Designer Archana Kochhar showcased her new Grand Royal Wedding collection at the Wedding Vows Fashion show in the city. Her new line included four sequences for different ceremonies like sangeet, cocktail, wedding and reception. The collection oscillates between the grandeur of vintage opulence and urban sleekness. The bridal line boasts of a variety of silhouettes comprising of light-weight lucknowi lehengas, anarkalis, heavy bridal lehenga and indo-western saris making for a beautiful gown. The colour palate includes subdued tones of ivory and coral blue, off-white, nudes pinks to bright tones of purple, red and maroon. She played with self embroidery, mirror and amp, lucknowi work, coupled with fine detailing. Overall, the oeuvre is a celebration of aesthetics, colour, embroidery and weave. Archana Kochhar speaks more about challenges in creating bridal collections
As a designer what is your solution for brides who complain about heavy wedding ghagras but want the shimmer and dazzle intact.
Every bride wants to look a million bucks on her big day. They don’t want to compromise on the dazzle but wearing something very heavy throughout the wedding becomes a hassle. One can always choose a lighter fabric or go in for a digitally printed outfit with extensive highlighting and 3D work that gives it an elaborate look yet doesn’t compromise on the weight.
Is there a way to make the wedding ghagra multi-functional (wear it on other important occasions without looking like a bride)?
Today’s brides believe in smart investments. They want to repeat their wedding outfits on other important family functions. The key to this is to mix and match and use the pieces in the outfit as separates and not the whole set as it is. For example you could pair an elegant sari with your bridal lehenga’s blouse or your bridal lehenga with a long kurta or a crop top and cape.
What do you suggest for brides who want to be stylish, look newly married but have a functional wardrobe at the same time.
Brides should definitely invest in a sexy gown and a cocktail dress for all those post-wedding parties they will get invited to. Comfort is the key to a functional wardrobe. Crop tops and skirts, peasant dresses, boyfriend shirt dresses, some statement jewellery and comfy footwear are a must for a stylish bride.
What is your take on the fascination for gowns which isn’t even a traditional thing for Indian brides?
Gowns were restricted to Christian weddings and their bridesmaids but the fashion scene in India has evolved and the women want to wear a gown for at least one of their functions — either the cocktail or engagement. It gives a whole red carpet feel to it; a change from the whole sari, lehenga routine. The pictures come out different and I think that is what particularly fascinates them
Do you get pre-wedding photography orders?
We have designed bride and groom’s pre wedding shoot outfits according to their themes.
How difficult is to convince girls to try unusual shades for their wedding collection?
Brides today are aware of the latest trends and are not scared of experimenting. The traditional pinks and reds won’t be going out anytime but ochre, ivory, navy blues and even greys have found their way into the wedding trousseau.
