Designer duo Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla opened the Hyundai FDCI India Couture Week in association with Reliance Brands Limited with an opulent, Heeramandi-inspired set and bridal costumes in a brand new collection for modern young couples – an homage to India’s time-honoured textile craftsmanship.

ASAL and Mard by Abu Sandeep - for young bridal couples

It was as if the intricate courtyards of Heeramandi had been brought to life, starring actors Taha Shah Badussha and Wamiqa Gabbi, who were the perfect muses for ASAL and Mard by Abu Sandeep, shown for the first time at Hyundai FDCI India Couture Week, in association with Reliance Brands Limited, on the opening day of the couture week at the Taj Palace hotel, New Delhi.

A touch of disco shimmer was seen

Abu Sandeep are known for their extraordinary taste, and a sense of the unpredictable. With ‘Disco Mujra’ as the music genre, they presented their art amidst a massive Haveli-inspired backdrop (decor from Abhinav Bhagat Events) infused with a folly for modern flair. Stand-up comedian Sumukhi Suresh introduced the show with her quintessential humour and an original soundtrack with musician duo Akshay and IP became the perfect music for the show. The featured songs are “Ghana Chowdhary”, “Sharam Da Chola”, “Haari Re”, “Cake” and “Snow”. GK Chudiwala’s intricate fine jewellery complemented the garments.

For Asal, Abu-Sandeep used gota patti liberally as can be seen in this mint green lehenga

Wamiqa Gabbi vowed the audience while opening the show in an Ivory Trail Lehenga from the ‘Botanical Bloom’ line, featuring Resham embroidery with ivory silk threads highlighted with pearls and crystals. She closed the show as a regal bride in a Red Lehenga from the ‘Bridal Gota’ collection, handcrafted with Gota, Zardozi and encrusted with crystals.

Taha Shah in an olive green ensemble

Taha Shah Badussha set hearts pumping in an olive silk tissue long kurta sparkling with crystal encrusted flying birds. It was paired with brocade flared pants that were relaxed, yet regal. In another appearance, he was opulence personified in a brocade pant with a dramatic textile drape adorned in Zardozi embroidery. His ensemble was finished with a matching Zardozi belt.

The collection married a new perspective with the beauty of everything old - that is, textiles, embroideries, clothes and the haveli as backdrop. The collection delved deep into our rich archives to curate a series of ranges that paid homage to the impeccable craftsmanship and time-honoured heritage of original designs by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.

The red lehenga ruled the Asal collection for women

“We aim to celebrate the spirit of love between modern couples, a bride who carries her cultural heritage with ease and pride, and a regal groom who exudes contemporary sophistication in a modern spirit, thus harmonising the old with the new to create the ideal wardrobe for their big day!”, say Abu-Sandeep. “The entire team at GK Chudiwalas is buzzing with excitement to be collaborating with the titans of the industry, Abu and Sandeep, as we unveil our jewellery collection for this wedding season with their young labels - Asal and Mard, which deeply resonate with our vision,” says Vatsal Mittal of G.K. Chudiwalas. “We’re confident that this collection will ignite the world and we eagerly await this showcase.”

"Collaborating with Abu Sandeep was an absolute dream come true,” says actor Taha Shah Badussha. “Their creativity is a constant source of inspiration. Mard by Abu Sandeep immersed me in a glamorous universe, enhancing my style with unmatched elegance and flair.”

“I’m thrilled to have been a part of this beautiful show by ASAL by Abu Sandeep,” says Wamiqa Gabbi. “They surely know how to make a woman feel beautiful. Everything was so dreamy. I'm going to cherish this experience forever and someday be a real ASAL bride too!"

Embroideries and contrasting colours gave lehengas a modern feel

The Collection: ‘ASAL’, the bridal womenswear label, launched a majestic new range titled ‘Asal Bride’. The inspiration behind this year’s collection emanates from Abu Sandeep’s continued desire to blend heritage with modern elegance. The intention is to honour today’s bride by harmonising the old with the new.

Other ranges within the collection acknowledge the desire that for the grand Indian wedding, everybody wants to dress up - and they should.

Saud in a chic dhoti pant-kurta ensemble

For ‘The Regal Groom of Mard’, the inspiration finds its roots in how men no longer shy away from dressing their maximal best. They love being equal recipients of adoration and attention and it’s no longer just about the bride. The entire family takes centerstage and that’s where the fun truly lies.

Intricate embroidery formed the cornerstone of Asal, the women's collection

As for the details, embroideries reign supreme, with Resham threads weaving intricate patterns in a kaleidoscope of colors, while mirrors add glamour and radiance to ensembles. Classics are reinvented – front open jackets with embroideries and sherwanis boasting dramatic borders. The linings are a playground of complexity, featuring intricate prints and finishes that elevate each garment to new heights.

Sanea wore a peach saree with embellished cape

Both labels feature the level of craftsmanship that is always found in the couture atelier of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. From abundant materials to embellishments galore, every garment celebrates festive glamour with Abu Sandeep’s intricate cultural insight.

Sapna Kumar shines in midnight blue