'There She Glows' by Anita Dongre - an Ode to Indian Craftsmanship

There She Glows, Anita Dongre's latest bridal collection, is a tribute to Indian craftsmanship, combining contemporary silhouettes with motifs inspired by nature. The collection is inspired by the designer's eternal muse: the modern bride whose origins are inherently Indian but whose spirit transcends geographical boundaries.

Luxurious fabrics are immersed in a colour palette visible to a bird from midnight to sunrise. Inky blues that transform into hues of dawn. Rich ivories and gentle flushes of dawn, a trace of sage before the rising sun reverberate in a lineup of signature reds and a never-before-seen intense shade of garnet, igniting delight in our Avani lehenga.

There She Glows commemorates century-old craftsmanship, a cornerstone of the brand, where every detail is hand-applied and every ensemble is unique. The Nayaab skirt set is adorned with Lippan mirror work from Kutch, Gujarat, while the Urvara skirt set is adorned with their signature Pichhwai hand-painted on a contemporary silhouette.

Alakana lehenga pieces are all intricately hand-embroidered by the women of SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association), a movement Dongre actively supports, requiring 2200 hours of labour per piece. This collection features a delectable combination of resham, sequin, and zardosi embroidery, with the inclusion of Gota patti as a nod to Dongre's Rajasthani origins.

Our heroine is unashamed to experiment with unconventional cuts, crops, and silhouettes, including pantsuits with veils and lehengas with pockets. The Kusha corset, the Mihika pleated cocktail dress, and the Akila longline jacket exemplify the collection's whimsical spirit and immediacy. Even traditional lehengas make a bold statement with their understated luxury.

"I wanted this collection to appeal to the perpetually graceful, fuss-free bride who wants to celebrate her wedding day while appearing effortlessly graceful. It has been a pleasure to work with the women artisans of SEWA, learning from the crafts they use to beautify daily life a gift of craft culture from one artisan community to the rest of the world."