The Fashion Extravaganza: A Fusion of Elegance and Tradition

May 2024 has been a spectacular month for fashion enthusiasts, with two of the year's most glamorous events gracing our screens: the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival. Both events showcased an array of dazzling outfits, exhibiting the rich heritage and contemporary flair of South Asian fashion on the global stage. We, at Elegance by Asma, found some similarities between the breathtaking ensembles of celebrities and some in-house designs because great minds think alike! Here's a deep dive into some of the most talked-about looks from these events, vis-à-vis Asma’s offerings for revamping your wardrobe for formal and semi-formal occasions.

The Met Gala, a night of thematic extravagance covered an array of celebrities walking the red carpet with exquisite outfits following the dress code “The Garden of Time.” First of all, Alia Bhatt, the British born Bollywood actress graced the event in an ethereal mint-green Sabyasachi saree, with its foot-long train and hand-woven floral designs made from silk floss, glass beading, and semi-precious gemstones. Alia’s choice highlighted the saree’s storytelling and its ability to adapt to various thematic interpretations, making it a perfect fit for the Met Gala.

Secondly, Isha Ambani, a businesswoman often credited for bringing the most renowned and international luxury brands to India, flaunted her sustainable and bespoke saree-gown designed by Rahul Mishra, titled 'River of Life,' which was in line with the event’s theme. The piece re-used items from the designers’s past collections, indicative of innovation and sustainability within the Indian couture.

Thirdly, Chioma Nnadi, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of British Vogue, donned yellow pants and a loose-flowing top with a train, adorned with cascading floral designs. Her outfit, was a unique take on the evening’s theme and matched well with RUBY from Asma’s collection. This vibrant dark lemon-hued chiffon shirt with pleated details and intricate embroidery, paired with raw silk baggy izaars, offered a harmonious blend of contemporary

elegance and traditional craftsmanship.

At Elegance by Asma, we aim to create outfits and designs that our customers would adore and adorn on festive and special events. We try some out-of-box thinking, to custom tailor our designs with our team of weavers in India and Pakistan, so that you get the dress of your dreams.

Moving next to the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, Preity Zinta, the cute and peppy actress from the yesteryears of Bollywood dazzled everyone in a stunning sequined pink sari by Seema Gujral. Her look perfectly balanced traditional and modern elements, with an embellished sleeveless blouse and statement earrings from Chopard. Her wavy hair, kohl-rimmed eyes, and nude lip shade added to her graceful appearance. Pastels are in this season, offering a cool look for hot summers, and a similar option is the CHOHASHIA sari set designed at Elegance by Asma. This includes a kurti, choli, petticoat, and a 7-yard sari made from self-embroidered, georgette material. It's a vintage design which can be altered to your liking in shades of gold, mauve,

sea green, or sky blue—to suit your taste.

Next up, Karishma Singh, a popular Indian comedian and content creator, rocked a glittery silver lehenga set by Abhinav Mishra, adding a touch of contemporary flair. Her outfit, with its matching shimmery dupatta, long trail, and thigh-high slit, was quite bold and fashionable. It’s a great example of how traditional Indian outfits can be reimagined with modern silhouettes for a striking look on the international stage. Karishma’s outfit reminded us of EMERALD Zardozi Bridal Suit from Elegance by Asma. It is a light green net gown and dupatta with raw silk trousers, adorned with delicate bugle beads

and pearl drops. This formal bridal wear exudes true style and flair, preferred by youngsters.

Lastly, Sunanda Sharma, the Punjabi singer who had her debut at Cannes this year, went for a classic and elegant ivory Chanderi ensemble. The heavily layered yet simple kameez with full sleeves, paired with an intricately embroidered dupatta and a dhoti salwar, re-iterated a nod to timeless tradition. Her look was enhanced with a maang tikka and nose ring, adding a touch of regal splendor and making her appear both demure and majestic. This outfit showcased the beauty of subtlety and craftsmanship in Indian fashion. Sunanda’s white Punjabi suit reminds us of the cool KAARI WHITE suit from Elegance by Asma. This off-white and gold chiffon ensemble exudes sophistication and glamour, with intricate diamantes and pearls adorning the neck, coupled with large embellishments. The easy-flowing dress, paired with baggy trousers, is perfect for staying cool and stylish in the summer heat—escalated this year, thanks to global warming.

Formal wear at events like the Met Gala and Cannes aren’t just tradition; it's a symbol of elegance, creativity, and cultural significance. These events celebrate fashion as art, letting attendees showcase innovative designs and honor the event's legacy.

And now hold your breath for some exciting news! You are invited for "An Evening of Elegance" jazzed up with dance and dinner, curtsy Elegance by Asma. The event is hosted by the very famous Salman Malik, where culture meets comedy and sophistication blends with entertainment. Enjoy a Persian dinner, captivating dance performances, and a chance to join a dance workshop. Dress impressively and experience an unforgettable night of laughter and rhythm. Ages 11 and up are welcome.

Date: 29 June 2024
Venue: Tooting Leisure Centre, Function Hall, SW17 0NE
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Host: Salman Malik, Comedian
Tickets: Available on Eventbrite


- Rajavee Arora