Ashima-Leena's homage to South India at IBW

Taking inspiration from South India in form of motifs, jewels, fabrics and drapes, designer duo Ashima and Leena today presented their wedding couture line titled "Dakshna" on the second day of the BMW Indian Bridal Fashion Week.
Leena Singh said through their latest bridal line, which was high on silks and golds, they aim to bring the sense of purity and tradition for brides.
"This is our 25 year in the fashion business. Till date we have not seen anything done around the this theme. So we thought of it. I think bridal wear is going back to tradition now.

"So, we decided to experiment with the traditional South Indian wear and mix it with contemporary style... Our line was more than the kanjeevaram's," Leena told PTI after the show.
True to the essence of the theme of the collection, Ashima and Leena's show commenced with a Kuchipudi dance performance which was choreographed by Padmabhushan awardees Raja and Radha Reddy.
In the dance performance, they presented their daughters Yamini and Bhavna Reddy.

"The Reddy's have been friends for a long time. So when we decided to do do this show, we asked them to set the mood for us."
The ramp wore a very traditional look, with chandeliers made from mogra flowers adorning the area as models walked out in bridal fineries.

The outfits featured finely appliqued temple motifs on rich silks. Hand-embroidered jewelled motifs and borders added subtle illumination to the line. Organza, French net, specially woven south silk and brocades were the highlights of "Dakshna".
Embellishments included embroideries infused with semi-precious jewels and patterns of the temple jewellery, delicate and fine tassels bordered the hemlines of blouses and cuffs.
The colour palette includes bright, intense and contrasting hues of indigo blue, crimson red, beige, fuchsia, marigold orange, mellowed gold, emerald green, black amalgamated with the quintessential South gold.
"Re-invented lengths and patterns have take focus, with blouses, necklines, cowl drapes and layering of sheer fabrics. We have transformed the iconic lehanga-choli into a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns crafted for both the contemporary and the traditional bride," the designer said.

Ashima was absent from the show due to personal commitments.
"She has been away for few months due to some personal commitments. I think personal life must always take precedence over your profession," said Leena.