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PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Don't miss veteran designer Tarun Tahiliani's truly spectacular showing, which opened the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week in Mumbai yesterday. Photographs: Sanjay Sawant/Rediff.com
The opening show on Day One of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week was nothing if not opulent.
Ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani ensured that it would be one to remember -- a 70-foot, 'U'-shaped ramp was turned into a "virtual Garden of Eden" with beautiful flowers and greenery cascading from ceiling to floor, while tiny blue fairy lights twinkled all around. The backdrop was one of painted temples and the audience sat between and around the amazing catwalk, as barefoot models floated onto it, accompanied by the melodious voice of trained opera and Hindustani singer Sonam Kalra.
The designer offered up 41 creations inspired by the glamour of the '20s -- lehengas, saris, long paneled cholis, anarkalis and more ethnicwear glittered with sequins, lace and bridal hues and exquisite overall workmanship, and the lovely Chitrangada Singh stepped out in the showstopper.
But first, a glimpse of what came before, starting with this gorgeous red and gold bridal, the first ensemble on the runway.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Next we see Diva Dhawan in another traditional swirling number, topped off with a petal-shaped dupatta fastened at the waist with a sash.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Shonal Rawat strikes a pose in a heavily worked swirling lehenga that fades from orange to vibrant red.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
The appearance of Diandra Soares heralds a change in palette, with this regal olive ghagra worn underneath a red and gold panel jacket.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
For the men, Tahiliani offers up a tastefully embroidered kurta teamed with churidaars.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
We see an intricately-patterned back on this orange and gold lehenga, sure to garner plenty of eye-balls.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Freddy Daruwala takes to the ramp in dhoti pants and a creamy high-necked jacket.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
A distinctly oriental-influenced floral kurta, worn over a gargantuan ghagra makes a statement.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Anjali Lavania is a vision in this mix of red velour and gold mesh.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Rich paisley takes centrestage as Gaurav Arora struts his stuff in a paneled sherwani jacket worn over a kurta.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
We loved this encrusted bikini choli, worn under a beige drape featuring a striking black velour border.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
This pale sari with its crystal embellishment and delicate netted blouse gets a thumbs-up too.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Shruti Agarwal took everyone's breath away in this fantastic white and red floral affair.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Sharara pants make an entrance in a pale salmon print, matched with a champagne panel choli.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Kavita Kharayat brings a touch of Western glamour to the collection in a pink '20s gown.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Tahiliani presents a seemingly sari-inspired number with embroidered bodice.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
We see another pair of shararas, this time in royal emerald green.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Catwalk queen Nethra Raghuraman mesmerises the cameras in an ethereal design complete with train.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Kabir Singh looks like royalty in a long panel jacket sporting elegant embroidery.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
This delicate tulle creation looks like a fusion piece -- dress or anarkali, it works both ways!
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Luxurious threadwork comes into focus with this stunning ensemble, sure to thrill any groom.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
Gorgeous layers of lace are carried off to perfection by Deepti Gujral.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
It's showstopper time as Chitrangada Singh steps out in this ivory net lehenga, lavish with crystal and sequins.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
It's a final line-up as all the designer's models pose against the idyllic garden backdrop.
PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!
And finally, it's the man himself -- Tahiliani follows his muse Chitrangada out onto the runway amidst thunderous applause.