Mumbai, March 15 (IANS) Anita Dongre celebrated the rich Indian textiles of Varanasi through her collection titled “Varanasi Weaves” at the ongoing summer-resort edition of Lakme Fashion Week 2014 with Bollywood actress Dia Mirza dazzling the ramp in the designer’s creation.

Coming forward to support her commitment towards promoting and popularising traditional Indian weaves and crafts, was the Development Commissioner of Handlooms of the union textiles ministry in association with CMAI (Clothing Manufacturers Association of India)

Opening the show to a packed audience was Dia Mirza who looked alluring in a buttercup yellow flowy skirt matched with a chic crop top and belted with an embroidered waist band.

The actress sashayed down the ramp to a live soulful performance of contemporary folk tunes by singer songwriter Geetu Hinduja., Friday night.

“Varanasi Weaves” was highlighted with geometric patterns in soft pastel hues highlighted by the timelessness of the woven weaves from Varanasi. The collection was an eclectic melange of pret separates matched with couture elements for a boho luxury feel.

The silhouettes moved from straight panel cuts to flares, hand embroidered crop tops paired with palazzo pants. The colour varied from old rose, buttercup yellows and powder blues, to more muted and neutral tones of beige, dull gold and the summer classic- white, for a versatile, contemporary yet feminine look.

Anita Dongre menswear consists of a range of bandhgalas, jackets, kurtas and dhotis crafted in Indian weaves in hues of powder blue, white, creams and beige.

The front row of the show was graced by some eminent personalities including Shabana Azmi, Sangeeta Bijlani, Urmila Matondkar, Namrata Shroff, Ambika Suri, Sona Mohapatra, Preeti Desai, Monica Dogra, Mugdha Godse, Vidya Malvade and Neetu Chandra. They all were seen wearing the Anita Dongre label