Lakme FW: Anita Dongre's rich Rajasthani reverie

Last updated on: September 18, 2009

Photographs: Sanjay Sawant

After AND, Iinter-Pret and Grassroot, enterprising designer Anita Dongre has launched her fourth label: Timeless. Here is the first collection from the new addition, titled Jaipur...My Jaipur. No prizes for guessing what to expect!

Bright hues, Rajasthani textiles, bandhni bodysuits, shararas and gota embroidery took to the ramp with a vengeance, enamouring everyone with their ethnic beauty. Seen here is a becoming bubble blouse teamed with see-through leggings.

Dull gold jodhpurs add dramatic flair to this pretty but conventional halter-necked top.

Volume below means figure-hugging on top -- take note, fashionistas, how well these two contrasting garments compliment each other.

Deep blue is a welcome change on the runway and refreshing to the eyes. The collection's trademark red and gold set it off well.

Chunky sections of colour come together to create a unique sari, topped off with a backless gown.

Be the cynosure of all eyes in this open-front jacket, worn over a gold bikini top and ghagra.

Dazzling orange teamed with deep purple is reminiscent of colourful, rural Rajasthani culture.

We dig this delicious cocktail sari with its slimline gold stripes.

One of Dongre's models does justice to this lovely twirling kurta, worn over shiny churidaar pants.

Hints of well-placed embroidery and contrasting colour set off this lovely kurta, worn over a crushed ghagra skirt.

A sexy gold bikini choli set off this vermilion sari to perfection -- who says you can't show off your sensual side in
ethnicwear?

Velour seems to have made a huge comeback, with practically every designer so far at the LFW using it. This rich salwar
kameez sets a double thumbs-up.

Black and red, with their striking combination, seem to be the colours of choice for spring/summer 2010. Hints of brown and green set this ethnic ensemble just slightly apart.