There is a reason why Rohit Bal was chosen to be the finale designer at the India Bridal Week in Mumbai last night. And the reason is quite simple – Rohit is a master showman!
While most designers resort to gimmicks to get their shows talked-about, Rohit Bal relies on the sheer genius of his craft to seduce, grab eyeballs and take our collective breath away.
As we entered the main show area, we were greeted by humungos lotus blossoms hanging from the ceiling. And as the first model hit the ramp in an intricately worked upon ensemble, the lotus flowers gently rose higher up in to the air.
Taking inspiration from Queen Elizabeth I of England (who ruled in the Sixteenth century), Knights of the round table and Indian Maharajas, Rohit’s garments told a tale of romance and poetry, woven with history and detailed with the most exquisite and flawless embroidery.
His trump card was the elaborate use of vintage kasab work, Kashmiri resham work on muslin and shibori work on chanderi and voiles which added a glamorous dimension to his voluminous silhouettes.
Motifs we particularly loved were giant multi coloured peacocks prancing on skirts and sherwanis splashed with colourful paisleys and floral embellishments.
The show was brought to end with twenty-two male models dressed in identical mulmul angarkhas who lined the ramp to welcome the beautiful showstoppers. This being the finale show, it was expected that Rohit would have a stellar star to walk the ramp in bridal finery. But instead, models Rachel Bayross and Sonalika Sahay glided down the ramp in burgundy and gold ensembles, looking like a million bucks.
However, those looking for a little glitz and glam from Bollywood were not disappointed. Abhishek Bachchan, who was a guest in the front row, was pulled by Rohit on stage as he took his final bow (or rather, dance) and was presented with a fresh lotus. Super cute!
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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini