Grande Boulevard- An exhibition like no other

Grande Boulevard perfectly captured grandeur in its aesthetics and impeccable execution. The exhibition was an unprecedented feat, bringing together high-end local and international names under one roof to celebrate the upcoming festivities of Eid-ul-Adha.

No venue, except for one of Dhaka’s top hotels, The Westin, could do justice to an exhibition of such massive magnitude. People thronged to the event in numbers, interacting with their favourite exhibitors and shopping to their hearts’ content.

If there was a place to be this on July 20, Saturday, it had to be The Westin Dhaka; hosting the most happening exhibition of the year!

Grande Boulevard powered by Continental Motors and in association with MONNO ceramic laid the stage for Sahar Rahman Couture, Sarah Karim Couture, Libasse Fashion Creations, CASA DECO, INGLOT Bangladesh, Splash Fashions Bangladesh, La Belle Beauty Salon, Amisheé, Amana Rahman - Bespoke Makeup Artistry, Monroé, Samara Hyder Luxe Pret, Print me Yellow by Sabah Khan, Monokrome, AZ, House of Ahmed, ZATARE, Bariq&Co., SAHA, Izza, Calzado, Newton’s Archive, 138 East and Spacedawg & Dessert Boutique by Nadia Lakhani to exhibit their wares.

Upon entering the ballroom, the guests were greeted by aesthetically orchestrated stalls. Amana Rahman’s stall took you right to the 80s with its minimalistic pink frame, and an exclusive offer of on- the-spot makeovers by Amana Rahman herself. Sahar Rahman’s stall was a blend of Victorian Era and modern architecture. The bottle green walls lured the guests straight to her collection which exuded nothing but sartorial magnificence. On the other hand, Sarah Karim had a lush velvet décor which allowed her pastel shaded collection to stand out.

Newton’s Archive arrived with their white themed stall and boutique candles which they concocted especially for the event. Nadia Lakhani’s desserts brought to the fore a plethora of baked goodies such as carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, peanut butter brownies in meringue, banana bread to name a few, and 138 East were the guests’ go to place to boost their energy.

Casa deco offered their signature pieces, lending an opulent European charm to the interior décor of Dhaka. MONNO Ceramic displayed their exclusive tableware in porcelain, portraying their signature sophisticated motifs.

SAHA and Splash dropped their collections of western wear introducing colourful, retro styles keeping pace with the latest trends of 2019. Bariq&Co. and Monroé’s collection could prep you for any occasion with their timeless footwear, and beautifully crafted juttis and khussas in a plethora of colours.

This exhibition has revolutionised the concept of an exhibition blending shopping and fashion show in one. Models draped in Sarah Karim, Sahar Rahman and Libasse’s extravagant collection along with Amisheé’s striking jewellery walked the alleys. It was a unique concept which was put forth for the guests as they could experience an exquisite fashion show while they shopped from their favourite stores. The models walked the alleys between the stalls making their way to all the corners of the exhibition making sure that no one missed the stunning collection of these prolific designers.

The event laid down the foundation for many exhibitors who have recently entered the fashion scene. One of them being Izza by S&M. They have been in business for just 4 months and they have already had a wonderful response as people have fallen in love with their casual collection, lined up in the colours of summer; earthy and pastel tones.

The exhibitors left no stones unturned in displaying their collection, putting in a lot of thought in orchestrating them; considering the weather, season and latest trends. Grande Boulevard was a one stop solution for all, it had everything, starting from kameezs to accessories, panjabis to loafers, and fast food to desserts.

Organisers, take a bow.