QUEEN & KING’S TRIUMPHANT LOVE
In a dazzling display of sartorial splendor, couture maestros Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla set India Couture Week 2024 ablaze with their latest collections, ASAL and Mard. The runway transformed into a majestic Haveli, serving as the perfect backdrop for their theme, “RANI AUR RAJ KUMAR – THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE.”
This season, the designer duo reimagined traditional craftsmanship for the modern bride and groom, celebrating love in its purest form. Each ensemble told a story of romance, blending heritage with contemporary flair.
Abu and Sandeep were exuberant post the show and said, “We aim to celebrate the spirit of love between modern couples, a bride who carries her cultural heritage with ease and pride, and a regal groom who exudes contemporary sophistication in a modern spirit, thus harmonising the old with the new to create the ideal wardrobe for their big day!”
Show-stoppers Wamiqa Gabbi and Taha Shah Badussha made their runway debuts, embodying the essence of the modern royal couple.
Gabbi’s runway debut was nothing short of spectacular. She first graced the catwalk in an ethereal ivory trail lehenga from the ‘Botanical Bloom’ collection, a vision of delicate beauty adorned with intricate Resham embroidery and shimmering with pearls and crystals. For the grand finale, Gabbi transformed into a regal bride, commanding the runway in a showstopping crimson lehenga from the ‘Bridal Gota’ line. This masterpiece, painstakingly handcrafted with opulent Gota, Zardozi, and crystal work, left the audience breathless. In one unforgettable night, Gabbi proved herself a natural on the runway, embodying the essence of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s timeless elegance and contemporary flair. “It was like a dream walking for Abu Sandeep for my first time on the runway. The ivory lehenga is a dream.” Waqima said, paired with jewellery from G.K. Chudiwalas.
Not to be outdone, the Mard collection showcased “The Regal Groom,” embracing maximalism with open arms. Intricately embroidered coats, sherwanis, and capes stole the show, proving that men’s couture can be just as breathtaking as its feminine counterpart.
The color palette was a feast for the eyes, with resham threads weaving exquisite designs in a rainbow of hues. Mirrors and crystals added pizzazz, catching the light with every movement. While pastels dominated, pops of vibrant color-blocking added an exciting dimension to the collection.
Taha Shah Badussha commanded attention in a stunning debut on the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla runway, embodying the epitome of modern masculinity. His first appearance left the audience spellbound in a translucent metallic kurta that pushed the boundaries of traditional menswear. For his second look, Taha donned an ivory embroidered cloak that exuded regal charm.
The pièce de résistance, however, was Badussha’s showstopping ensemble: an olive silk tissue-long kurta, a masterpiece of craftsmanship adorned with crystal-encrusted flying birds. This avian fantasy was paired with opulent brocade flared pants, creating a silhouette both bold and elegant. The look was completed with a matching Zardozi-embellished belt and a dramatic textile drape, elevating the outfit to couture heights.
Clearly moved by the experience, Badussha shared, “Collaborating with Abu Sandeep was an absolute dream come true. Their creativity is a constant source of inspiration. Mard by Abu Sandeep immersed me in a glamorous universe, enhancing my style with unmatched elegance and flair.”
In just one night, Taha Shah Badussha not only made his runway debut but also established himself as a muse for the new age of Indian menswear, perfectly encapsulating the Mard aesthetic of tradition meets modernity.
Expressing his gratitude, Badussha remarked, “It’s an honor to be part of this dream. Their creativity is endlessly inspiring. Mard by Abu Sandeep has transported the me into a glamorous world, elevating my style with unparalleled elegance and flair.”
The atmosphere was electric, with live performances by musical duo Akshay & IP and classical Indian dancers, creating a multi-sensory experience that elevated the show beyond mere fashion. The concept of “Disco Mujra” added a playful twist to the traditional setting.
Front-row attendees included Bollywood royalty Jaya Bachchan and influencer powerhouses Kusha Kapila and Komal Pandey, cementing the event’s status as the must-see show of the season.
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have once again proven why they reign supreme in Indian couture. Their ability to harmonize the old with the new, creating the ideal wardrobe for the contemporary bride and groom, showcases their unparalleled vision and craftsmanship.
As the final notes of the bespoke soundtrack faded and the last shimmer of sequins disappeared from the runway, one thing was clear: love, in all its resplendent glory, had triumphed on the catwalk. And in the world of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, it will continue to reign supreme, one stunning creation at a time.
