Ekta Solanki wins Collection of the Year at this Year’s International Asian Fashion Awards

Haute couture fashion designer Ekta Solanki beat off stiff designer competition to be crowned winner of the ‘Collection of the Year’ award at the International Asian Fashion Awards 2010.  

Ekta Solanki, who launched her own design house in 2005, was singled out for her ‘stand-out’ collection, which infused eastern and western influences including bridal gowns, evening wear and statement designs for contemporary, fashion conscious women.  

Neeru  Bhandari from the IAFAs said, ‘Ekta Solanki’s collection is defined by silhouettes that are graceful and refined, with an emphasis on femininity and beautiful details.  Using fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, satin, silk and lace, Ekta Solanki’s collection offered a fresh, modern and feminine perspective on designs perfect for every occasion’. 

Ekta Solanki, who grew up in Zambia and has worked for both Burberry as a Brand Specialist and managed Selfridges’ women’s fashion account before setting up her own label, said, ‘I feel humbled at having been selected by the IAFA judges for such a prestigious award. The last few years have been very busy but also a lot of fun. The success of the label and vision for the Ekta Solanki brand has allowed me to dedicate all of my time to what I love, and this award is the icing on a very wonderful cake. My work has always been about creating bespoke designs for each of my clients, which reflects their unique style and personality.’   

Ekta Solanki studied at the London College of Fashion and showcased her first catwalk collection in New Delhi in 2005. Since then she has developed and launched her website www.ektasolanki.com . She has design studios in India and the UK and is set to become one of the top names for Indian-inspired luxury gowns.  

The IAFA awards show was held at the London Hilton Metropole on Friday 9 July.

March 2005           Ekta Solanki Launches her first first Pret a Porter collection, 
                             London.
 
June 2005              Launches her first bridal collection, Delhi.
 
July 2005               Showcases her collection at Olympia Lifestyle Exhibition, London.
 
March 2006           Caramel Fashion Show held at The Café De Paris venue, London.
 
March 2006           Sponsor for The Asian Jewel Awards, London.
 
April 2006              Sponsor for The Asian Jewel Awards, Birmingham.
 
June 2007              Caramel Fashion Show Charity Ball, London.
 
May 2008              Launches her first menswear collection.
 
September 2008    Launches her Bridal wear collection in Designers Lounge, Dubai.
 
Jan 2009                Opens her London Showroom.
 
May 2009              Sponsor for Miss Asian Beauty Queen Award, London.
 
March 2009           Showcases at The Lost Emeralds of Swat Charity Fashion show,
                               London.
 
January 2010         Exhibits at The Asiana Bridal Show.
 
April 2010              Sponsor for The Asiana Bachelors Search Party, London.