Mumbai:

The preview highlights the selections of some of the key Mumbai participants exhibiting at the Bridal Asia 2003 to be held in Delhi on 29 September-1 October 2003. Bridal Asia is synonymous with the best of exclusive designer bridal wear, semi-formal and prét ensembles, sarees, accessories, jewellery and lifestyle products from the Asian subcontinent, all showcased under one roof.

The glittering evening witnessed the presence of some of the leading participating designers of Mumbai who presented a sneak preview of their bridal designs. Among the fashion designers are Krishna Mehta, Bhairavi Jaikishan, Amber and Shirin, Deepika Gehani, Sheetal Design Studio (Hemant Trivedi, Manish Malhotra), Pramod Shah and Shakun (Bridal Fashion).

Among the jewellers Neelam Kothari, Paulomi Sanghvi, Sapna Singhania, Rosentiques, Chetan Jhaveri, Anil Rakyan, Rose Collection, Notandas, Anmol Jewellers, Radiant Jewellery (Jewellers) and Malini Agarwal (accessories) showcased their collection. Medha Chinai (Panache Bags) also showcased her exclusive designs. The event also witnessed the presence of some of the aspiring models from Mumbai.

Says Bridal Asia CEO Divya Gurwara: "We have a large contingent of participants from Mumbai this year that will be setting new trends at Bridal Asia, making the event a veritable showcase of bridal fashion and luxurious lifestyles. Mumbai has the best of talent in the country. I am very glad to be here to introduce the concept of Bridal Asia. I am thankful to all my participants to make this event a success."

The event also highlighted the bridal forecasts presented by Krishna Mehta (for fashion), Neelam Kothari (for bridal jewellery), Malini Agarwal (accessories) and Gurleen Manchanda (wedding décor).

Among the best in the industry, Bridal Asia has also got other participants, both national and international, to participate in September Bridal Asia 2003 in New Delhi. Designers like Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu and Nikhil, Satya Paul, Rabani Raka and Abha Dalmia (Delhi), Sabya Sachi, Nisha Beri and Anamika Khanna (Kolkata), Vinita Pittie (Hyderabad), and Vishal Mehra (Lucknow).

Also present at the mega exhibition will be Faisa Saimi, Sana Safinaz, Simoneel and Maliha of Juss Couture from Pakistan and Maheen Khan from Dhaka. Thus the intricate workmanship, soft flowing silks, traditional drapes and flamboyant chic from these countries will also be showcased exclusively at Bridal Asia 2003 and will make it the only festival of its kind wherein a vast array of cross cultural design aesthetics are displayed.

Jewellery showcased at the exhibition in September will be from the house of Khanna Jewellers, Nemichand (Kolkata), Amrapali (Jaipur), Jadia (Ahmedabad) and many more. Besides them wedding planner-shaadi online will also be seen at the show. There are designers from Thailand and Bangladesh as well who will be showcasing their talent. Encouraged by their successful endeavour at Karachi, Bridal Asia is also launching a leading Pakistani model, Nadia Hussain, to grace the occasion with her presence.

Bridal Asia, the brainchild of Divya Gurwara commenced in 1999 and has increased its participants'' list from 40 to 100 this year. Designers from all over India are showcasing their exclusive collection at this mega event. Almost 40,000 visitors from India and abroad are expected to attend this fashion extravaganza covering 40,000 sq feet this year.

The event kick-starts with a fashion show at Hotel Uppal''s Orchid, New Delhi, on 25 and 27 September 2003 that will showcase the bridal look for 2003 followed by a lingerie show by Suman Nathwani on 29 2003 September at Hotel Hyatt Regency. The exhibition is spread over three days (29 September-1 October 2003) at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi. This mega event is held during the Navratras, which is the beginning of the marriage season in India.

Bridal Asia has redefined the concept of trousseau shopping both for the customers and the bridal merchandisers. It has become a confluence of designers, merchants and traders from across the subcontinent that specialises in bridal finery and products to make that important day for the bride and the groom''s family an easier reality to deal with.

The auspicious occasion of marriage requires a great deal of personal planning for wardrobes, homes, gifts and personal effects, and Bridal Asia is a dream come true for all soon-to-be-wed brides and grooms and their immediate families and friends. This event is also targeted at lifestyle stores, designers and basically anyone looking for an unmatched shopping experience.

"This selection of designers gives visitors scope to view and choose from the best of traditional embroidery styles, fabrics, embellishments and textures from various Indian states," says Divya Gurwara, CEO, Bridal Asia. "Bridal Asia is all about subtle sophistication, elegant style and fashionable substance… a trend that is evident in most weddings today."

Also adding more value to the Bridal Asia September 2003 event will be skin care and beauty consultations by the reputed Kaya Skin Clinic, Mumbai; display of home furnishings from Daman Sethi, New Delhi; and also on view will be silverware, artefacts and art, a vast selection of bridal accessories.

Bridal Asia is a platform for designers from the Asian subcontinent who look forward with bated breath to this show. Since it is professionally managed, Bridal Asia has the organiser''s personal touch in everything, right from stall layouts to the inaugural fashion show, is highly superior in quality of participants and attracts the right audience.

Brides and their families the world over can''t wait enough for Bridal Asia since most brides being working girls these days are extremely pressed for time. Bridal Asia gives them the opportunity to select from the best and most exclusive labels not only from India but the other Asian countries as well.