Hyderabad's young designers steal the thunder at LFW

Archana Rao brought classic silhouettes, exquisite embroidery and Anushree Reddy presented the sensational blockbuster brides' collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019.

Exotic feminine creations

When Archana Rao made her debut after launching her label in 2011 at the Lakmé Fashion Week Gen Next Summer/Resort 2012 show, it was very apparent that the designer had immense talent.

A graduate from NIFT she continued to acquire an AAS Degree from Parsons School of Design, New York. Her Big Apple sojourn included a stint with Kaufman Franco and the unisex label TSE in New York.

Besides her eponymous label her sub-brand 'Frou-Frou by Archana Rao' creates stylish ready-to-wear, accessories and stationery.

The Archana Rao design directions had a nostalgic element with contrast prints and clean silhouettes that were merged with Indian aesthetics. Archana's collection "A Mountain Story" for the coming season at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2019 revolved around classic silhouettes with amazing embroidery details.

The inspiration was the serene verdant flora of the Nilgiri Hills. The beauty of the Nilgiri hills with pretty old cottages, dusty eucalyptus leaves and tribal craft, were some more inspirations that pushed Archana's creativity to great heights.

Paired with Archana Rao was Divya Gupta, a National Institute of Fashion Technology graduate, from Tanishq (Design Excellence Centre) who said, "Tanishq has created this range of everyday diamond jewellery as an ode to today's women, celebrating their inner strength as well as mesmerizing charm through the everlasting brilliant diamonds.

Our range of finely crafted jewellery provides them elegant new reasons to indulge. It is for women who shine bright, wherever they go and whatever they do."

While Archana Rao's "A Mountain Story" collection offered exotic feminine creations which trendsetters will adore for its gentle, fluid, relaxed, line of clothing presenting a serene pastoral picture; Divya Gupta from Tanishq (Design Excellence Centre) and Sonali Sheth of Sphere Design Jewellery complemented the look with exquisite diamond jewellery designs well suited for the occasion.

Anushree Reddy's amazing romantic bridal wear

Keeping the theme of the show intact Anushree Reddy's bridal collections have a wonderful glamorous element about them.

The designing is fresh, youthful and desired by brides for the most important days of their lives. This season the bridal collection by Anushree was an ode to flowers and their exquisite natural it or fragrance.

"Gulaal" the bridal collection was the central inspiration of the creations, as it represented romance and femininity for the ensembles that looked ethereal in soft sheer fabrics for "The Blockbuster Brides" show.

There was a profusion of lush silk organza, Chanderi and fine tulle that was turned into mesmerising creations. Regal lehengas, sensuous cholis and swirling dupattas floated down the ramp on graceful models.

The colours were ideal for the splendid bridal trousseaux as shades of mauve danced with warm apricot, while striking mulberry played hide and seek with shadow grey along with crimson, seashell, teal and midnight blue.

It was a classic colour palette that highlighted Anushree's inspirations and ethos.

Creating fantastic geometrics with glass beads and zardosi from the Mughal era, the patterns had hints of Pietre Dura with peonies, hydrangeas and poppy flower motifs.

The exquisite embroidery was at times magnificently ornate as it was splashed lavishly on the garments. Each ensemble was impeccably tailored and finished with love and care.

The stunning lehenga, choli, dupatta, trio were breath taking in their visual beauty. Gowns floated down with the most amazing embellishments while the capes gave a new fashion direction to the tradition Indian bridal wear.

The two entries in bright red were a glorious gown and fantastic lehenga, choli and dupatta. The cholis were seductively styled, while the giant tassels created a great detailing for the backless blouses and exquisite lehengas.

Stopping the show was the dainty, spritely Ananya Pandey who walked down the ramp in a glittering ivory lehenga, choli and dupatta to peppy music.

Anushree Reddy's collection for "The Blockbuster Brides" was a grand wedding extravaganza that will be an instant hit.

- Features Desk