A limited-edition collection for brides by India’s biggest lehenga maker? We don’t have to tell you how special that is and why it will be the biggest bridal launch of the year. Anita Dongre, ace designer and bridal couture maker knows just how to make her collections all about individuality and innate style and her 15-piece bridal collection that just launched on January 11th is proof of that. The soft pastel-hued collection shot once again with craftsmanship and originality in tow, lives up to the rich Rajasthani traditions and their timeless elegance.
A staple in Dongre’s bridal diet is her adherence to gota and ornate minimalism and it takes on a more sophisticated route this year with colours that are subdued and style that is, an ode to a certain delicacy. That is the beauty of Dongre’s work, the way she brings about a bride who is both delicate and fierce through her collections. The new collection too stands by this mandate and but this particular capsule adds the art of Pichhwai to create a more glamorous woman.
The ancient art of Pichhwai delves into the world of Lord Krishna and Dongre’s collection prefaces 15 unique pieces that showcase the art beautifully, in all it’s glory but adapting it to a more classic palette and making it more appealing to the modern sophisticate.
“Two years ago, during my visit to Rajasthan for a shoot, I had a chance encounter with Lekhraj Ji, while he was painting the walls of City Palace. Intrigued and inspired by the intricacy of his work and his flawless brush strokes, I immediately knew I wanted to give this art another form of life. We chatted about his art and he shared stories of his work being inconsistent. What fuels my creativity today, is not just restricted to design but also about reviving the craft. So, I invited Lekhraj Ji over to our Design Headquarters in Mumbai, and that’s how the Pichhwai Collection came to life” says Anita Dongre, congratulating the countless efforts the artist has put in, of painting different styles of motifs, each one narrating a poem that is both alluring and timeless.
The silhouettes are so wearable and effortless and they will take the bride through all her wedding functions – from the pastel-hued lehengas to slim-fitted dresses and palazzo kurtas to interesting peplum blouse-short lehengas and ball gowns – it’s a unique take on contemporary style. If the 15-piece collection is already on every bride’s must-do list, the various cuts and silhouettes are here to make you look global in every way without taking away the innate Indian-ness. A win-win for all of us.
You can almost see how each glorious detail comes through in this collection, from intricately painted motifs to Pichhwai lehenga mirrors that come with minute detailing and intricate handwork.
As for the artists of Pichhwai, the art is more than just a skill for them, it’s their imagination, their culture and their tradition passed on from generations.
Latha Sunadh
Deputy Editor
When she's not trying on a new serum, researching on yet another classic fragrance and sharing lip balms with her 5-year old daughter, Latha Sunadh keeps it reined in with a nice song and a good book. Special skills include obsessing over handmade, home-made and handcrafted luxuries.
