Indholdsfortegnelse for October - December 2023 i Brides Today

Few were surprised when the wedding industry—across fashion, planning, catering, jewellery and more—emerged as one of the most robust revenue generators of the country, in a recent study on the Indian economy. As the world opened up post covid and intimate ceremonies gradually trudged back to being grand gatherings of family and friends, the sector announced its return with renewed vigour. In this special year-ender issue that marks the onset of the wedding season, we capture the essence of the new-age bride who embraces her individuality while staying rooted in tradition. Her trousseau speaks of her personality, emphasising both panache and comfort. Leading the lot is our cover star Tara Sutaria, a popular face in India’s fashion circuit and every designer’s dream muse. Looking pretty and poised, she opens up…

Brides Today: What led you to curating slow luxury jewellery pieces? Arundhati De Sheth: My approach is to slow down mindless consumption and encourage people to adopt a more thoughtful approach to their fine-jewellery purchases, by thinking about how each piece will work down the line in their lifetime and even for the next generation of the family. Today, each one of us struggles with keeping consumption patterns in check. We get marketing messages all the time, there’s so much to choose from, and by default, we shop all the time. I’m very conscious of this, so I want to try to encourage my clients and followers to choose jewels that have a sense of longevity to them. BT: How old were you when you realised you have an eye…

MAKE IT PERSONAL There’s no better way for brides to make their big day even more memorable than adding special, personalised elements to their looks. Deepika Padukone’s veil had ‘Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava’ embroidered in golden zari on her dupatta over her Sabyasachi lehenga. Alia Bhatt’s drape over her ivory saree had their wedding date—14 April, 2022—embroidered in white. When Patralekhaa tied the knot with Rajkummar Rao, she went a step further with a Bengali message on her red dupatta woven in gold: ‘Amar poran bhora bhalobasha aami tomaye somorpan korilam. (I’m offering you my love-filled heart).’ And Mouni Roy’s embroidered veil read ‘Aayushmati Bhava’. “Deepika Padukone’s veil had ‘Sada Saubhagyavati Bhava’ embroidered in golden zari on her dupatta over her Sabyasachi lehenga” “Designer Arpita Mehta embroidered her wedding date on…

How They Met Parineeti and Raghav have known each other for nearly a decade, having met in London when both were pursuing higher studies. However, their romance bloomed only last year, when Raghav visited her in Punjab, albeit as a friend, on the set of Imtiaz Ali directorial Amar Singh Chamkila. Since then, the two kept their relationship private, beginning to make public appearances together only weeks before their engagement. “How we met was magical and very organic. It’s something I thank god for every day, for bringing Parineeti to my life,” Raghav said during an interview. “She’s a huge blessing, and I’m extremely happy to have her as my partner.” The Next Step After a year of dating, the couple decided to make it official. They got engaged in…

Dubai-based fashion journalist and author Sujata Assomull vividly remembers attending Gaurav Gupta’s debut show in 2006 at the then Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. It was a moment filled with excitement as there was a lot of buzz around the Central Saint Martins alumnus, who had returned to India with a fresh approach to design. “During our interview at that time, he mentioned that he didn’t intend to enter the Indian wear market. But like many designers, he soon realised the significance of embracing this audience,” says Assomull, who also highlights that Indian fashion is rich in heritage and tradition, and it’s challenging to be a contemporary designer—especially in the bridalwear space—without drawing inspiration from our own culture. “What sets him apart is the way he incorporated these elements in…

There’s an undeniable charm to the classic sari. While admired for generations in India, the grand drape has cut across cultural boundaries to attract admirers from the West, who are now seen donning these nine yards at prestigious events (remember Yuko Kishida, the Japanese prime minister’s wife, wearing a green sari for the G20 Summit?). Whether it be the illustrious Banarasi, Chanderi or Jamdani, saris are sure to deliver elegance. But today, these time-honoured pieces are being infused with a contemporary flair through innovations like pre-drapes and designs like the sari gown, offering new-age interpretations of a classic. Palak Shah, CEO of Ekaya Banaras; Khushi Shah, creative director of Shanti Banaras; Aditi Chand, co-founder and CEO of Tilfi Banaras; and KH Radharaman, founder, CEO and principal designer at The House…

QUEENIE SINGH GEMSTONES JOIN FORCES All brides need a few chic jewellery pieces to carry them through the many post-wedding festivities. The wedding bling trend that caught the attention of all brides in 2023 was combining different coloured stones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and opals, says Queenie Singh. “Gemstones and diamonds bring together magic. It’s also great for those who want to wear statement pieces for non-bridal events in the future, making it a win-win in both situations.” NEETY SINGH THE NINE-STONE NON-PAREIL Which bride can resist wearing a wide array of gemstones? Jeweller Neety Singh says the top choice among her brides is the Navratna, jewellery with nine multicoloured gemstones, each exuding a vibrant energy that makes for the perfect mehendi or sangeet accessory. Featuring rich shades…

Make It MATTE Elnaaz brings to life the dreamy cloud skin make-up look, a variation of the no-makeup-look. Her exquisite bridal ensemble from Cherie D Romances, accessories from Gehna Jewellers (an 18-carat gold pendant choker studded with diamonds and rubies), and Shobha Shringar Jewellers (a polki ring, pearl bracelet and haath phool). Ravishing RED A red lip is as timeless as it can get, a trend one can never tire of. On Elnaaz, it’s the perfect contrast to her all-white, crystal-embellished lehenga from Cherie D. She elevates the ensemble with diamond necklaces embedded with Russian emeralds from Mahesh Notandass Fine Jewellery. Magenta MAGIC The Pantone Color of The Year, Viva Magenta is well on its way to take over the beauty world. Rocking a dramatic magenta liner, Elnaaz stands pretty in a corseted…

Glamour Unleashed The unrivalled haven for retail, DLF Mall of India in Noida held the biggest wedding festival of the season, ‘The Wedding Tales’ at their atrium. The crème-de-la-crème of society were in attendance to conclude the gala night as showstopper and actor Sobhita Dhulipala took to the ramp. The extravaganza, in association with Brides Today, showcased the largest wedding collections from renowned Indian and international brands known for their opulent craftsmanship. The runway came alive with vibrant fusion of tradition and contemporary designs, capturing the true essence of Indian weddings. Brands such as Shantnu & Nikhil, Ritu Kumar, Frontier Raas, Tanishq, Steve Madden and Roberto Cavalli, among others, left the audience spellbound. The exclusive styling masterclasses dedicated to grooms and brides, and make-up masterclasses by brands like MAC and…

Given the sheer number of recorded moments of the occasion, every bride and groom wants to look their best for their big day. So a pre-wedding beauty, fitness or diet regime is all part of the game. There are bridal packages galore to pick from. Though here arises the question: what about wellness packages? Dr. Alaokika Motwane, a psychotherapist who works between Mumbai and Goa, truly wishes such deals went beyond aesthetics and looked at mental wellbeing as well. “I wish people would start offering premarital counselling packages to remind the couple that the ceremony is a small part of their life, and what they really need to learn is ways to prepare themselves for the journey,” she says. “Things like adjustment issues and support come up even when wedding…

ROYAL ELEGANCE Contemporary brides can look out for couture brand Eeksha’s latest bridal collection, ‘Regia,’ where cutting-edge glitz meets time-honoured heritage. Each look aims to make the wearer evolve into a modern, ethereal queen. The outfits exude confidence and elegance, flawlessly marrying Indian traditional textiles and workmanship. Available at the Eeksha’s flagship store and Ensemble at DLF Emporio, Delhi KOLKATA COUTURE If you’re seeking a one-stop heritage haven for all your bridal and occasion wear, Vishwa by Pinki Sinha is your answer. Known for exquisite hand-woven Banarsi creations, they recently unveiled their flagship store in Kolkata. On the racks are opulent Banarasi saris, alongside a rich collection of Kanjeevarams, Patolas and Bandhanis. At the store, you’ll find a juxtaposition of vibrant fabrics against a subtle gold backdrop, complemented by Kashmiri…

BRIDE’S DAY OUT AT RAH Located in the fashion district of Mehrauli, couturier duo Rimple and Harpreet’s atelier could easily pass for a time capsule. It’s a Monday morning, and yet, the store’s been buzzing with activity for hours, chock-a-block with appointments booked in advance. The designers’ popularity shot through the roof since their Bollywood stint, with movies like Padmaavat (2018) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) under their belt. The minute one enters the glass-fronted double doors, they are transported to a regal, opulent era, albeit with a bohemian touch, much like their designs. Spread over 3,500 sqft, the atelier has two sections—one for women and the other for men. Interspersed with plush couches, comfy ottomans and overstuffed armchairs, the space is a veritable invitation for patrons to come, stay…

A NEW WAVE Gen Z brides are breaking convention by opting for more left-of-centre silhouettes for their sangeets and cocktail parties. Boxy jackets and tees married with voluminous skirts, for instance. This was evident in Rara Avis by Sonal Verma’s collection, where gold and black took centre stage, textures were in abundance and intricate embroidered details shone. Falguni Shane Peacock’s fusion of street style and demi-couture—their designs characterised by bold logos and oversized, unconventional shapes—aligned perfectly with the message that many young brides aim to convey: a sense of freedom, positivity and unbridled joy. Pankaj & Nidhi’s design aesthetic centered around a filtered monochromatic theme, primarily comprising black and ivory, with subtle highlights of muted gold. The range boasted intricate inlaid appliqués, lattice-work, trapunto quilting, pixelated florals and pearlesque cord-work,…

AUTUMNAL ALLURE To add a sparkle to your brown eyes, embrace the season’s warm cinnamon browns, rustic tones and deep terracottas, as an ode to the passing crisp fall air. CROWNING GLORY From ornate headpieces embellished with colourful gemstones, to floral arrangements and sleek metallic accents, bridal head gear are the new go-to-accessories. NICE & NUDE From sultry caramel hues to delicate blush tones, nudes are the ultimate beauty essential for brides that love to balance the bold. Discover the spectrum with Brides Today. BRAIDED WONDERS Tame the mane and make a statement with a flair of twists, knots and waves. They’ll do all the textured talking you need. NAILING IT Deep maroon tips redefine the winter bride, though pastels and glazed doughnuts are classic. Why not experiment with some…

Brides Today: Take us through how you envision bringing a couple’s story to life through your photos and videos. What does “stories” entail to you? Joseph Radhik: My first goal is to get to know a couple beyond the transaction. What brought them together, what brought this wedding dream to life, what they look forward to and a myriad of other things. This is done through an in-person meeting or a call but is usually a long session. The end goal is to get to know each other, so they can happily ignore my presence during their big day. That grants me the privilege of documenting them through the lens of a friend rather than as a service provider. All my best photos are taken up close and personal, when…

THE LEELA, KOVALAM Perched on a clifftop amid 67 acres of lush greenery, this luxury resort was made to give you your dream wedding. Picture azure waters, 16,000 sqft of an uninterrupted beachfront stretch and pathways dotted with coconut trees with the sun setting in the backdrop—all complemented by the warm hospitality of The Leela. KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT, KUMARAKOM Exchange your vows by the water, surrounded by scenic views, or on a boat with the sun going down in the backdrop—planning your special day on the banks of the serene Vembanad Lake will leave guests with a story to tell for many years to come. The resort is just the right mix of quiet, elegant and luxurious, with a side of rustic, with venues suitable for both intimate weddings and…