This month Canary Wharf plays host to one of the most spectacular Asian fashion events ever seen in the capital.

Shaadi Chic, a celebration of Bollywood bridal fashion, is set to take over the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf on Saturday 20 February, bringing the glamour and mystique of Asian haute couture to the famous business and shopping district.

Hosted by DJ and Bollywood blogger Suzi Mann, the night will be part-Bollywood dance spectacular, part-fashion show and part-showcase for some of the UK’s finest Asian designers.

East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf’s premier events centre, is increasingly in demand for Asian weddings. Research shows that most Asian weddings in the UK cost over £30,000, which is £10,000 more than the average traditional British wedding – and feature five to six separate celebrations with over 350 guests.

Awareness of Asian weddings in the UK received a boost this New Year when BBC1’s East Enders, featured the nuptials of Pakistani characters Amira and Syed in the fictional Albert Square.

Featuring in the Shaadi Chic fashion show, styled by celebrity make-up artist Lubna Rafiq, are a range of UK-based Asian designers including RCKC, Kyle’s Collection, Amara, SF Collection and Arinder Bhullar. The event also features a mehndi catwalk by Pavan, currently the world’s fastest henna artist as certified by the Guinness world of records.

The Shaadi Chic event is the brainchild of Rahul Katrak, the London-born entrepreneur behind Your Dream Shaadi, the UK’s leading online Asian wedding magazine and directory. Mr Katrak said:

“This is the first haute couture event of is kind to take place in Canary Wharf and we’re tremendously excited to be hosting it.

“The Asian wedding market in the UK is a substantial one but fairly unknown outside the Asian community. However, with Shilpa Shetty’s recent glamorous wedding and House of Lords reception, not to mention the much talked about Asian wedding in East Enders there’s a growing awareness of just how spectacular – and expensive – these marriages can be.

“Whether people are looking for full-on Bollywood glamour designs or something more demure and Indo-Western, we’ll have designs for all tastes and the dance routines to match.”

Joanne Taylor, Events Manager at East Wintergarden said:

“East Wintergarden is increasingly popular for Asian weddings not least because of its flexibility and the attractiveness of spectacular high ceilings and marble floors. Weddings at East Wintergarden are an amazing sight. Bank Street comes alive with colour; a recent wedding saw a procession of drummers and guests in bright saris following the groom as he arrived on horseback,” she said.

Shaadi Chic takes place at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London on Saturday 20 February started at 7pm. For further information or to buy tickets visit: www.yourdreamshaadi.co.uk .

Notes to Editors:

1. High resolution images are available for download at
http://www.futuraservices.co.uk/ShaadiChicImages.zip

2. Shaadi is the Indian word for ‘wedding’

3. Mehndi is the Indian word for ‘henna’.

4. The event is co-sponsored by Silk Events, a catering company in which Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty is a shareholder: www.silkevents.co.uk .

About the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf

The East Wintergarden in the heart of London's Canary Wharf was opened in 2003. The modern and stylish venue designed by Cesar Pelli and based on the Wintergarden in New York is instantly recognisable due to its arched glass atrium which measures 27m at the highest point. The venue boasts 682 sq meters of coloured marble floor and steamed beech wood panelling and accommodates 500 for banqueting and 800-1000 for receptions.

About Your Dream Shaddi: www.yourdreamshaadi.co.uk
Your Dream Shaadi was launched in November 2003 and has grown to establish itself as the UK's leading website portal for Asian weddings. The website is the brainchild of 29-year-old entrepreneur Rahul Katrak, an ebusiness consultant and one of Britain’s leading experts on Asian style,. With its comprehensive Asian wedding directory, practical articles on wedding planning, fashion showcases, inspirational ideas and profiles of up and coming wedding businesses, Your Dream Shaadi has become an essential online destination for British Asian brides and grooms.