There’s everything for the bride and her retinue. From nalangu to muhurtam. Sangeet to shaadi. The second edition of The Hindu Bridal Mantra (presented by GRT Jewellers) gets bigger with the participation of famous retailers in the bridal segment from across the country.
As a prelude to the two-day exposition, four top designers from fashion destinations Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata and textile hub Ahmedabad will participate in a ramp show featuring the latest trends and textiles, silhouettes and shades in the realm of trousseau on August 31. The prima donna of design Ritu Kumar, the neo-classic Studio Virtues, New Delhi’s luxe label Ecru and glamour-driven style duo Falguni and Shane Peacock will display their latest lines. That’s not all. For those wanting to have a peek at current trends in bridal jewellery, GRT Jewellers will present a ramp round.
The event will also see the launch of Bridal Mantra , a wedding-related fashion magazine, by film star Asin at Hilton Chennai.
The action shifts to Hyatt Regency on September 1 and 2, where Bridal Mantra’s exposition takes place. From big names in the bridal retail segment to unknown names creating unusual merchandise, the fair has an impressive line-up. Besides clothes and jewellery, there will be stalls set aside for gifts and knick knacks.
The entry fee is Rs. 50. For details contact 98840 24167 or 98417 25344.
The title sponsor for the show is GRT Jewellers and the associate sponsor, VGN Developers. The others involved include style partner Naturals, health partner Miot International, radio partner 92.7 Big FM, travel partner Parveen Travels, event partner i-Ads & Events and beverage partner Bacardi.
THE DIVA’S DESIGNS
Ritu Kumar will showcase her latest Panchvastra Collection. With femininity being the keyword in bridal designs, this line has the style diva’s signature embellishments — intricate hand stitches, mirror work and gota. The colour palette progresses from vivid to luminous tones. Since her themes revolve around Purity, Seduction, Swayamvar, Exile and Darkness, it’s eclectic in flavour with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements thrown in. Traditional silhouettes are tweaked creatively to suit modern tastes.
THE PEACOCK’S PLUMES
While Falguni and Shane Peacock have wowed celebrities in the West with their over-the-top glamorous creations, in India, they are a regular at bridal expositions, where they showcase their flair for combining the best of desi couture traditions with videsi touches. Flared lehengas, delicate saris with audacious cholis — all embellished with stones and even feathers have been designed with a range of occasions — sangeet to shaadi — in mind. Their fabrics include sheer nets, soft satins and flowing chiffons. Embellished gowns are also part of the Mumbai-based couple’s bridal repertoire.
ECRU AND ELEGANT
Design duo Ankur Batra and Amita Shukla are supposed to be New Delhi’s best kept secret. They don’t believe in making a noise at fashion dos — instead, they prefer to service their loyal list of high-flying clients who wish to remain low profile. Bollywood A-listers too queue up at their door. Brand Ecru is focussed on luxury. So opulence is the operating word when it comes to choice of fabric and embellishment. For this show, they will showcase a couture line that’s crafted with a rare passion for hand skills and extravagant fabrics.
HUES OF HISTORY
Ahmedabad-based Studio Virtues go back in time to capture the nuances of Mughal culture in their clothes. Their line is about fine embroidery, lavish fabrics and classic bridal silhouettes. They have come up with a line that fuses fabrics, crafts and bewildering colours to create something refreshing. Their lehengas, anarkalis, jackets and stunning dupattas use fabrics — both antiquated and modern — in unexpected ways. For instance, rich brocades and jamevars are used with light georgettes to create unusual silhouettes. The quintessential Mughal karigari work encompassing a gamut of stitching techniques enhances the creations that come in different colours — jewel tones, crimson, fuchsia, moody mauves, off-whites and greens.
GOLD RUSH
When it comes to bridal, tradition wins hands down. Keeping this in mind, GRT Jewellers has come up with an all-new Classic Collection. From earrings and necklaces to bangles and armlets, this line stands out for its crafting techniques and true-to-tradition designs. Whether it’s the raw appeal of the uncut stones or the delicately set diamonds, Classic Collection reminds you of the fact that trousseau is about intricacy.
