PICS: Chitrangada and more bridal beauties!

Don't miss veteran designer Tarun Tahiliani's truly spectacular showing, which opened the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week in Mumbai yesterday. Photographs: Sanjay Sawant/Rediff.com

The opening show on Day One of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week was nothing if not opulent.

Ace couturier Tarun Tahiliani ensured that it would be one to remember -- a 70-foot, 'U'-shaped ramp was turned into a "virtual Garden of Eden" with beautiful flowers and greenery cascading from ceiling to floor, while tiny blue fairy lights twinkled all around. The backdrop was one of painted temples and the audience sat between and around the amazing catwalk, as barefoot models floated onto it, accompanied by the melodious voice of trained opera and Hindustani singer Sonam Kalra.

The designer offered up 41 creations inspired by the glamour of the '20s -- lehengas, saris, long paneled cholis, anarkalis and more ethnicwear glittered with sequins, lace and bridal hues and exquisite overall workmanship, and the lovely Chitrangada Singh stepped out in the showstopper.

But first, a glimpse of what came before, starting with this gorgeous red and gold bridal, the first ensemble on the runway.

Next we see Diva Dhawan in another traditional swirling number, topped off with a petal-shaped dupatta fastened at the waist with a sash.

Shonal Rawat strikes a pose in a heavily worked swirling lehenga that fades from orange to vibrant red.

The appearance of Diandra Soares heralds a change in palette, with this regal olive ghagra worn underneath a red and gold panel jacket.

For the men, Tahiliani offers up a tastefully embroidered kurta teamed with churidaars.

We see an intricately-patterned back on this orange and gold lehenga, sure to garner plenty of eye-balls.

Freddy Daruwala takes to the ramp in dhoti pants and a creamy high-necked jacket.

A distinctly oriental-influenced floral kurta, worn over a gargantuan ghagra makes a statement.

Anjali Lavania is a vision in this mix of red velour and gold mesh.

Rich paisley takes centrestage as Gaurav Arora struts his stuff in a paneled sherwani jacket worn over a kurta.

We loved this encrusted bikini choli, worn under a beige drape featuring a striking black velour border.

This pale sari with its crystal embellishment and delicate netted blouse gets a thumbs-up too.

Shruti Agarwal took everyone's breath away in this fantastic white and red floral affair.

Sharara pants make an entrance in a pale salmon print, matched with a champagne panel choli.

Kavita Kharayat brings a touch of Western glamour to the collection in a pink '20s gown.

Tahiliani presents a seemingly sari-inspired number with embroidered bodice.

We see another pair of shararas, this time in royal emerald green.

Catwalk queen Nethra Raghuraman mesmerises the cameras in an ethereal design complete with train.

Kabir Singh looks like royalty in a long panel jacket sporting elegant embroidery.

This delicate tulle creation looks like a fusion piece -- dress or anarkali, it works both ways!

Luxurious threadwork comes into focus with this stunning ensemble, sure to thrill any groom.

Gorgeous layers of lace are carried off to perfection by Deepti Gujral.

It's showstopper time as Chitrangada Singh steps out in this ivory net lehenga, lavish with crystal and sequins.

It's a final line-up as all the designer's models pose against the idyllic garden backdrop.

And finally, it's the man himself -- Tahiliani follows his muse Chitrangada out onto the runway amidst thunderous applause.