Abu & Sandeep

A sensuous chiffon gown in pure white embellished with delicate Swarovski crystals, worn with exquisite jewellery and diamante sandals. Oh and make that an Abu Sandeep creation. If that's not every woman's dream, what is?

A sensuous chiffon gown in pure white embellished with delicate Swarovski crystals, worn with exquisite jewellery and diamante sandals. Oh and make that an Abu Sandeep creation. If that's not every woman's dream, what is?

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It might not be their dream come true, but the collection certainly evoked a passionate response from 4 divas seated in the front row - Jaya and Shweta Bachchan, Sonali Bendre and Dimple Kapadia.

Applauding almost every creation, Jaya Bachchan looked smashing herself in a canary yellow chiffon sari and poker straight hair held in place by every celebs best friend - designer sunglasses.

Sonali blended in with the models in a white and crystal ensemble herself. The sophisticated Shweta wore a simple pair of blue jeans with a classic white shirt while Dimple was dressed in a green silk churidar kurta.

A delightfully feminine collection that reflected the classic style sense of the celebrated designer duo. "This was a concept collection called The Lotus Pond, part of our diffusion line," Abu Jani said.

The collection was entirely in white, focussing just on eveningwear. Lots of gowns and dresses in flowing georgettes, chiffons and chameuse satin. "We used a lot of 'resham' threadwork and mosaic patterns," Sandeep Khosla said.

Crystals were everywhere in all shapes and sizes - tear drops embellishing the borders and hemlines and huge pear shaped rocks were used in some of the empire waist dresses. A new trend started by the duo was the extensive amount of pleats in the dresses. "We predict this will be around for the next 4-5 years," Jani said.

A surprising amount of skin show with several diamante encrusted bra tops, bustiers and sarongs. Using the bare-chested yummy Ignatius (Iggy) who was pawed at by all the female models provided an element of oomph to the show.

While most of the stuff was really glamorous, some of the satin jackets with ribbons hanging from practically everywhere, were overdone. The show threatened to become too monotonous but was saved by the gorgeous ivory lehenga with chikankari all over worn with a sexy silver sequined bra-choli.

Currently retailing out of their stores in Mumbai, Delhi, London and several other cities around the world, the duo realise that the common man cannot afford their creations. "But we don't really design for the common man. We have a clientele both India and abroad that are quite loyal to us," Jani said.

With fans like the Bachchans back home and Dame Judi Dench and Bond Girl Sophie Marceau abroad, who cares about the common man, right?

One of the most sought after shows, the collection showcased by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla was more of a concept show, meant to set the trends for the coming year. The long ankle-length kurtas came out strong, as did the long bell-sleeves.

It was a very feminine, flowy collection emphasised by the use of ribbons with straight silhouettes and lot of detailing in dif ferent shades of white. The tone-on-tone work with which the AbuSandeep label has become synonymous was there too. The fine needlework was done with silk thread and there were beads on georgettes, silk, chamois satin and organza.

A collection designed to appeal inter national buyers; the duo had skirt-saris draped over small cholis. There were floor-length sherwanis with lots of kalis, long exquisite coats and robes. The showstopper was heavily worked lehenga-cholis.

The highlight of the show also was the illustrious Front Row.

Rate-o-meter
Wearability: 5
Presentation: 8
First Row: Sonali Bendre, Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Nanda, DJ Aqeel, Anand Mahindra and wife Anu, Shireen Paul, Dimple Kapadia
Buzz factor: 10 (the show was abuzz with celebs)
Late-o-meter: 25 mins