The fashion designer duo will unleash their line centred around the holy city at the opening show of BMW India Bridal Fashion Week in Delhi on August 7.

Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Also known as Banaras or Kashi, this is a city steeped in legend, mythology, culture and history. Varanasi symbolises an artist's journey. It is also inextricably linked with bridal fashion with the Banarasi sari being integral to bridal and trousseau ensembles. The presentation by Abu and Sandeep is designed to transport the audience to this magical place.

Ornate set for the show

An elaborate theatrical set that recreates the ghats finds us on the banks of the Ganges on the night of a full moon. Sunrise moves to midday and then towards evening and the famed diya aarti. The show will be a multi-layered presentation that combines myriad elements — celebration, festivity, music and silence, spirituality and creativity, it is an ode to the coming together of the mind, body and soul.

Design details

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The collections are designed to showcase the rich legacy of silks, brocades, gold and silver thread work, carpet weaving that the city is renowned for. The palette too will reflect the different moods and unique spirit of the city. From the pristine whites that symbolise purity and renunciation to the yellows, saffron and oranges and then onto a riot of Holi hues ending with vermilion, India's signature bridal hue, the colour of anointment, of Abhishekam, of Sindoor as the finale.

The show is designed to be a breath-taking journey. "It is our intention to bring the majesty and magnificence of Varanasi and India to the viewer through our couture, which will weave a uniquely romantic and regal romance replete with our history, tradition, arts and crafts, and most crucially our soul and spirit.

As CS Lewis said: 'We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.' Being at one with her own divinity. This is our new age bride. A woman fully realised," says the duo.

The range

Vrindavan: Essayed on georgette and khadi, using resham and zardozi, its motifs include cows, palm trees, parrots, and flora fauna inspired by Krishna and his gopis. The palette is pink, red, orange , yellows.

The Ghats of Banaras: A range of bold, floral ghaghras, on khadi silks paired with banarasi dupattas. Each ghaghra is lavishly embroidered with gota, gold beads and sequins. The base colours are pink, red, orange and yellow with multi-coloured highlights.

Aisha: A collection in Banarasi net and organza that introduces horse hair for the first time, accented with resham, bugle beads, crystals and sequins. The silhouettes include western inspired ensembles, going from beads and stone to pure silk thread and raffia. The palette is offwhite skin going into powder pastels.

Lotus: India's signature bloom finds new expression on khadi and banarasi net using faux leather and abla applique work.

Pashu: An ode to Shiva, the divine protector of animals. This is the main bridal range of the season essayed in georgettes and nets, using deep jewel colours with brighter silk appliques. Each kali has a distinct Indian animal as a highlight in the khaki, including an ornate elephant, horses, lions and parrots.

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