MUMBAI: Called the "Maharaja", it was a collection from Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan that recreated the grandeur and glory of royalty from the past at Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012. 

With custom designed motifs for every garment, the perfectly coordinated men's and women's bridal outfits gave a new direction to wedding trousseaux for Him and Her.

The silhouettes were reminiscent of the Mughal era with chogas, kalidar lehengas, Sherwanis, panelled kurtas for men and embroidered kali details for saris, angarkhas, lehengas, dupattas and cholis making a dramatic impact on the catwalk. Known for their lush ornate creations, the designing duo had zardozi, metal wire, zari peeta, aari and Marodi embroidery to add to the beauty of the creations.

Velvet was the favoured fabric for the pair as it appeared for sherwanis, kurtas, cholis, saris and even for dupattas and shawls; while net brocade and georgette added to the glamour of the collection. The colour palette was obviously rich to match the theme with red, wine, jade, black, maroon, teal, purple, ivory, blue, ruby, champagne, beige and gold painting a luxurious story.

Men's wear was opulent in style and detailing almost recreating the grandeur of the Mughal courts. Heavily embellished sherwanis, chogas, kurtas and Jodhpuri jackets were worn with dhotis, salwars or churidars and imposing shawls or dupattas.

Women's wear had floor length panelled kurtas that floated down the catwalk in the regal splendour. The multi fabric saris – net, brocade and velvet - created a magnificent look for the traditional attire. The lehengas fully encrusted with zardozi embroidery will definitely gladden the hearts of many a blushing bride.

Detailing played a major role as placement embellishments were given a greater dimension to recreate royal grandeur.

The "Maharaja" collection from Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan was an exquisite bridal offering that will have a timeless appeal and will surely turn into heirloom pieces.

About Lakmé:
Contemporary Indian beauty expert Lakmé continuously innovates to offer a wide range of high performance and world class color cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty salons. In addition to leveraging Unilever's worldwide expertise, Lakmé also partners with the leading cosmetic house Milan-based Intercos Italia, Schwann Stabilo Germany and Paris-based Fiabila. Combining international cosmetic technology with an indepth understanding of the Indian woman's needs, Lakmé also offers its consumers a comprehensive beauty experience through its products and services at the Lakmé Salons and Studios.

About IMG Reliance:
In 2010 Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India's largest and most recognized private sector company headed by Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and IMG Worldwide (IMG), the world's leading sports marketing and management company headed by Chairman and CEO Ted Forstmann, announced the formation of an equal joint venture to develop, market and manage sports and entertainment in India. The joint venture company, IMG Reliance Pvt. Ltd., will create and operate major sports and entertainment assets in the country. In its first initiative, IMG Reliance entered into an agreement with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) to create a new professional basketball league and manage all aspects of the commercial rights to the game in India. IMG Reliance signed a 15-year agreement with the AIFF, to improve, popularize and promote the game of football throughout India, from the grassroots to the professional level. IMG Reliance has also created a scholarship program to identify and train talented young Indians from sports including - basketball, soccer and tennis at IMG's world-class sports training facilities at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.

About IMG Fashion:
IMG Fashion is dedicated to facilitating a gateway to the fashion world - from creation to consumer. We offer solutions that seamlessly connect and associate fashion's key constituents and corporate brands using IMG's global resources, influence and expertise. Within the fashion industry IMG represents the world's top models, leading designers and the most influential photographers, art directors and stylists. The division produces the leading fashion events around the globe and represents many of the industry's top organizations and federations as well as works with various local and national governments, creating regional and international fashion platforms.