Keeping in mind the festive season, a crystal giant collaborated with top 11 fashion and jewellery designers to lend an Indian touch. By Ankita Jain
Jewellery pieces crafted with flamboyant crystals and beaten gold, which transported the audience to the time of our Maharajas, came alive as models sashayed down the runway to celebrate 15 years of Swarovski in the bridal and couture design space in India.
The Australian crystal giant has developed quite a market here and thought it was time to launch a India-inspired line called Confluence at the Taj Palace Hotel.
We saw masterpieces designed by 11 top fashion luminaries including Amrapali, Gaurav Gupta, JJ Valaya, Rohit Bal and Suneet Varma. From ornate to minimalist, couture to cutting edge, the designers showcased their statement pieces segmented in three categories —wedding and special occasions, everyday modern classics and men’s accessories.
The works of Eina Alluwalia were a soulful blend of creativity infused with philosophy, “My designs are inspired by the Persian and Islamic patterns created thousands of years ago. They celebrate the leaf scrolls, geometric, arabesque and calligraphic patterns of ancient times. It is a spiritual approach to art”, said Eina about her inspiration of modern day jewellery.
Showcasing the wedding collective in a royal frame, ace fashion and jewellery designer JJ Valaya said, “My work brings together the grandeur of the Ranas of Nepal in an intriguing medley with the nomads of Kutch. The use of crystal and pearls combined together with beaten gold elegantly represents a nomadic royal spirit.” His masterpieces acknowledged beauty in contradiction.
When it came to men’s accessories, Rohit Bal was the man of the hour. “My collection is for wedding and special occasions, a culmination of thoughts that inspire an artist to love, thrive and create.” He skillfully blended birds and flowers as sober male embellishments.
Keeping in mind the reuse of bridal jewellery, Suneet Varma’s designs were classy, light and floral. “My creations are a modern bride’s perfect muse. The magical beauty of a one-off embellished wedding attire and the sparkling jewels from my collection can be carried with ease on other occasions as well. It has the allure”, said Suneet.
This exquisitely crafted jewellery will be available from next month at partner designed boutiques, multi-brand designer stores, designer trunk shows, high-end curated events and selected e-commerce channels in the country.