Ekta Solanki at the Asiana Bridal Show 2011

Here's the one you've all been waiting for, the Ekta Solanki bridal collection as seen at the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show. Her bold embroidery and bright colours were definitely a hit on the catwalk, starting with this pink outfit:

Next up were three gorgeous blue and gold outfits which I absolutely loved.

Next up were these two deeper shade outfits which had velvet in them, if I had to pick a least favourite outfit it would be this long-sleeved one below, but even then I think it looked good!

I managed to snap a photo of the outfits from a different angle so you can see all the details and work up close:

The two finale outfits were this hot pink and purple outfit and this almost luminous orange bridal. Both very beautiful, but I think the hot pinks wins when it comes to what colour would suit an ordinary non-model bride more!

A big thanks to Rafyl Photography and J Dhillon Photography for these photos.

Kiran Khan at the Asiana Bridal Show 2011

Here's the collection from Kiran Khan at the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show.

I really liked the pieces she showcased for the catwalk, although the two outfits above, had already been shown at the 2010 Asiana Show - as beautiful and as popular as these outfits were last year I still think they shouldn't have been put in the show with all the new outfits.

The new designs followed the same pastel-shades as her previous collections and stood out amongst the bright shades shown by the other designers

Unlike most of the other designers who participated in the fashion show, Kiran Khan also designed the jewellery to accompany her outfits. I vsitied her exhibition stand and very nearly ended up buying a pair of earrings from her jewellery collection!

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get photos of all Kiran Khan's outfits, but you'll be able to see them in the next issue of Asiana Magazine.
A big thanks to Rafyl Photography and J Dhillon Photography for these photos.

Sonas Couture at the Asiana Bridal Show 2011

From what I've seen of Sonas Couture in Asiana Magazine, I was looking forward to their catwalk show at the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show...their first outfit certainly made a big impression, but not the right one for me!

Is it me, or does this dress make the very slim model look pregnant?! Too much volume and ruffles around the stomach, and I wasn't really feeling the gold and grey colour theme. This outfit really put me off Sonas and it was then followed by this crazy print menswear piece which I didn't like very much either:

It got a little bit better with the rest of the collection:

What do you think of the genie style/harem trouser style bottoms worn with this outfit? I think they look a bit odd.

These last 3 outfits were my favourites, I like the colour choices, especially the bold orange in the final outfit - a look that would suit an outdoor summer wedding:

A big thanks to Rafyl Photography and J Dhillon Photography for these photos.

Khushboos by Chand 2011 Collection from Asiana Bridal Show

Khushboo's by Chand were up on the catwalk next at the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show with their collection consisting of very traditional bridal colours - reds, golds and whites.

All very pretty outfits in my opinion, but they didn't have that wow impact that I felt at their bridal collection from the 2010 Asiana Bridal Show in Birmingham (click here to view) which had a lot more colour and texture.

One trend that came through in a lot of their outfits was this style of stomach revealing tops which were open at the front but had longer (sometimes sheer) jacket-style layers. I'm not sure I like this look, but then again I'm of the opinion of either show all your stomach or don't show any at all - don't do half and half!

My other observation was the layering seen on the lehngas - I counted three layers at the bottom of the outfit above. Again I'm not totally into this look, not on the outfit above anyway, perhaps some slight colour variations to each layer might have made this lehnga a bit more appealing to me.


Overall a little disappointed with this collection, especially as in the past Khushboo's by Chand have really impressed me with their designs. What do you think?

A big thanks to Rafyl Photography and J Dhillon Photography for use of these photos.

Ziggi Studio Sherwanis at the London Asiana Bridal Show 2011

Here's the very regal Raj Gharana sherwani collection from Ziggi Studio which was debuted at the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show in London.

I got the chance to speak to Ziggi and get all the details about each piece, starting with this very striking green and gold velet sherwani. This was the showpiece of Ziggi Studio's catwalk and really set the scene for this very regal Mughal India inspired collection.

Next up was this lighter coloured sherwani with pearl work. The first two sherwanis in this collection feature waistbands over the top or cummerbunds - yes the type you see guys wearing with tuxedos (I only just learned this but according to Wikipedia the word "cummerbund" originally comes from the Persian word "kamar" for waist and the Hindi "bandh" for band).

The main focal points of this outfit is embroidery detail on the neckline and cuff.

This outfit is one of my favourites out of the cream/gold coloured sherwanis from Ziggi Studio, funnily enough it's also the most expensive from this collection, featuring a self print brocade base fabric covered in crystal and pearl embroidery all over.

Next up were the maroons from the collection:

This style of sherwani is something completely different to anything Ziggi Studio have done before and it's all about texture, from the ruched arms, to the velvet panels. Personally, this was my least favourite from the collection, but I'd be interested to see what a real groom would look like wearing this amonst the rest of his wedding party.

Another velvet piece, I love the "buttons" on this one above.

This final maroon/red sherwani looks quite heavy but according to Ziggi it's actually lightweight compared to the rest of the collection - a great option for a no-fuss groom who wants to look the part without having to commit to a heavy outfit!

The finale of the Ziggi Studio fashion show at the Asiana Bridal Show was a surprise - a womenswear piece!

Sadly for any female fans of Ziggi Studio they haven't decided to launch a womenswear collection, this piece was a one-off for the show. If you look closely, you can see she's wearing a shortened Ziggi Studio sherwani top - in the same design as his, but hers has been paired with a farshi gharara. I love both of these looks.

A big thanks to Rafyl Photography for these photos and to Ziggi Studio for the additional info on each outfit. Ziggi Studio will be launching their website soon, but in the meantime join the Ziggi Studio facebook page for offers and updates.

Asiana Bridal Show London 2011 - Kyles Collection

Here's the jewellery catwalk show by Kyles Collection at the London Asiana Bridal Show 2011.

Before we get to the fab jewellery photos, I wanted to share an in-store experience that I had with Kyles Collection in the Green Street showroom the day before the Asiana Show. Now in the past I've always experienced top notch customer service from the Kyles team, but sadly on this occassion I think most of the staff were busy setting up for the Asiana show meaning they were down to a minimum. I picked out a jewellery set which I liked the look of and an assistant took it out of the glass case so I could get a closer view. I love Kyles jewellery and it only took me a few minutes to decide I wanted to buy it, however the assistant was nowhere to be seen and there didn't seem to be anyone else around who could help.

Whilst I was waiting patiently at the counter for an assistant to turn up so I could pay, I decided to try the necklace on, at which point someone who I *think* was a bridal consultant told me off in a very snooty way for trying the necklace on - "you're not supposed try things on without an assistant", I put her straight and informed her that our assistant had disappeared. She eventually found a different assistant, I bought the set and I love it, but I wasn't very happy that I got told off by the snooty bridal consultant!
A word of warning to anyone else who visits - don't touch anything unless an assistant is present!

Rant over...now onto the pics!

As you migth have seen in my preview post, the main showpiece was worn by Pakistani model and former Asiana Magazine cover star Mehreen Syed.

I managed to snap a photo of the back - which I think has even more impact than the front. I'm not sure how much this would cost, or how you put it on and take it off, but judging by the prices of the other "couture" pieces by Kyles, I'd guess a minimum of £1000!

The new thing for me from Kyles in this catwalk was the mens pieces which complimented the traditional bridal jewellery (again the menswear in this section of the catwalk was by Ziggi Studio)

I think the male models are really working the look, but do you think an ordinary guy would be up for wearing jewellery like this?

Just like the Kyles Collection at the Bradford wedding show earlier on this year, they had a hijab look.

My other main observation was the back details on the necklaces - a smaller pendant which trailed down the back:

A big thanks to Rafyl Photography and J Dhillon Photography for these photos.

Roshans at the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show in London

Indian-based Roshan's kicked off the 2011 Asiana Bridal Show in London with their collection of red asian bridal dresses.
A big thanks to Rafyl Photography and J Dhillon Photography for these photos.

I say that Roshan's started the show, but before their catwalk officially started a few non-fashion sponsors got their 2-minutes worth of advertising first - which is why this male model is carrying a tray of sweets, courtesy of Royal Sweets. (For anyone who attended the 3pm show, the lucky lady who got some sweets from this tray was my mum!)

These definitely weren't your typical red bridal lehngas, and seeing them all in one go was a bit overwhelming!

I'd find it difficult to pick a favourite out of all these, as each outfit has certain elements I liked and others which I didn't. For example I love the sheer shrug with this outfit above but don't like the design of the top at all, and this maxi dress below - love the top but not to keen on the shape of the skirt (too much volume??)

The menswear in the first two photos was by asianfashionblog favourite Ziggi Studio - look out for my full review of the Ziggi Studio collection coming soon.

In the meantime, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on these red hot bridals!