New Delhi: With "Aashiqui 2" heroine Shraddha Kapoor as the showstopper, ace couturier JJ Valaya showcased his line 'The Nautch of Fez', combining the cultural elements of India and Morocco, and infusing them with subtle elements of the Indian nautch girls of the past, as part of the grand finale of the BMW India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW) here.
The finale was held at the DLF Emporio in an elaborate set-up late Sunday night.
As the showstopper, Shraddha wore a multi-coloured sari-inspired ensemble with Moroccon motifs and techniques like zardozi and gota, which are truly Indian.
"It's a proud moment to walk for the most iconic designers of our industry. I felt like a shy bride almost when I was walking the ramp," Shraddha said here post the show, which was houseful.
Talking about the concept, Valaya, one of the pioneering fashion designers in the country, said: "Nautch girls have always fascinated me.. They were intellectual, but almost like the Geishas of India. It was a beautiful period of India and very important.
"So, I wanted to do something royal around it, and combined it with a dramatically opposite culture like in Morocco."
The crisp couture collection has been created using crepe, dupion, georgette and fine velvet and with techniques like digital printing, applique, laser burning and Valaya's signature embroideries. Colours range from antique, metallic and neutral in symphony with the bright hues typical to Indian bridal wear.
The showcase was sub-divided into six sections -- Phoenecia, Rome, Arab, Spain, Berber and Ottoman - each painting its own unique story.
