Innholdsfortegnelse for January - March 2024 i Brides Today

This year, Indian weddings are going to witness a fresh approach. With our prime minister’s recent push to promote Indian destinations for weddings, the focus is gradually shifting from international locales to celebrating love back home. This is where the beautiful shores of Kerala, Andaman and Goa, the valleys of Kashmir and Uttarakhand, and, of course, the palaces of Rajasthan come in, each armed and ready to make the most of the heavy spends coming their way. Another marked shift we’ve recently seen is the transition from big, fat Indian weddings to more intimate, sustainable ones. And this isn’t just an after-effect of the pandemic. Today, with the more eco-conscious brides and grooms making most of the decisions around their nuptials instead of the elderly in their families, the extravagance…

Brides Today: How has the wedding industry changed in the past five to 10 years? Vani Vats: In a big way, I must say. I feel with the evolving times, where women take a stand and speak for themselves, changes are visible in all fields, including fashion. Brides are now experimental and love to make a statement with their outfits. For example, silhouettes have changed—blouses especially have become sexier—and the colours they choose for their special day, too. Pastels, which were never used in Indian weddings, are now every bride’s favourite. BT: What’s the biggest difference you see between the brides of today from the time you started out in 2016? VV: Everything is much subtler today than earlier in terms of their look. I’ve seen a change in how…

Possibly the biggest jewellery destination in the world and as design-driven as Paris, Jaipur’s tryst with jewels dates back to 1727, when the Pink City was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and its people moved from Amer Fort and its adjoining villages to the spanking new town. With a palace at its heart, the king, a connoisseur of all things fine, built the first ever Johari Bazaar, or jewellers’ market, that soon had artisans from all over North India, right up to Afghanistan, making it their home. Johari Bazaar marked the start of the gem and jewellery industry in Jaipur and also the arrival of numerous legendary jewellery houses that are known for their masterpieces even today. No bride who wants to add a rare heirloom to her…

A humble passion for fashion is where things may have started with Falguni and Shane Peacock, but in our intensely connected global village, this label went on fire across the world—unapologetically—from day one. As Falguni and Shane say, “Back in 2004-05, when we had just established our brand, we decided to debut our collection at India Fashion Week. It was eventually bought out by Harrods first and then Villa Moda, followed by many other retailers abroad.” “It was our intuition that got us to take our first steps in the world of fashion towards the West. After we saw how successful our association with Harrods was, we decided to show at international fashion weeks because we felt we were ready to make a mark on the global stage. So then…

This top couturier was the first to get corporate funding, move her workshop and workforce into a Navi Mumbai building, open two flagship stores in New York and Dubai, use only vegan leather, and empower kaarigars countrywide, including female artisans of SEWA (an NGO started in Gujarat) whose handmade textiles and crafts she uses in her ready-to-wear and couture pieces. Today, Anita Dongre continues to support Indian craft through her dreamy yet extremely wearable collections. Case in point: at her latest couture showcase at Jaipur’s magnificent City Palace, each one of her outfits was lauded for its modernity, intricacy and nod to the city that framed her aesthetic since childhood. A go-getter ever since those idyllic holidays in Jaipur as a child—home to both her maternal and paternal grandparents, where…

BERGDORF WELCOMES SABYASACHI—AGAIN Once again, Sabyasachi is back at Bergdorf Goodman with an exquisite range of Heritage High Jewellery. Available February 9 onwards at the iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York, the collection marries “the classic with the outrageous,” featuring sombre evening pieces as well as head-turning statement jewellery, adorned with the couturier’s signature tigers, elephants, palms, berries and botanicals, crafted in spectacular gemstones. ON SCOTTISH TIME With its newest launch, the Superocean Heritage ’57 Highlands, Breitling takes you traipsing through the Scottish Highlands. Designed with a tweed-inspired fabric strap—a decadent blend of silk and wool—and featuring the land-and-sea-influenced hues of green, blue, beige and mustard, the limited-edition timepiece sports a 38mm diameter dial, mid-century triangular indices marking the hours and a luminescent dot on the bidirectional rotating bezel—a…

GREEN SPRING Indulge in the goodness of ethereal emeralds. REGAL RAINBOW Make a statement in the gemstones of the season. OUT OF THE BLUE Let these regal regalia drive away the mundane blues.…

STATEMENT SLEEVES Ornate sleeves are here to steal the spotlight. From lehengas with billowing bishop sleeves to saris with dramatic cold-shoulder capes and gowns with feathered cuffs, statement sleeves are the epitome of bridal opulence, brought to life with intricate details and luxurious fabrics. COORDINATED CHIC Bidding adieu to the days of head-to-toe lehenga dominance, modern brides are embracing the versatility of separates. Think shararas teamed with chic peplums, flowy skirts paired with statement crop tops, and even playful dhoti pants teamed with embellished jackets. These allow for personalisation and a blend of textures, colours and silhouettes to create a one-of-a-kind look. PASTEL PLAY From calming sky blues and mint greens to delicate lavenders and powdery pinks, the surge of pastels continues. Tarun Tahiliani showcased their playful potential, layering his…

Brides Today: In the past five years or so, how would you say brides have changed? Isha Jajodia: Today, brides are leaning towards a more modern approach, prioritising comfort over traditional style. It’s quite different from what their mothers and grandmothers might have expected. Instead of the traditional bridal attire, many are choosing contemporary looks, opting for saris or even tuxedos paired with a veil and a playful hairstyle. This ‘less is more’ trend reflects a desire for simplicity and individuality on their special day. BT: “Rose Room Couture looks to break away from tradition.” Would you agree with this perception? IJ: We aren’t necessarily breaking away from tradition. In fact, we’re incorporating it on a modern canvas. We’re simply bringing focus to the woman of today who amalgamates tradition…

‘POLKI TRUMPS KUNDAN’ Even though the two look similar, they are quite different in their finish. “Polki or polki diamond, as we also call it, is uncut and unfaceted, whereas kundan is cut and polished glass. When it comes to fine jewellery, polki trumps kundan, boasting finer finesse, better quality and colours, when compared to the latter,” explains Dhruv Talwar, partner at Talwarsons Jewellers. ‘A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT FOR BRIDES’ “Since polki is a traditional jewellery piece, it’s been the most preferred choice for weddings for decades. Brides enjoy wearing the craft, and they like recreating the old-world charm,” says Tarang Arora, creative director, Amrapali Jewels. “Polki ornaments are heirloom pieces that parents and grandparents pass down to the younger generations, which make them significant investments even for modern brides.” ‘THE…

OMBRÉ OBSESSION Take the dual-tone make-up to a whole new level, adding a modern transition to this retro look. It’s all about creating that seamless gradient effect on your lips for a bold statement. Think deep berry fading into a soft pink or a bold red transitioning into a sultry nude, both of which would make for an alluring pout. PEACH PERFECT For a soft yet radiant glow, a pop of peach is all you need. Don’t shy away from exploring the various hues to create a stunning bridal look. CHROME CRAZY Your nails will thank you for this striking, mirror-like finish. Trust us, and go for stunning shades of silver, gold, and rose gold. INDIGO ILLUSION Be it with bold lashes or a thick, cat-eye liner, these hues are…

HOW WE MET “Our story kicked off seven years ago in the heart of Paris—thanks to faith, a mutual friend and a wild night at Espit Chupitos. I might have gone a bit overboard with the shots, leaving her wondering who this crazy guy was! Our next run-in was in Dubai, where I found myself completely mesmerised by her, especially as she danced the night away while I was playfully carrying her bag. Funny how chance encounters pave the way for something magical.” THE NEXT STEP “Since then, we’ve maintained a strong bond, staying close throughout the years. Fast forward to 2021, when our connection deepened in Dubai. Just a few months later, our friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. I surprised her with a proposal surrounded by the breathtaking…