Photographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
Indian-born swimwear designer Ambika Sanjana, who boasts of celebrity clients like Mariah Carey and Eva Longoria launched her latest collection in Mumbai last week. Here's a look at her latest line, inspired by the bright and resplendent culture of Rajasthan.
It's not often that one comes across American swimwear lines with resounding Indian aesthetics, so it's not surprising that Ambika Sanjana's label biKa Swimwear is creating a unique reputation.
The Indian-born swimwear designer claims that her product line reflects 'the Indian heritage she belongs to, rooted in an American lifestyle'. Fusing the traditional and the contemporary, biKa Swimwear is handmade by Indian craftsmen and the latest sping/summer 2012 line Rajputani is no exception.
With vibrant hues to create a contrast against the arid backdrop of the desert state, the pieces are embellished with royal touches and incorporate block printing and dyeing and kundan work; the cuts and fits, on the other hand, are distinctly modern
In the following pages, we bring you a glimpse of Ambika's artistic stylings, starting with this citrus one-piece, sporting a plunging neckline and belt detail.
Purple passion
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
Next we have this cleavage-baring purple swimsuit, adorned with kundan embroidery all along the neckline.
Fuschia fantasy
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
A model seductively feasts on an ice gola while showing off a fuschia stunner.
Neon nuances
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
With neons on-trend, this crossover strapless bikini is just the thing for the beach -- and the printed sarong and metal belt add Rajasthani panache.
Blue belle
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
A rather sporty-looking blue one-piece is teamed with a wrap and traditional accessories for more of a desi vibe.
Bangle inspiration
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
If you've seen Jaipuri silk thread bangles, it's easy to know where the inspiration for this innovative design comes from, with its tiny thread-covered circles all over.
Cut-away couture
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
If you've got the figure for it, this purple and white cut-away creation with its kundan touches will ensure all eyes are on you.
Summer sky
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
The hue of the summer sky seems to be captured on this jaw-dropping number, with tasteful work and a royal necklace bringing out its desert leanings.
All that glitters
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
For those who like a touch of bling, a sparkling golden cut-away should do the trick, although a mang tikka on the beach would be a bit much!
Tantalising tunic
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
By way of cover-ups, Ambika offers a variety of sheer, richly-embroidered tunics like this one.
Shades of the sea
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
Mix and match come to the fore with a pale printed crossover bikini top and deep ink bottoms.
Glamour unleashed
Image: A biKa Swimwear creationPhotographs: Courtesy Ambika Sanjana
And finally, we have this vibrant wrap, complete with a chain metal headscarf to give it that aristocratic edge.
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