Lakmé India Fashion Week-Pria Kataria Puri

Every year hoards of Non-Resident Indian brides flock to their native land with one goal in mind: shopping. Shopping for exquisitely decorated wedding garments. Brides make week long jam-packed trips to scoop up beautiful jewels, wedding party outfits, gifts and finally a series of elaborate outfits appropriate and absolutely necessary for every wedding-related occasion. Brides then scour shop after shop looking for the most exclusive outfit made from the most luxurious grouping of materials: saris woven with gold, adorned with semiprecious stones and draped in chiffon, satin and raw silk.

At Lakmé India Fashion Week this year, brides and non-brides alike were exposed to bridal haute couture, fit to impress even the most hard to please bride and everyone else in between.

At the Pria Katari Puri collection, guests enjoyed a visual treat for the eyes in the designer’s Summer/Resort 2010 collection, aptly called “The Royal Rajputna Collection”. The garments were seen in spectrum of rich hues that ranged from creamy pearl, golden topaz, coral, aquamarine, emerald, onyx and more. Fabrics such as silk, chiffon, tulle, satin, and jersey hugged the curves and helped create a stunning silhouette, that made each model look like Indian royalty from another era. Gorgeous bejeweled cholis, embellished gowns, and colorful kaftans, and saris cascaded down the runway one by one, each more beautiful than the next. Fabulous accessories and elegantly painted red pouts helped add allure and drama to each outfit and look. Pleating, hemlines and prints from Rajasthan royalty were apparent in the tailoring and clothing was adorned with crystals and gems to create a 3D effect of jewelry on the body. Unique construction and heavy embellishments also kept the saris interesting and original, a must in Indian bridal couture. An Indian bride mustn't be upstaged by a fashionably dressed blinged-out auntie or cousin! Oh the drama that would cause!

It was a stunning show geared towards the NRI bride who comes to India expecting the most romantic, visually spectacular creations, ready to wow their community of friends and family back home, at their no doubt glamour-filled over the top fabulous shadi (wedding). Do I smell a reality show called The fabulous life of the Indian bride brewing? I'll keep you posted!