Anju Modi paints a rainbow on the runway

Kochi: In a dreamy setting, like somnambulists, models donning Anju Modi's regal bridal apparel appeared from behind banana trees.

If you are wondering what surrealism this is, then you share the feeling with the audience of Kalyan Jewellers M4Marry Wedding Fashion Week 2018 here on Friday.

The ramp, or rather stage, was set up with real plants and trees to the theme of 'Radhamadhavam', depicting pastoral attributes of Indian villages.

The setting was symbolic of the origin of raw material for Anju Modi's designs — the remotest corners of the country.

The show began with singer Vidhi Sharma taking the centre stage. To the tune of semi-classical Hindustani music and contrasting the greenery on stage, appeared the first set of models donning creamy off-white lehengas.

Then followed a transition of colours as subtle and obscure as a toiling painter's palette.

From unconventional peach to gold to traditional bridal maroon, the collection left a gaping scope for a fussy bride to choose from. There were tinges of yellow, blue and even violet thrown in beautifully.

Even the fabrics varied throughout the show. Brocade was used for minimalistic designs which brought out the grace of the Varanasi fabric.

Net cloth laden with intricate embroidery was used to create layers and drapes while velvet robes came in last, giving the show a royal end.

The show was an opening to South India's Biggest Fashion event where country's leading designers - Anju Modi, Tarun Tahiliani and Gaurav Gupta - will showcase their bridal collection for this season.

This gives us another reason to look forward to the second day of the grand show where India's couture pioneer Tarun Tahilani will rule the runway.