Summer Brides
Designers like Tarun Tahiliani have said enough about brides shedding the kilos - with reference to their heavily embellished clothes, of course. The 20 kilo ensemble is not as attractive as it used to be, and when it’s an Indian summer, you want to infuse the layering trend with some practicality. Fashion weeks like the recently concluded jamborees in Mumbai and Delhi have also showcased substitutes for cholis and jewellery. Handloom, fluidity and dance-friendly clothes are in, as are simpler silhouettes like the dhoti sari. Taking a cue from Mumbai’s multi-designer store, we highlight the transition to lightweight.
Accessory check
Wedding shopping revolves around jewellery. According to Arunima Bhaumik, head of design, Ganjam, “Brides tend to opt for lighter, delicate pieces for summer weddings.” Bhaumik admits that diamonds are always popular, but that unusual stones like “amethyst, mint tourmaline and green garnet are doing well, too.” Tarang Arora, CEO and creative director of Amrapali Jewellers, shares that “floral designs with rubies and emeralds are a summer pick.”
Not everyone may pay attention to accessories like shoes and clutches, but celebrity stylist Ami Patel says you must “opt for iridescent metallic clutches, as you can use them for a long time.” For shoes, she suggests simple metallic heeled sandals with ankle straps in dull gold or silver. Also, according to designer couple Falguni and Shane Peacock, known for their modern and bold designs for brides, “Wearing a jacket over a lehenga is a great option.”
Fabric chart
Couturier Tahiliani points out that brides are moving away from heavy fabrics that restrict movement and are opting for “georgette, sheer silks and organza when compared to heavier silks and brocades.” At his opening show at Wills India Fashion Week in Delhi, actor Shilpa Shetty wore a layered Kanjeevaram sari that works in summer even if it forecasted an autumn look. The Delhi-based ‘king of drape’ admits that though many brides still prefer the traditional lehenga and sari, the lehenga sari is gaining popularity. Transparent or sheer fabrics are a hit this season. Tina Malhotra of Evoluzione says embellishments like dull silver and gold, and aari threadwork on light fabrics like chiffons, georgettes and nets work for these weddings.
Happy pastels
Tahiliani says, “Pastels like pink, peach and orange would look great for a morning wedding and shades of burgundy and burnt orange look good in the evening.” An experimental bride would opt for colours like “royal blue, emeralds or turquoise,” Falguni & Shane Peacock suggest.
Floral accents
According to Anushka Khanna from Mumbai, the boho bride will never go out of style. Tina Tahiliani Parikh, of Ensemble says, “Designs with Persian and Mughal influences are big, so look for the ‘jharokha’ lehenga and floral embroidery.” If you are a bride opting for a sari on your D-day, who better than glamour expert Suneet Varma to tell you what to do? “Saris in earthy shades with large motifs in zardozi with lace, crystal and bead detailing look great for the wedding day itself,” Varma says.
Alternative route
Those who want a detour from tradition, can go try the “half and half sari, which is a two piece sari,” says Suneet Varma. For ceremonies like mehendi and the cocktail, dhoti saris are getting as popular as sari gowns.
Hair & make up
Make-up artist Akriti Sachdev, says, “Airbrush make up is big. The base is sprayed on to your face, using a pump that ensures it is evenly spread out.” Corals, oranges and peach lips are in, she adds. As are false eye lashes and Arabic make-up. For hair, Sachdev suggests the fish braid and a messy side bun.