Catwalk Highlights: Asiana Bridal Show London 2012

Last year I was backstage at the Asiana Bridal Show 2011 (the biggest annual Asian fashion event in the UK). This year I bring you front row seats and while I knew I’d be in for a treat…I didn’t literally think I’d see the sweet stuff. But in a worldwide first, Couture Cakes graced the catwalk, in an event that blended live Bollywood saxophone jazz, tango performances and of course showcased the best in contemporary and classical Asian fashion from the UK and India.

Does he come with the cake?

Coventry based bakers Cakes4U celebrate their 10 year anniversary this year. Over the last year their campaigns have featured quirky female models decorated in body paint and morphing into giant gateauxs. How do you top that in a live show? Have the cakes paraded around by hunky Pharoahs of course! It’s certainly one way to get noticed (the second being the fact they placed free cakes in the goody bags). Their philosophy is big is beautiful…it’s all about the biggest, best and most bespoke cake possible, none of these teeny cupcakes. I whole-heartedly agree; I’ve always preferred a proper slice of cake over a pre-decided portion in a paper case!

Cakes4U at Asiana Bridal Show 2012

Go on then..one more photo….after all it’s not every day I get to post hot male models on my blog…and this is in the name of actual news reporting!

Ziggi Studio at Asiana Bridal Show 2012

Having been the official catwalk reporter for the last two years (this year will be my third) I’ve developed an appreciation for the incredible workmanship, ideas and inspiration that go into designing Asian fashion. And one label that has never failed to disappoint me is Ziggi Studio, based in Birmingham.

Ziggi himself is only 20 something years old and already has several awards under his belt. His sherwani suits (long jackets worn over trousers) are bold and brave and introduce colour and texture into a garment that’s usually less flamboyant. As ever his collection was heavily influenced by the Mughal Era, but I felt they’ve come a long way since his launch. This year was high on sophistication and detail.

In another catwalk first, make-up and hair stylist Jawaad Ashraf took the unusual step of showcasing his beautifying skills on the catwak; it wasn’t about the body, but the face. And if his predictions are anything to go by, we will all be wearing super bright eyeshadows this season.

Jawaad's muse Miss England Hammasa Khohistani

  The pink eyelids on this look were utterly stunning though you could only appreciate them when they were closed which was hard to photograph! 

The hair was pretty mind-blowing too. I’ve seen these strange egg shaped hairdos before, and I have absolutely no idea how they work! How can they be so smooth?   

Kyle's Collection on the catwalk 2012

Kyle’s Collection are the original trend setters when it comes to British Asian Jewellery. I admit that I find their show room in Green Street, London, a tad scary but when you see their catwalk creations and witness what is possible in the realm of bling, it makes you want to place an order. As a follow on from last year, the team presented more pieces to compliment the hijaab and their signature piece was a stunning waist chain with back detail -shame the wearer doesn’t get to appreciate it!

Indian boutique Frontier Raas at London's Asiana Bridal Show 2012

Indian boutique Frontier Raas deserve a special mention because not only did they present a pretty rainbow selection of fairytale dresses like this prom style royal blue number, the first model that appears in their catalogue has a belly on her, one that's round and folds over…just like a real woman. The didn’t give into the temptation to photoshop her assets – this deserves a round of applause!

Harkirans bridalwear at Asiana Bridal Show 2012

  Surprise of the show was this pink girlie duo from Harkirans.I loved it!

I also like the long and layered trends seen in RDC’s opening collection.

Ekta Solanki

Other designers on the catwalk at the Asiana Bridal Show 2012 included Traditions, Monga’s and Ekta Solanki.

RDC Finale at Asiana Bridal Show 2012

 A full catwalk report with professional photos (not my amateur efforts!)  and trends will be appearing in a future edition of Asiana Wedding magazine – I will tweet when it’s out!
In the meantime there's another report on the fabulous Asian Fashion Blog.  
The show also rolls into Birmingham on Sunday 5th February.