I just spent the weekend in Delhi being fancy and am now back on my Bombay sofa in PJs to blog about it 🙂 First up was the Bobbi Brown lunch hosted by Sujata Assoumal Sippy which she already blogged about and last night we were treated to a grand show at Le Meridien courtesy Niki Mahajan‘s prive couture collection extravaganza.
Her inspiration definitely came from the nawabs and everything from the massive set featuring jharokha balconies and vintage furniture to each individual creation dripped opulence. In fact Niki told me that her house looks exactly like her set! Take a lot at some of my faves and watch the show on video.
WATCH
I’m a fan of the pink orange combo in most cases and desi style is no exception. Don’t the two colors just look stunning together here?
There’s something lovely about this patchwork lehenga with its graceful shimmering dupatta that makes model Chandni Nasir look so regal but delicate. Ok and I’ll admit, I like the flash of pink!
The lace sleeves on the blouses caught my attention too. My mom used to wear a lot of those so I think it reminded me of my childhood 🙂
There is something simply stunning about this piece even thought I know there is a lot going on and I loved it.
And finally the powder blue & black contrast was fabulous and unusual. Next time I’m going to a wedding I shall keep this look in mind!
Watch
Of course Neha stole the show with her confidence in that velvet dress. Very Xenia Warrior Princess, no? I got to wear an out fit by Niki too, see? 🙂
FYI, the show was divided into a lengthy five segments Ecru-Birth, Jewel-Adolescence, Vermilion-Wedding, Vintage-Exile and Noir-Death. Each taking inspiration from a different phase of the life of Begum Hazrat Mahal – the first wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
She rebelled against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. So Niki took her inspiration from a woman who stood her ground when all else fled.
Her collection while commercial was heavily reminiscent of old Lucknowi craft like Badla and Mukaish and her show stopper Neha Dhupia looked stunning in red velvet.
Niki says, “My collection is intended to be an ode to Begum Hazrat Mahal. While she was an incredibly traditional and graceful queen she sets an example for today’s generation through her fearless warrior attitude. That is what is showcased through my work as well. It stays true to tradition by focusing on fine Indian arts such as Badla, Mukaish and Chickenkari in a strong, contemporary way through the designs.”
Using over 200 techniques of handwork these ensembles are a glorious amalgamation of exotic embroideries, delicate woven rich silks, innovative styling and a colour palette reminiscent of antique vintage paintings.
The stories weave through five stages of the Begum’s life, each distinctive with its own unique colour palette, fabric, embroidery and styling.
Ecru-Birth: This collection was inspired by the birth and adoption of Hazrat. Fabrics such as cottons, tulle and delicate chanderi are used in white and ivory palettes. Badla wire is used extensively to create thousands of tiny dots that shimmer in the light.
Jewel–Adolescence: When Hazrat steps into adolescence before she marries the king. The collection consists of bold patterns in floral motifs, embroidered painstakingly with badla wires. The colours used in this segment inspired by the exotic peacock. Long anarkalis, farshi pyjamas, straight line coats and pleated saris…
Vermilion-wedding: The feisty young girl prepares to marry the king. This collection extensively uses zardozi. The colours used in this collection are primarily vermilion, ruby red, and fuchsia.
Vintage-Exile: In this phase Begum Hazrat Mahal had been exiled by the British, leaving her no choice but to abandon her kingdom. This collection has been inspired by the paintings available at the Imam Bara. Colours like old rose, teal and olive have been used with hints of black and lots of chicken kari.
Noir-Death: The death of the queen. Dress like silhouettes fused with elements of Indian styling with an almost gothic edge.
More photos:
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