Shabana NGO's women create Anita Dongre's LFW collection

Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Designer Anita Dongre showcased an exquisite collection at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2011 Thursday that featured embroidery by the women of NGO Mijwan run by actress Shabana Azmi.

Model-turned actress Lisa Haydon walked the ramp for the collection.

"This is a festive collection on Rajasthani design, which has been embroidered by the rural craftswoman of Mijwan society," Dongre told reporters after the show.

The Mijwan Welfare Society was founded by Shabana's father and renowned poet, the late Kaifi Azmi, in his home district of Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh) in 1993.

The festive ethnic wear on display included sarees, lehngas, jackets and elegant salwar kameez suits. Soaked in dyed colours of distinctive Rajasthani fabrics, the garments were complemented with skillfully handwoven brocades from Varanasi, specially the Ikats and velvets.

The delicate gold thread work and the intricate gota patti work were fused with traditional and metallic patterns, which sets the right sparkles for festive season.

Anita also showcased some ravishing evening gowns with more sensuous, classy and truly timeless silhouettes.

"Be it lehenga or the evening gown, the whole look and feel of the collection is extremely feminine and chic, designed for modern Indian woman, who has a global outlook but an Indian perspective," she said.

Shabana Azmi Pictures