SILKEN TALES OF BRIDES WHO DO IT DIFFERENTLY
Newage brides are ditching heavyset embroideries and details for luxe textile and intricate weaves
Sustainability, ethical sourcing, curbing wastage — every year, the fashion industry aims to create smarter and more aware buyers. And, since the consumer is king, the biggest responsibility resides with those who make the choice of picking a particular outfit. When it comes to the big fat Indian shaadi, this choice becomes all the more important. HOMEGROWN TOUCH Like the changing face of fashion, the bridal mind has also evolved. While layers of embroideries and heavyweight lehengas at North Indian weddings will never go out of fashion, shaadiwear is taking a fresh turn with traditional weaves and a focus on textile. Take, for example, product and interior designer Ananya Berry’s engagement outfit, designed by textile revivalist Neena Berry, incorporating Benarasi weave. “It’s like wearing a piece of art crafted by an artisan’s hand, especially for me,” Ananya
says. The brocade and woven silk lehenga — lightweight, and not season-specific — has become popular among brides and their entourages. Known for championing upcycling, designer Amit Aggarwal, says: “Textile has been our country’s shining glory and Benarasi and brocade lehengas are light and easy-to-wear, making for a great choice. We restore old Benarasi textiles and give them a new life with metallic detailing.” CURBING WASTAGE
“A lot of women don’t want to spend all their money on clothes. Something need not be ostentatiously priced to be comfortable, luxurious, dramatic,” says designer Payal Khandwala. The repeat value is vital. “You can wear such an outfit again to your friend’s wedding or other occasions— making it a sustainable choice. Brides want to infuse personality in what they wear rather than looking like a commercial for a brand,” she adds. Khandwala explains that a simple silk lehenga skirt has the ability to work across temperatures, diminishes need for a can-can (underskirt) and can be worn later as a separate.
While the bride is making newer choices, for designer Shyamal Shodhan of Shyamal & Bhumika, it is more about uniqueness. “While some want to be practical, others might be more sentimental. There is the traditionalist bride, and then there is the practical bride, who wants re-wearability in her outfit. There are different personalities that we come across and they are definitely evolving. But in most cases, brides go for uniqueness and identity over practicality.”