Trained as a designer in New York - which included a stint with Geoffrey Beene (the international designer who specialises in evening gowns) - Azeem returned to Mumbai, two years ago, to set up a boutique in Colaba. From the S U Zariwala family, his work reflects his background and is distinguished by ornate bridalwear and elaborate evening gowns. Remember the ELLE cover, over a year ago, with Naomi Campbell? She was in a lilac Azeem corset blouse!At his first major fashion show in the city, last month, Azeem's show-stopper belonged to the same category of ornamentation. A gold lehengha covered with Swarovski beads, the outfit was worn by Bipasha Basu. Who, according to Azeem, will be the country's next supermodel. "She is just beautiful and has the sort of face that people can identify with. I have always fund her stunning. I remember seeing her in Sumeet Chopra's calendar and she caught my eye immediately."So, when this designer was putting together his first show he knew Bipasha had to be his showstopper. "I like so many of the models around today but I though she would be ideal for my final outfit as she is just so stunning on the ramp."- SUJATA ASSOMULL
