From reel to ramp

Walking the ramp at the recently concluded India Bridal Fashion Week, Nargis Fakhri demonstrated poise which would be a lesson for aspiring models

Nargis Fakhri walking the ramp at India Bridal Fashion Week

In her earlier avatar as an international ramp scorcher, Bollywood actor Nargis Fakhri had worn and endorsed chic outfits created by top notch Western designers. However, the actor – born and raised in divergent American cities — has a special fondness for jewellery designed in traditional Indian designs.

This is the reason behind the actor’s willingness to endorse jewellery of the adopted country on the penultimate day of the recently concluded “India Bridal Fashion Week” at DLF Emporio.

The show kicked off with singer Rachael Verghese singing a popular number from a popular James Bond flick in high baritone. The proceedings began with top of the line models like Noyonika Chatterjee walking confidently alongside fresh faces. Celebrity Priya Chatwal sashayed on the ramp in a backless red gown, while numero uno designer Rohit Bal looked dapper in a traditional achkan.

As showstopper, the

Rockstar actor – of Pakistani and Czechoslovakian descent — was oozing with confidence as she glided down the ramp in a black classic gown designed by Nikhil Thampi. Nargis sported an opulent choker which complemented her flamboyant gown.

The handcrafted jewellery with an antique finish was designed by a master craftsman from the princely State of Junagadh. It was Azva’s pieces from its latest collection of 22-carat bridal gold jewellery.

However, an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction towards the later part of the show could have spoiled the evening show. A model accidentally stepped on the actor’s gown tearing the gown from the middle. But the statuesque beauty maintained her composure by covering up the middle and putting up a brave smile.

Having experienced such awkward moments in the past, Nargis chose not to walk any further. Nevertheless there was loud clapping from the well attended audience who acknowledged her sporting spirit not to leave the podium.

“The reason I am here is that traditional Indian designs intrigue me. They are so beautifully handcrafted and the designs are so intricate and mesmerising. We all feel bridal Indian jewellery cannot be worn beyond the wedding day, but designs here are beautiful and can help style you for occasions other than weddings.”

The actor holds in high esteem the Indian craftsmen who painstakingly create intricate jewellery and understands the tedious process which goes into the making of traditional jewellery. After the show, Nargis listened with rapt attention on how the handcrafted jewellery is designed.

“I am thrilled to have been a part of this show as it is great to see bridal gold jewellery styled to suit Western and glamorous silhouettes so beautifully. The Azra choker that I am wearing today is handcrafted in gold with an antique finish designed by craftsman from Junagarh for a red carpet look. I am happy to see such stunning red carpet looks and some amazing style statements by Azva for brides too which they can wear even beyond their wedding days.”

Noting that she likes wearing jewellery, Nargis said she even likes her look to be minimalist. “When I turn up for events, I like to have at least one statement piece. It always adds glamour.”

Since Nargis wore a black gown for the bridal show, one couldn't help but ask if she feels women have gone beyond the stereotype of colour in bridal wear. “I come from a culture where we wear white for weddings. In India, it is different. But I really feel that there should be no set notions, and a bride should only wear something when she is comfortable in it.”