Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding extravaganza that culminated a couple of months ago not only saw some of the biggest stars of the celebrity galaxy adding oodles of glamour to the spectacle but the exquisite outfits created by some of India’s A-list designers for the occasion have set the trend in the wedding wear scape.
Pramila Dudani, a Dubai-based fashion stylist, highlights five trends that will inspire bridal fashion choices in the times to come. “Each of these trends is significant, not only for their visual appeal but also because they represent a modern yet deeply rooted fusion of traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary luxury. These trends are here to stay due to their versatility, elegance, and the influence of high-profile personalities endorsing them,” elaborates Pramila.
1. Lehengas
While a lehenga is a timeless Indian bridal attire, at the Ambani wedding it was either an ode to traditional embroidery work such as zardosi, dabka and sequins or came in svelte silhouettes inspired by western gowns. One of the most stunning examples of a lehenga was Radhika Merchant’s bridal lehenga designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
Intricately embroidered, the red and ivory lehenga was lavishly embellished with precious stones and sequins as well. On the other hand, the blush pink lehenga worn by Bollywood actress Khushi Kapoor for one of the prewedding events is youthful in shape. Designed by ace designer Manish Malhotra, this lehenga is a stunning confluence of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.
“These lehengas carried a sense of heritage while reflecting modern tastes. This blend of opulence and subtlety speaks to the new-age bride who wants to carry tradition forward with a contemporary touch,” explains Pramila.
2. Soft hues
Moving away from the usual reds and maroons, ivory and pastel tones made a huge impact at the wedding. These shades exude understated luxury and sophistication, making them a favourite among modern brides and wedding guests alike.
“Pastels, in particular, reflect a soft, dreamy aesthetic that complements the grandeur of Indian weddings without overpowering the overall look,” says Pramila. And who among the celebrity guests at the wedding aced the trend?
“I’d say businesswoman and A-list celebrity Natasha Poonawala stood out among them all. International star Kim Kardashian and sister of the groom Isha Ambani Piramal too created an opulent visual in their ivory lehengas.”
3. Saris 2.0
At the Ambani wedding, the sixyard sari was a sensation as it became a muse for stylists who created contemporary drape styles with it. And if that wasn’t enough, designers created pre-stitched saris that were exquisitely designed and effortlessly elegant.
Sporting one of these was Shloka Mehta, who wore an ivory sari designed by Tamara Ralph. Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani were also seen experimenting with modern sari drapes.
“Traditional fabric and modern silhouettes, make these new-age saris an attractive option for the modern bride,” says Pramila.
4. Statement jewellery
While the Ambani family left no stone unturned to prove that emeralds make for the most versatile jewellery pieces, it was also proven at the wedding that traditional craftsmanship evident in Kundan and Polki sets is extremely popular too. Some of the finest examples of this was seen on Kareena Kapoor Khan, who wore a stunning choker at one of the pre-wedding functions.
“These traditional designs lend an unmatched regality to wedding attire, ensuring that even the simplest outfits look grand when paired with the right jewellery,” says Pramila.
