Indian weddings have become liberal: Shantanu and Nikhil

New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil, who showcased their couture collection at the ongoing Delhi Couture Week (DCW), said Indian weddings have become very modern and open-minded and that was why the colour black has also made its entry into the wedding trousseau.

"Indian weddings have become very elaborate and liberal now. It's not just a one-day function but requires so many days to finish. Now-a-days there are even theme weddings, so I don't think that black is not a wedding colour. May be some people don't prefer to wear it on their wedding day but it could be used for a cocktail or a bachelorette party," Shantanu said after the show.

The designers, known for their fusion of east and west, unveiled a collection titled "She is the One" that paid an ode to the woman of today who is powerful and modern.

"Our design represents a woman of today, who has deeply inspired not only us but the world in total with her great power to withstand the extreme surroundings that constantly put her down," Nikhil said.

The ramp was converted into a world map with scattered chairs piled up to the ceiling in the background.

The designs varied from lehengas, skirts, dresses to saris. The fabrics used were silk, French lace and nets.

A lot of metal was used in the garments, which resulted in heavy clothes. The heaviest of all weighed 15 kg.

The collection had colour palettes of vintage tones of burnt blues with a strong element of gold and finally a dose of black and red.

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and sons Ayan and Amaan, model-actress Anupama Verma and actor Mukul Dev were in the front row supporting the designers.