"Thirty percent of my clientele is Parsi,” said couturier Ashdeen Lilaowala of his range of hand-embroidered saris that are inspired by Oriental and Persian techniques and craftsmanship. He was speaking to Parsiana on the opening day of his new collection of bridal saris at Yiamas: The Experimental Space on March 7, 2018. "This is the first display of my bridal collection,” he told us, pointing out to the ivory, blush pink and lilac saris with sequins and bead work. Other saris on display were in vibrant colors like orange and deep pink, some of which may not be associated with traditional gara saris. Accessories on display included embroidered sapats (traditional footwear), stoles and clutches.
Above: Bridal wear, not the traditional white; creations by Ashdeen Lilaowala (inset)
Walking the Parsiana representatives through the lavish catalog, the 37-year-old designer let on that the model used therein was Columbian. "I have got feedback that she does not look Parsi enough, but many have appreciated Mona’s unusual looks,” he quipped.
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