The sixth edition of the Pune Fashion week (PFW), presented by BVLGARI, started on saturday with the launch of their luxury exhibition, the “Luxe Expo”, in the afternoon followed by the plethora of Bollywood celebrities walking the runway for many designers.

Designers Shikha Kothari, Purva Pardeshi, Hina Madhumal, Sangeeta Sharma, Kanchan Kulkarni, Nitya Bajaj, Sharad Raghav and Ashok Maanay showcased their new collections with designer Pria Kataria puri closing the evening, showcasing her new line in support of Girl Child Education, for NGO Smile Foundation.

Kick-starting the evening were designers Shikha Kothari, Purva Pardeshi and Hina Madumal presented their capsule collections as a part of opening show of day one. A 1997 Design by Shikha Kothari premiered their Fall 2016 collection “Siddha” that had hand embroidery, hand Painting, origami, applique and patchwork, texturing as the highlight of her collection. Marathi actress Rujuta Shinde walked the ramp for Kothari.

Designer Purva Pardeshi’s label RED unveiled her collection “The Urban Warrior”. Symbolised by the strong warrior-like armour adorned by Ravana, the collection made use of opulent fabrics like raw silk, organza and banarasi brocade which encompass the myriad aspects of India’s colossal heritage depicted in the epic and its rich culture.

Accentuated by metallic embellishments and antique embroidery, the clothes created were a bold statement adding a distinct uniqueness to the overall visual appeal. Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon strutted the ramp graciously as the showstopper for Pardeshi.

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Designer Hina Madumal’s collection celebrated the grace and elegance of a woman. The strength of the Brand Hinas Atelier, was constructed looks. Silhouettes included gown and cocktail collection also showing the wedding dresses. The embroidery enhanced and not intrude and distract from the woman’s beauty. Mrs. India Globe Elakshi Morey Gupta was the showstopper for the designer.

The next in line was the show put together by designer Sangeeta Sharma and designer Kanachan Kulkarni. Each of them showcased their capsule collection on the upcoming Bridal and festive season respectively.

Sharma presented her Bridal collection “Forget me not” inspired from illium commonly known as flower Lily. Attractive colours of Lily like yellow, oranges, pink, reds and purples ruled the colour palette. The motifs were inspired by the “the lily and the leafs” and were made of thread work along with a pinch of dabka and chain stitched mostly in golden colour. The collection was simple and elegant to attribute the royalty to the bride. Actress Adah Sharma looked a perfect bride while walking the ramp for Sharma.

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“All that Glitters”, the 2016 festive collection by Kara by designer Kanchan Kulkarni was a tribute to its Indian roots while still staying true to its western silhouettes. A step away from its previous all Silk collections, All That Glitters, was a blend of silks mixed with tulle and lace and fused with shimmer and beads to stay true to its name. Actress Sarah Jane Dias looked gorgeous as a showstopper in designer’s creation.

The next show was a glittering affair, where designer Nitya Bajaj showcased her capsule collection “Ritz” and designer Sharad Raghav showcased his collection “The Pink Mosque”.

Ostentatious, luxurious, regal and truly elegant, Ritz By Nitya Bajaj portrayed the workmanship of Indian craftsmen combined with western silhouettes illuminating glamour and sheer brilliance. Showcasing the rich pearls, elegant Swarovski crystals, the delicate lace and beadwork on rich Indian silks, the collection has it all. The glamorous Brazialian Bruna Abdullah looked resplendent as Bajaj’s showstopper.

Raghav’s collection “The Pink mosque” was inspired by the pink mosque situated in Iran and showcased Islamic prints with riots of colour.

Another show was put together by the veteran designer Ashok Maanay, who unveiled his collection “Serenity”. Drapes of six yards of pure fabrics like silk, crepes, georgettes and chiffon embellished with Zari borders woven by the few heritage weavers of Varanasi, who even to this day weave zari borders and saris to the royal houses and the elite using zari made of pure silver thread polished in gold in pastel and bright colours beautifully blended with exotic hand crafted techniques of weaving, all unique and impactful. Aachkans and Aangharakhaas. Actress Pooja Chopra walked the ramp for designer Ashok Maanay as the showstopper.

Lastly, being organised for a very noble cause of supporting girl child education, designer Priya Kataria Puri had put together this amazing collection called “Pura Vida” for NGO Smile Foundation for the glittering evening. Keeping true to its name, the “Pura Vida” collection was all about effortless style, elegance and a true epitome of femininity. It incorporated new styles of kaftan silhouettes like a maxi kaftan, off shoulder and cold shoulder cuts, jumpsuits, palazzos, dresses, tops, blouses and rompers in pure Italian silk which were all given a chic glamorous avatar.

(With IANS inputs)