Devangi Parekh, the founder of AzaFashions.com, was all smiles as she twirled in a black Anarkali from Abu Sandeep’s ASAL at The Oberoi Grand poolside on Friday afternoon. “The best thing about their clothes is that they are very practical. They are lightweight but they look dressy. They are versatile. You can wear them again and again. Abu Sandeep did my Sangeet outfit. It was stunning! Everyone still compliments me on that. Their outfits are all like collectors’ items. After 20 years you can give it to your daughter and daughter-in-law. And, it would still be fashionable. They are among the first few who started this fashion movement in India. It’s amazing to wear them!” said Devangi.
Where would she wear this outfit to? “This is great for an evening or a night-out. It has an Indo-western touch. You can even wear it for a cocktail or a reception,” smiled Devangi, who loves to “spend time with family and friends” during Diwali and eats “everything”. “The food is always more festive. You get yummy sweets and snacks,” laughed the pretty girl whose wardrobe is a “mix of everything”. “It’s got a bit of every type of my own personality… sometimes fun, sometimes sweet. I love girlie and feminine styles,” she said.
Restaurateur Manjri Agarwal, who would be hosting ASAL again after the trunk show in April, said she was enjoying this “new stint” as a fashpreneur. “It is nice to do something different and new. I love dressing up, I love style. So, this is really suiting my personality. Fashion is keeping me more health-conscious. Food wasn’t! Abu Sandeep are very good to work with. It’s a great brand and because they are so new to Calcutta, it’s nice to have them here,” smiled Manjri, as she worked a pre-pleated ASAL sari. “It is easy to wear. You’ll just have to hook it up. It’s got a very sexy blouse. You can wear this to any of the Diwali parties,” she said.
Devangi thought this floral ASAL lehnga is perfect for Mehndi, Sangeet or a Diwali party. Her fashion loves? Off-shoulder, cold shoulder, sneakers, wide-legged trousers, flared pants, boot-leg pants, metallics, shimmer, stripes, tassels, ruffles, frills, fur, high waists, hairband and handlooms. “Abu Sandeep make beautiful dupattas which look just like big ruffles… that looks super glamorous.”
ASAL is a “big part” of Manjri’s Diwali wardrobe. “This is their new festive collection celebrating joy. The response in April was great. In fact a lot of people were requesting that they should come again,” said Manjri as she slipped into this pink Anarkali. “You can wear it to a lunch or for that matter to a Diwali party too. People are carrying off pink in the evening nowadays,” said Manjri for whom Diwali means an “indulgent lunch”, some sleep, a visit to the temple and decorating diya thalis for the whole family.
What: ASAL by Abu Sandeep trunk show-cum-sale, hosted by Manjri Agarwal
Where: The Lounge, The Oberoi Grand
When: October 10; 11am-7pm
Our new collection, A Symphony of Style, is, as the name suggests, a mission to make sweet sartorial music that contains multiple moods and melodies. It comprises five ranges designed to put the joy into this season and the fabulous in your wardrobe. The inspiration is the spirit of celebration that infuses our festivals and wedding season.
From linen enhanced with gota and floral thread embroidery to the majesty of mirror and the chikankari-inspired Maheen range, this is a feast for the senses. A host of colours, silhouettes and embroideries to indulge in. It’s a deliciously diverse and deeply elegant collection.
This is our second exhibit with Manjri Agarwal. It’s been a wonderful experience. Calcutta is both gracious and full of grace. We are soaking up the love and appreciation. And look forward to being back again.
The Abu Sandeep woman is discerning and expects the finest. She is her own person and doesn’t dance to the tune of transient trends. The woman maketh the woman. The clothes just make her joyous
—Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
Text: Saionee Chakraborty
Pictures: B. Halder
