Designers Ashima-Leena gear up for CWG

Delhi-based fashion designers Ashima and Leena Singh will showcase a whopping 4,000 outfits in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games starting on Sunday.

Delhi-based fashion designers Ashima and Leena Singh will showcase a whopping 4,000 outfits in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games starting on Sunday.

According to the designers, the participants and artists will be wearing their creations while performing during the ceremonies and to welcome teams, guests and thousands of spectators.

"After months of hard work, we have finally designed the outfits for the ceremonies and ready to showcase them first in the Opening ceremony of the Games on October 3," an excited Leena told PTI.

About 400 workers have continuously worked to craft 4,000 dresses for the participants, she said.

"We have embedded an Indian soul while designing western costumes to reflect the richness of our culture and heritage," Leena said, refusing to give any more details citing a "secrecy clause" of the contract with Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

The fashion designers will showcase their designs in three segments - first during the opening ceremony on October 3 and twice during the Closing Ceremony on October 14.

"Both of us were working together before and after getting the contract from OC. We are sure that our creations will surprise people," the fashion designers said.

The OC had about eight months back roped in Ashima and Leena for the sporting event to give all the participants a trendy but cultural look to reflect the rich tradition of the country.

"We were asked by the OC to create a design to compliment the event, which we wholeheartedly accepted. Being one of the most prestigious event of the country, we faced some troubles to make the costumes. But now we are ready with flamboyant and aesthetic outfits for the Games," Leena said.

'Ashima-Leena' is one of the most recognisable brands of the country. The two sisters-in-law set it up in 1993.

Ashima, who hails from the first batch of NIFT, is the creative head whereas Leena, a lawyer by profession, is the marketing brain behind the brand.

Both of them have done about 290 ramp shows across the globe.