Loud, flashy look is no longer chic
The current trend at weddings now, among the most happening people world over, is understated elegance. Neither the bride nor the groom, or even the guests, opt for anything garish. Nobody is in competition with who owns more diamonds, or who’s richer
“WHEN THE OCCASION IS
SMALL, IT’S STRANGE TO GO OVER
THE TOP. WITH JEWELLERY TOO I BELIEVE IT’S NICE TO WEAR ONE
OR TWO PIECES, NOT DOUSE YOURSELF IN IT. YOU SHOULD WEAR THE
CLOTHES AND JEWELLERY NOT THE OTHER
WAY ROUND.”
— PERNIA QURESHI,
Subtle, understated society weddings are super cool. Being OTT (over the top) is out and this mood is reflecting in current bridal fashion. Two weeks ago, Alexandre Arnault, son of the world’s third richest man and chairman of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, married his accessories designer girlfriend Geraldine Guyot in a low-key ceremony, and the bride opted for a simple cream coloured long dress by British designer Jonathan W. Anderson. She teamed it with comfortable shoes!
Actor Yami Gautam and filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s wedding made headlines for its simplicity. The actor has been quoted as saying she hates all the wastage that normally happens at weddings. She wanted an intimate affair which focused on the ceremony and celebrating with loved ones. Her traditional pahadi bride style was in sync with the mood.
Princess Diana’s niece Kitty Spencer, 30, married her multi-millionaire fiancé Michael Lewis in a lavish ceremony in Rome, dressed in a custom-made Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress. But it wasn’t the breath-taking locale, gorgeous clothes or celebs in attendance that made news. Instead, people were gossiping about how her father, Earl Spencer, was a no show, whether the 30-year age difference between the bride and groom would work, and her rapport with Michael’s adult children.
In contrast to Kitty’s wedding, a few weeks ago designer and stylist Pernia Qureshi’s younger sister Sylvia celebrated her wedding registration with her long-term beau Ranadeep Basu in an elegant and intimate ceremony. Neither the bride nor the groom,
or even the guests, opted for anything remotely loud or flashy. Decor was restrained, guests weren’t in competition with each other over who owns more diamonds, and the only thing shining was the bride’s radiance.
This is not an easy task to achieve in the land of big fat weddings. “It was Sylvia’s wedding registration and we wanted to celebrate. When the occasion is small, it’s strange to go over the top,” says Pernia. “The clothes and style reflected the intimacy of the event. Also, it’s summer! Kept it light in pastels and white. Even make-up was fresh and light,” she adds. Brides in India are guilty of bling, looking like
Christmas trees, but Pernia advises, “With jewellery too I believe it’s nice to wear one or two pieces, not douse yourself in it. You should wear the clothes and jewellery not the other way round.”
For brides who want to look timeless and chic, Pernia says, “You can’t change your personality as a bride. My sister’s look is feminine, simple and pretty, and that was reflected. Another key thing is comfort. You must be comfortable in what you are wearing. No point looking good but not being able to enjoy yourself.” What about guests? What does one choose from when you are invited to a wedding in COVID times?
Designer Ridhi Mehra guides us in the right direction. “People are opting for classic, wearable and versatile styles. Saris are hugely popular as they are dressy and subtle. Light lehengas are being favoured, anarkalis have picked up and shararas are in great demand. Jackets too are wanted as they can be styled in multiple ways.” What about colours?
That’s a mixed bag. “Fuchsia does very well, many like bright colours. But you have people who like muted and subtle colours too. Prints again are a hit as they look formal, are easy to wear and carry around (eg. to destination weddings). Another advantage is they can
be re-worn with ease for smaller functions at home or a pooja,” says Ridhi.