Pictures: Rashbehari Das, Pabitra Das & B. Halder
From the conservatory-like roof of RaasManch that lets sunlight stream in, hung the Teardrop Chandelier in muted tones of cream, providing a neutral palette for a fleet of vintage cars — a red 1959 MGA Roadster, a 1937 Opel Cabrio in Havana brown and a maroon 1931 Chevrolet Big 6, courtesy Concourz Motoring by Shrivardhan Kanoria.
A Telegraph pictureCumulus by Surabhi Bhowmick was “an ode to Bengal”. The decor piece used 8,000 shola flowers handmade by artisans in the city, dip-dyed and accented with crystal droplets. “It shows the fusion of global with indigenous and how you can do the same for weddings,” said Swarup.
A Telegraph pictureIn contrast to the colonial facade of the RaasManch, the venue for Wedding Diaries, an alternative entry point was this spiral installation called the Levitating Circle. “It refers to the circle of life and marriage — the theme of the event. The centre was created with plywood and ropes. The background is made of cloth and portrays sunrays emanating from the circular epicentre,” said Swarup Dutta, the man behind the installations.
A Telegraph pictureMirrors with frames made of pipes and ropes were placed in the corners, making for interesting accents.
A Telegraph pictureThe other stalls that caught our eye were Rashi Kapoor’s corner inspired by the weeping willow
A Telegraph pictureSilks, brocades and Benarasis ruled the ramp when Raw Mango showed its festive ensembles with models dressed in yellows, purples and greens, paired with jewellery by Raj Mahtani Couture Jewels. “I don’t just believe in revival but also innovation; life is all about balance,” said Raw Mango man Sanjay Garg.
A Telegraph pictureModels at The India Story Wedding Diaries
A Telegraph pictureSwabhumi’s RaasManch, Calcutta, had decked up for the grand shaadi. The lovely white building was stark-pretty, bathed in lights and shadow. If flower-laden pots welcomed you in, a cloud of red blooms set the mood as you walked in. The India Story Wedding Diaries, in association with t2, was a meeting ground for luxury and aesthetics, fashion and beauty, between September 14 and 16.
Edition One saw top couturiers, jewellers, artists, beauticians, wedding planners and food services from across the country set up shop to offer a blueprint of the big fat Indian wedding.
A fashion walk featuring couture creations by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Raw Mango and Umang Hutheesing, with jewellery by Thakorlal Hiralal, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas and Raj Mahtani Couture Jewels, was the highlight on Day Two.
Glimpses from the three-day extravaganza.
This installation made of twigs and tuberoses portrays the story of opposites — the hardness of the twigs and the softness of the flowers.
A Telegraph pictureDev and Rukmini Maitra dropped by at Wedding Diaries on Saturday evening and were the centre of attention. “I think it’s a one-of-a kind event in the city and coming from a fashion background, I think it’s much needed,” said Rukmini. “These are all friends here who have organised such a lovely event and it looks great,” said Tolly star Dev.
A Telegraph pictureTantuvi that got the “fragrance of Benaras along with the colours of Benaras”.
A Telegraph pictureThe foyer had wooden frames draped in cream curtains, with hanging installations. A seating arrangement with white chairs allowed shoppers to rest their tired feet.
A Telegraph pictureIndrani Dasgupta, who choreographed the fashion walk, was all smiles post-show. “I thought it went well. I worked with a very talented team. It was great to catch up with all the models, all friends. The show was sweet and short. Madhu gives you the freedom and space to do what you want,” she said.
A Telegraph pictureModels at The India Story Wedding Diaries
A Telegraph pictureThe richness of velvets laced with the grandeur of Mughal embroidery — Umang Hutheesing’s saris, lehngas, angrakhas, jackets and capes were for the queen-bride and king-groom. The textile revivalist’s collection was paired with jewellery by Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas that added to the royal touch. For Umang, “it’s always a pleasure coming to Calcutta”. “This is my first proper showing. Besides rich velvets, I also got crafts of Gujarat like bandhni and patola,” he said.
A Telegraph pictureDev got into wedding mode with the north Indian wedding special, safa, being tied on him.
A Telegraph pictureHarsh Neotia — there to root for wife Madhu, the lady behind Wedding Diaries — happily sat through his turn.
A Telegraph pictureSantieb’s Vie de Luxe, the fragrance partner for Wedding Diaries, created a special blend for the event. “We created an art piece for the occasion — a 2.5 litre eau de parfum with a 24-carat gold-plated symbol of The India Story. In keeping with the wedding mood, we used floral notes along with some spice and musk, finishing it with a touch of amber,” said Vishal Bamalwa of Santieb’s.
A Telegraph pictureThe entrance had three large planters with tuberoses, welcoming the guests. Flowers were used abundantly throughout the venue.
A Telegraph pictureBenaras by Citrus was the best-looking stall with jhoolas for displaying quirky jewellery and bamboo baskets hanging from the ceiling.
A Telegraph picture