Giant lit lotus - Rohit Bal’s favourite hung from the ceiling while gold motifs of the same flower covered the ramp and a water body with fresh lotus in the centre of the catwalk completed the setting. Long stems entwined around the venue, were lit with fairy lights and created an ambience of a magical land where the Master of Haute Couture, Rohit Bal unveiled one of the most magnificent collections seen on the ramp.
Starting with sheer muslins and moving to rich velvets, the collection displayed timeless crafts and surface ornamentation. Recreating the Golden Age of India with vintage kasab, Kashmiri work on muslin, Shibori for Chanderi and voiles; the creations had a magical appeal that can only come from the Rohit Bal Studio.
Jewel tones for maroon velvet and ivory for muslin was turned into corsets and bridal costumes that were ideal for the pretty coquette who will walk down the aisle.
Victorian collars, shades of Knights and Maharajas were seen as detailing for the garments. The all-white floor skimming angarkhas with contrast bodices, royal velvet maxis with Elizabethan collars, maroon lehengas and corsets or sexy hipster long bridal skirts worn with miniscule cholis were part of a memorable collection while moulded velvet corsets added a regal fashionable dimension to saris.
Men’s wear vied with women’s wear for attention as long sherwanis were encrusted with amazing crafts and at times worn over multi layered ankle length voluminous kurtas, wide cowled dhotis, swirling kedia inspired mini kurtas with lavish embroidery.
Playing with a colour base of black, white and then adding grey for the opening collections with softly quilted floor length coats, empire line gowns, ornate boleros and the famous multi tiered flared kurtas, the show moved to the maroon/white velvet line when lehengas were stunning and long majestic coats, shawls and gowns competed for the audience’s attention. The Shibori touches were the highlights of the collections giving an intriguing look.
Ink blue velvet with giant multi coloured peacocks prancing on the skirt and sherwanis with colourful paisleys and floral embellishments gave the show the dazzle and glitter.
The white and gold ensembles were pure drama with the ethnic creations in Mulmul and dull gold turning into breathtaking visions of beauty, which were so unbelievable, since Mulmul never looked more haute than it did at this scintillating show.
Detailing was of such a high standard that there are not many who can match Rohit Bal’s creativity when it comes to ensuring that pleated collars stood regally around the necks of the models and the impeccable embroidery, pleating, crinkling and minute touches were perfectly executed.
A Rohit Bal finale has to match the genius of the designer. 22 turbaned male models in identical floor length Mulmul angarkhas lined the ramp to create a majestic entrance for the two wine coloured glittering bridal wear clad models who glided down the ramp.
Rohit Bal’s show had a glittering attendance with the likes of Abhishek Bachchan in the front row. The actor graciously came up on the ramp to greet the designer.
For the ultimate in bridal wear Rohit Bal’s “Mulmul” collection was the perfect end to the fifth edition of the very scintillating Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week 2013 and will be just what the bridal couple will want to wear on the most important day in their lives.
