It’s an ever changing world out there. Every season bridal trends change, indicating the fashion wave brides can look forward to. It is not just about dressing up for the wedding day, even the functions preceding the big day are of utmost importance. From fabrics and colours to cuts and styles, it’s the era of new-age bride where a refreshing colour palette and classy and sophisticated fabrics make her look like a princess, and a stylish one at that.
“There has been a definite change in bridal sensibilities over the years. I strongly believe that the new age and confident bride loves to experiment with edgy creations and go beyond stereotypical ensembles,” points out designer Monisha Jaising. She calls her contemporary trousseau collection an array of traditional silhouettes with a modern twist. “The USP of the collection is the mood and lifestyle of the jet setters we have tried to capture from modern and traditional culturesand merged them into one,” she says.
Destination weddings have inspired designers to change their approach towards each bride and her wedding. Lace, leather, intricate embroidery on georgette and net, sequined georgette, feathers, digitally printed under layers, cut-out details are highlights of bridal couture. “Sensuous sari gowns, swirling lehengas and mid-length kurtas serve as an amalgamation of cultural richness and modernity,” adds Monisha.
Designers at AZA cater to brides at different ends of a spectrum. “This season, brides are seeking a mix of classic and contemporary styles,” say Alka Nishar (Owner of AZA) and Devangi Nishar. The notion of ‘spending big on a wedding trousseau as a one-time affair’ is also changing, add the duo. “While experimenting with cuts, colours, and silhouettes, the bride also favours a structured lehenga or sharara for her trousseau and wedding events. She opts for a lighter version of a traditionally heavy garment because she is value-conscious and wants more wears per outfit instead of a one-time use.”
Designer Tarun Tahilini believes, ‘one must live in the present and be fluidly modern.’ “One can be traditional but I hate the idea of living in the past. Tomorrow must have freshness. Our collections are inspired by the concept of modern India but the textiles and embroideries are traditional. Modern is the use of fit, pattern and construction and of course the kind of materials used. In terms of budgets and design, I think are a few brides are happy to be experimental for their sangeet or mehendi outfits. But when it comes to the wedding lehenga, most people like to stick with what is traditional. Obviously this varies from bride-to-bride.”
Tarun observes, “As Indians become wealthier, their standards are more exacting and the industry is gearing up for just that. India's propensity to consume is gaining an international audience and this is changing the competitive landscape. It has certainly become more organised and a little more professional, and obviously the market has exploded. New styles find expression in a lightness of form, a playfulness and whimsy that moves away from royal India and the bling and bauble of the past to the effervescence that brings finesse to the structures and silhouettes.
As a parting shot, Tarun says bridal wear is not about trends. “Brides should wear whatever they are comfortable in and also select pieces that reflect their personal style and not follow trends blindly.”
Bride’s ensemble tweaked
Monisha Jaising: | The corset is the most versatile piece of clothing; it can be combined with a lehenga, or wide legged pants, alternatively it can also be layered with a cocktail blazer or a sheer shirtdress. |
Tarun Tahiliani: | Plan the outfits in a way that heavy work can be removed without destroying the structure and silhouette. |
