Designers chosen from Lakme Fashion Week – Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Nikasha Tawadey and Anand Kabra opened Shanghai Fashion Week’s ‘Asian Fashion Blooming’ (AFB), a special event for World Expo Shanghai 2010 of Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival organized by Shanghai International Fashion Centre.

The trio – Sabyasachi, Nikasha and Anand brought alive an eclectic fusion of the east and the west, playing with colours and inimitable styling in their collection. The opening show, organized with great detailing, was a huge hit and appreciated by the Chinese audience. The large scale event witnessed a bevy of audience that ranged from the Shanghai fashion fraternity, government officials and local media besides talent.

Anand Kabra known for his free spirit, unconfined by predictable style statements for the quintessential global woman brought alive the narrative of Draupadi in ‘The Palace of Illusions’. The collection ‘She Was So Dark That She Was Blue’ drew parallels between the River Krishna and Draupadi, also known as Krishna. It finds irony like the depths of darkness that lie turbulent beneath quiet waters their shadow selves brought them glory after much destruction.

Sabyasachi had a collection that traveled through eclectic roads that join nomadic Africa with subversive Paris of the 1920’s. Bohemian 70’s rockstar influence merged seamlessly with folk textiles and grunge to make the collection modern, yet vintage. One of Sabyasachi’s collection piece themed as “Impression of Shanghai” was a special gift from Sabyasachi to Shanghai Fashion Week (SFW) on behalf of LFW and India. This gift was showcased on ramp at the closing award ceremony, and now is part of a permanent exhibition at SIFC commemorating India’s participation in the event.

Nikasha Tawadey, a delightful combination of ethnic and contemporary, took inspiration from Siuli, an exotic perfumed flower. According to mythology, this heavenly tree was brought to earth by Lord Krishna. Her collection was an almost white and crème coupled with yellows, turmeric and rusty reds into coral. The fabrics are of traditional Indian weaves like woven benarasi silks, chanderi, mul mul, silk chiffon and georgette, making the collection a perfect stylish balance between wearability and beauty.

Representing LFW at the event, Sujal Shah, Head of Fashion – IMG India says “Participating in ‘Asian Fashion Blooming’ helped to open communications between the Indian and Chinese fashion representative and allowed us greater insight into the Chinese fashion trade market. The India mega show and designers received a phenomenal response. This was another step forward in our effort to integrate India into global fashion. The collaboration also helped in connecting with the Chinese fashion media and other Asian counterparts that will eventually build deeper associations and business in the long run.”

Ingrid Yin, Executive Director of Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival & Shanghai Fashion Week Organizing Committee adds, "Indian Fashion is full of Asian style but unique and special! In international perspective, Indian designers are always dedicated to innovation and creation, that’s why they have become an integral part on the global fashion stage."