Photography: Raj Belani Photography, Bennet Cobliner Photography
NYC’s leading Indian Couture House, Shehnaai Couture, launched their spring summer bridal couture line with 2 sold out shows on March 7th 2013. The fashion show, themed Bridezilla and her Minions was held at Devi in Union Square and was an absolute ‘see and be seen’ event. Indian supermodels Nina Manuel and Bollywood actor Shayan Munshi were seated front row alongside actors Samrat Chakrabarti and Obaid Kadwani. Actress Neelu Sodhi, recently seen in Sridevi’s English Vinglish, was also present. Television personality and CNN and AVS host, Joya Dass was also seen taking note of the latest in Indian Couture. Over 250 guests gathered to watch Shehnaai Couture’s season preview of spectacular Lehngas, Kalidaars and Sarees from some of India’s established and up-and-coming designers. Fabrics inspired from Middle Eastern and Indian silk, cotton brocade, Korean net, micro velvet were structured into “A-line” and “trumpet” shapes, large tulling, and long bodice garments.
“The Indian bride is no longer the quintessential demure damsel. She’s bold, passionate, and wonderfully sure of herself. The beauty in her madness before her wedding has inspired us to theme the show as such. The collections this year definitely recognize this phenomenal woman, as we move to a bolder style, not in silhouettes but in color. Pop’s the word, redefined by even more traditional embellishments, displaying the wonderful contrasts this bride achieves.” Shehnaai Couture founder and entrepreneur, Shirin Arenja Vinayak.
Bridezilla and her Minions featured the looks of the modern bride, in her gorgeous madness contrasting starkly with the traditional and delicate Indian attire. Her friends and following, succumbing to her duress in their Indian preppy style. Featured designers’ – Bhanuni by Jyoti Sharma, Rabbani & Rakha, Private Collections by Zeenat Sayani, Saanshé by Sabah Arenja Vig, Sabyasachi and Vikram Phadnis – collections included vibrant colors, delicate beading in vintage motifs, bold beaded tassels with colored crystals, double fabric sarees, neon hues, heavy tulles, shimmer tops, and flat gold embellishments. Supermodel and showstopper Azura Vandeberg, walked the runway in a neon coral lehnga with heavy tulling and European motifs in gray crystals, with neon pink corset with floral motifs in low contrast thread and stones by Saanshé as the shows grand finale.
Designer, Sabah Arenja Vig of Saanshé “The season’s gone neon for us. It’s all about pop colors, with very delicate flat gold work. I’ve used a great pallets of shades of gold this time, that contrast beautifully with the bright colors. We’re still doing the shimmer, but it’s different now. Gone are the chunky white crystals, it’s more about making the gold shine. Even for fabrics, we’re giving wonderful structure and volume to shinier, softer fabrics, giving the form a more delicate silhouette. It’s very Andy Warhol goes Indie-pop.”
Sushmita Patel from Studio Sush, transformed the models into true Bridezilla form with over the top hair and eccentric makeup. Music was provided by DJ Gaurav, Photography was captured by Raj Belani, desserts provided by AMR Catering, and Mirza Galib wines were donated by Sufi Wines. Television coverage was provided by Sahara One, AVS, ITV, TV Asia and B4U Music. Publicity for Shehnaai Couture, Shirin Vinayak and Bridezilla and her Minions was handled by Neerja Public Relations.
Following the success of Bridezilla and her Minions, Indian based fashion designer Sabah Arenja Vig, will extend her visit in New York City to host a trunk show featuring her Saanshe line on Friday, March 22nd and Saturday, March 23rd. For more information on timings, location and on Shehnaai Couture, please visit: www.shehnaaiusa.com/ or call 917-519-5456.
