped blouses — that would look just as comfortable paired with heavily embroidered lehengas as they would with a saree or a pair of pants.
The models were adorned in jadau jewellery from Dongre’s Pinkcity label and included maang tikkas, large nose rings, intricate haath phools, chunky chokers, and ornate necklaces. Fringe-finished sarees with tie-up tops that wrap around the drape added a contemporary twist to the classic staple. Moving gradually to a regal colour palette including jewel-toned lehengas in rich wine, orange, and classic red and gold, Dongre’s gypsy princess bride sure looked supremely comfortable in couture!
