LETTER FROM THE EDITOR- IN- CHIEF
Passion drives many an obsession; none more provocative than the idea
of standing out. Even the great Indian wedding phenomenon seems to have expropriated the colossus of tradition as cultural reference. In fact, outstanding seems to have trumped even opulent in the new wedding vernacular. Somewhere between the gratification of excess and a sense of sustainability, the conservative and the progressive have learnt to coexist.
In an eponymous chase to trail the ephemeral, capture the eternal and predict the ever changing trends and styles, we explore the subtext of each detail by saluting the whimsy of wedding paraphernalia in all its glory.
Of course, jewellery is no casual observer when it comes to the vanity vernacular. Spice spans the conventional as well as contemporary stylisations to summon the signature looks offered by leading jewllery houses. If PC Chandra’s delicate designs in antique filigree hark back to heritage, Delhi- based Hazoorilal compliments the nostalgia with a touch of vintage by paying homage to chunky ancient tribal jewellery that spells classic contemporary. Inspired by the Mughal miniature school of art, Neerav Modi’s two- finger ring is a sparkling sonnet stylised in 18 carat white gold and diamonds.
Versatility remains the clear winner when it comes to defining unusual this season, whether it’s multi- layered jewellery from TBZ that can be detached to create multiple accessories or jewels from Annu Chadha where bracelets morph into tiaras.
The flood of choices is second to none since the tradition of shringar in India is inextricably linked to marital felicity. Spice rummages through the latest wedding collections of India’s top couturiers to gauge the subtle shifts in tastes, designs and styles.
With the mood reflecting deeper hues, with an insistence on sheer fabrics, the moment is more trendy than traditional; playful rather than pernickety. If pinks, reds, nudes, yellows with sheer shoulders, inspired by vintage monuments, are Rina Dhaka’s call to the contemporary bride, J J Valaya projects a medley of Spanish and Indian influences to contour bridal couture for the coming season. But, it’s not only fabric but fit, structure and stylisations punctuated with a futuristic appeal that define Raghavendra Rathore’s sartorial choices.
To savour the flavour of excellence, Spice invited industry experts to comment on the burgeoning trend of bespoke weddings. From co- ordinating colours, themes, to webcasting weddings to special dessert buffets, the fervid list of wedding essentials includes more than Berluti shoes and customised designer wear. While baubles from Gem Palace and Neerav Modi are de rigueur, so are exotic peonies, tulips and hydrangeas.
Another growing trend is wedding social responsibility: tying values with vows, socially conscious couples are discovering ways to incorporate charitable giving in their wedding celebrations. Green weddings are another popular concept with couples using recycled paper for invitations and banana leaves to serve food and clay pots to serve drinks to reduce the carbon foot print.
Exuberant in the optimism that accompanies a sated palate, Spice revels in the novelty of the nouveau.
( Aroon Purie)