Ode to immortal love

For the last two years she has been immersed in creating 18th Century Mughal costumes for the film Jodhaa Akbar starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. During this time she also did the costumes for the stage musical Miss Bollywood, starring Shilpa Shetty.

She has also designed the costumes for Omar Sharif's Hollywood movie, One Night with A King, based in 3,000 BC.
But Neeta Lulla's autumn-winter 2008 collection for the grand finale of DFW was firmly based in the here and now.

Feminine

Titled "I love you a little more than you do", the diffusion and couture line was dedicated to the immortal love of a woman.

The feminine, romantic line had 1950's-inspired cuts in a symbolic palette of cream, beige, browns, tan, gold and boudoir. The garments were embellished with sequins, ruffles, pleats, folds, innovative texturing details and exquisite antique gold embroidery.

Neeta combined chic dresses, skirts and layered gowns in georgette, organza, lace and net with stylish knitwear jackets, shrugs and head scarves and gorgeous gold embroidered mittens.

The show ended with beautiful Bollywood star Bipasha Basu, walking down the ramp in a breathtaking lehenga choli from Neeta's Jodhaa Akbar collection.

Vibrant energy

"In this collection I have used colours that symbolise love and highlight its vibrant energy. Burgundy epitomises the passion of a woman in love, and brown reflects the depth and intensity of her feelings. Tan portrays her complete surrender, beige highlights her inner strength and creme is the colour of eternity.

"But her insignia is the antique gold that is simply ethereal, yet has a powerful presence, which makes you feel that she loves you a little more than you do," said Neeta, explaining the symbolism behind every colour and nuance in the outfits.

Indian touch

"Indian fashion has come of age and our designers are well-accepted in international markets. The knitwear and the Indian touch of ethnic gold embroidery on the mitts was my way of reinforcing the message that we are ready for the Western market," she added.

The designer thanked Bipasha for flying down for the show despite being busy with the release of her film Race last week.
"I have been coming to Dubai since the days I was a model and love this city because people here are so warm and friendly. I love beautiful clothes and enjoyed wearing this great outfit. I am not complaining at all," said the star.

Watch this space

Designer Neeta Lulla will be back in Dubai very soon with her Jodhaa Akbar collection. Watch this space for details about the making of the costumes and the collection.