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From Egyptians to the Mughals, stripes to brocade, colour and royalty will fill designers Ashima-Leena's (see inset photo: Ashima is wearing pink and Leena is wearing white) collection this Fashion Week.
As model Jessae Randhawa (above, left) shows off a rich Eyptian-inspired embroidered top with a khaki-coloured wraparound skirt, Ashima explains: "I picked up semi-precious stones and embroidered over them. The print of the wraparound skirt is inspired by the sand dunes. It is shaken-up stripes."
Mughal motifs find prominence in another line, as Nina Manuel (in red) models obligingly.
The designers have also tried a bit of fusion by using Oriental designs, brocades, sequins, print and patchwork.
"We have used deep, vibrant colours. Not shocking colors but mellowed down brights," says Ashima.
Ashima and Leena design both Indian and Indo-Western ensembles -- both formal and informal. They specialise in trousseau and hand embroidery, experimenting with a variety of fabrics, drapes, silhouettes and colours. They recently started their one-stop shop Kaaya, which houses designer clothes, jewellery and personal care products.
They will show five collections and nearly 50 garments during their show on May 3 at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2004 .
Photographs: Jewella C Miranda
Editorial support: Imran Shaikh