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Cool couturier Archana Kochhar has been showcasing her collection on national and international runways for over a decade now … and proved more than once that she is a designer with a big heart.
Having revolutionised the bridal arena with her glamorous looks, Indian and contemporary silhouettes and craftsmanship, Archana has slowly carved a niche for herself in the highly competitive fashion arena.
Fashion commentators suggest her global design sensibility is a perfect marriage between exquisite embroideries and nouveau texturising techniques, which are traditionally rooted, all of these in luscious colour-blocked palettes.
From prêt to couture, ranging from innovatively styled and draped lehengas, saris, gowns, anarkalis and also luxurious ready-to-wear ranges of tunics and kaftans, Archana customises each creation with creativity and passion that is distinctively her own.
Being one of the most sought-after designers for brides and grooms all over the world, with huge demand from countries in the Gulf boasting large Indian expat communities, Europe also regularly calls.
She has been invited by Galleries L’fayette Paris, for example, to showcase her spectacular collections under her label with international design houses like Kenzo, Christian Lacriox, Ungaro and Nina Ricci. Not surprisingly, Archana is also one of the favourites amongst Bollywood glitterati.
The ace designer launched her new bridal collection last week in the form of a fashion show at Discon 2017, which took place in association with the Rotary Club of India, in Mumbai, to raise funds towards covering the cost of 100 paediatric heart surgeries.
Actresses Esha Gupta and Alia Bhatt took to the catwalk for her as the night’s showstoppers although there were other big-names adding glamour and support such as Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, whose appearance particularly thrilled the designer.
Kochhar showcased a melange of collections from her latest bridal wear to her New York Fashion Week collection during the event. The bridal collection included two capsule collections showcasing silhouettes for cocktail and reception.
The designer has also created a collection with unique Ahimsa silk in grey which included layered, fitted body-hugging and keyhole gowns. Each collection was showcased with a dose of entertainment including ballet, aerial dance and salsa.
The entire show proved to be a visual treat for the spectators. “2017 has started on a beautiful note with me putting together this exclusive show for raising funds for 100 paediatric heart surgeries. I always believe in giving back to the society and I think this is a beautiful initiative by the Rotary Club of India,” the designer said.
“Words will always fall short when you have to describe the wit and charm of Shah Rukh Khan. What a fabulous start to the year when you see ‘King Khan’ in one of your creations!”
