Saturday may have been dull, gloomy and rainy for most parts, but when the music and lights came on at Swabhumi’s RaasManch a little after 7pm, the mood was one abuzz with the laid-back, relaxed fun, signature Saturday. For the next 30-odd minutes, Wedding Diaries presented by Neotia Arts Trust in association with The Telegraph, set a feel-good tone, sending out fashion presentations by Rose Room Couture, Varun Bahl and Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna on the beautifully decorated makeshift ramp that was “conceived with a one-of-a-kind mirrored floor interspaced with pristine white doorways”. The floral touches added a dreamy vibe, just the spark of a fairy tale that makes a wedding memorable.
Isha Jajodia (R) of Rose Room Couture
The guests flanked either side of the ramp, as the models walked past. Rose Room Couture showcased a collection that had something for all occasions. From pastel lehngas and jewel gowns to luxe separates and a line of fiery-gorgeous reds, all complemented by statement jewellery from Rawat Jewels. “I have a couple of brides (from Kolkata) who have come to the store and they wanted their cocktail outfits and I think that gave me a kind of clarity as to what kind of clothes would really work here. I feel that since autumn-winter is coming up, the reds will look pretty. There are beautiful lace gowns we do. In the trousseau, you must have the pantsuits which are perfect for dinners and embellished party dresses for any bride to get into and still have the bling and yet she can be comfortable and stand out,” said Isha Jajodia of Rose Room Couture. She also pointed out why she preferred pastel lehnga on a bride. “The idea to have pastel colours is simply because when the bride is getting ready, there is so much jewellery and make-up. I prefer pastel colours for the bride because I feel she shouldn’t look like a Christmas tree,” she said.
Varun Bahl sent his FDCI India Couture Week 2022 collection ‘New Leaf’. The collection oozed his romance for flowers. On dresses, lehngas, separates and the occasional menswear.
This was Isha’s first time in the city and she loved it. “It’s been so warm and welcoming, especially Madhu Neotia. The response was great, excellent people,” she smiled. Besides fashion, Isha also brought her jewellery. “We also got a teaser of my Rose Room jewellery, which I only do by appointments, since Kolkata, I believe, loves jewellery and diamonds and who doesn’t actually?” she laughed. Customisation was a big trend among the young brides, said Isha. “These young brides are so well-travelled and have so much exposure, they are clear in their head that they do not want something which everyone is wearing. They like to get things customised. The whole embroidery is on laces. So, they feel it is timeless. They can dress it up and down,” she said.
Varun Bahl could not be there in person, but sent his FDCI India Couture Week 2022 ‘New Leaf’ range for Kolkata to have a closer look at. The collection oozed his romance for flowers. On dresses, lehngas, separates and the occasional menswear. And, the glittery saris would rock any cocktail party. The embellished pieces were balanced by minimal jewellery, by Rose Jewellery. #aptlypartnered
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna showcased Fibonacci, their FDCI India Couture Week 2022 collection. The line was high on oomph and apt for parties and cocktail wear. Slit dresses, layered kurtas, smart suits, cocktail lehngas came embellished with crystals, tassels and sequins, adding to the allure. Sleek jewellery by B.C. Jain Jewellers By Vikash was the perfect partner.
As was the hair and make-up by Abhijith Chanda and his team. Bronze eyes + silver highlights, plum lips, lots of highlighter, mascara and centre-parted hair made for a #diy look.
Madhu Neotia, managing trustee, Neotia Arts Trust, who was cheering from the sidelines, led her team at the photocall post-show. The rain couldn’t dampen her spirit. “I always live with hope. The universe has been kind and it went off better than expected even if the weather was unpredictable. I think Indrani (Dasgupta Paul, who curated the show) excelled in the fashion show. I loved the music and it lifted the mood. The ramp was dramatic and the clothes befitting the brand portrayed what the youngsters had in mind. It’s all about collaboration,” smiled Madhu post-show.
Indrani too was all praise for Madhu. “It’s very difficult for me to say no to Madhu (Neotia) for anything. She gives you so much freedom, encouragement and support of all kinds. It was half of her team who actually did it. They were just a phone call away, organising everything I wanted or needed, making it happen.... I just show up and tell the girls when to enter,” she smiled.
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna showcased Fibonacci, their FDCI India Couture Week 2022 collection. The line was high on oomph and apt for parties and cocktail wear.
Kiran Uttam Ghosh dropped by. “It was a beautifully curated show, perfect for the Wedding Diaries experience. My dear Madhu and Indrani always bring passion, perfection and their own personal touch of warmth and magic to everything they do and this was yet another one of those special moments,” smiled the fashion designer, with Madhu Neotia by her side.
Harsh Neotia was at his wittiest best. We asked him the secret to his slimmer look. “I am usually getting fired by my wife (Madhu Neotia) most of the time! I am required for two things — one is to sign the cheque and secondly, if there is a fire, I have to come with the dumkal and fight the fire. So, I am the fire brigade man and the chequebook man,” he laughed.
Actress-MP Mimi Chakraborty with Parthiv Neotia.
Pictures: Pabitra Das
