Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2018 i Brides Today

Determined, consistent, and not ones to be shackled by patriarchy, our cover stars are breaking all the rules in their newest venture— Veere Di Wedding. Having worked with Kareena, Sonam, and Rhea a number of times, I’ve come to respect their irreverence for gender roles and their intolerance for male balderdash. And that’s why, they made for the perfect choice for this all-black cover—our way of supporting and cheering on the #MeToo campaign. This issue is also significant because Veere Di Wedding depends on its all-female cast to work and the film doesn’t stick to a mass-appeal, slapstick formula. Instead, it encourages conversations among women and the people around them. Sticking to the theme of strong women from different fields, we’ve also shot with names such as Nafisa Ali Sodhi,…

Q: What is the one ingredient the bridal beauty industry is currently obsessing over? Right now, everyone is in love with argan oil. Q: What are the steps to follow while washing one’s hair? Always shampoo twice—the first shampoo focusses on the scalp, the second on the scalp and hair lengths. Emulsify and massage the scalp while rinsing to make sure all the shampoo is rinsed out. Follow up with a conditioner or a masque on the hair and not the scalp. Q: What are the post-wash and pre-wash products you use and why? Before washing, I use a scrub or clay for deep cleansing of the scalp and hair. I also oil my hair pre-wash for moisture. Post wash, I use a leave-in conditioner or cream to (sun and…

Her disinterest in academics and keen knack for design led jewellery designer Pooja Nigam to discover gemology—the intricate study of gemstones. So strong was her passion that she ended up being a fellow at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A, London) and a graduate gemologist from Gemological Institute of America (GIA, India). Nigam then went on to build an exceptional jewellery brand that is POOJA NIGAM. So, which is that part of the design process that gets her most excited? “It is the last stage when the piece that you envisioned is almost ready. That is the most exciting part for me,” laughs Nigam. She strongly feels that people are slowly going back to the old-school style of design with brides opting for yellow gold and antique finish and…

Enigmatic, luxurious, and empowering are words that can be associated with the 22-year-old British shoe house. The brand’s inception can be traced back to a time when Malaysian-born designer Jimmy Choo made his way to England to open a quaint made-to-order boutique. He found an ardent loyalist in Princess Diana as she was often seen wearing his designs. Today, the luxury-footwear brand Jimmy Choo has grown from a modest London startup to a global brand that sold for 1.2 billion dollars to Michael Kors. BRIDES TODAY speaks to Sandra Choi, the current creative director, about humble beginnings, vibrant successes, and the future of the shoe giant. Little do people know that Choi has been designing the company’s ready-to-wear shoes since the beginning, working first for her uncle, Jimmy Choo himself,…

“During summers, over production of natural scalp oil is rampant. So, choosing a mild shampoo and conditioning the ends is key.”–Dr. Jamuna Pai, SkinLab…

1 SUMMER CHIC Expert Speaks Beach wedding outfits need to illustrate modern resort elegance amalgamated with the culturally-rooted Indian design aesthetic. With functionality and ease of travel as the key foci, the selection needs to emphasise on colours that are easy on the eyes. The styles need to be multi-purpose, inclusive of Italian jerseys for the groom, swimwear and tailored saris for the bride with sharp silhouettes that glide along the body contours and reveal décolletage. Narresh Kukreja, creative director, Shivan & Narresh Stick to fun and summery colours, lightweight fabrics, and non-fussy clothing to make sure your wedding is about enjoying yourself, not tripping over your heavy lehenga. Expert Speaks It is imperative that the sartorial selection for the celebrations is breezy and beautiful. Modern brides and grooms often…

An important step in the process of self-affirmation for many who undergo hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is to adapt their physical appearance to align with their gender identity. After decades of battling clinical depression, Radha Wadhwa, general manager at LaSkin Clinic, completed her gender transition, something she had been dreaming of since the age of 12. Born biologically a boy, Wadhwa tells us that she felt trapped in the wrong body right from the start, recalling how she secretly tried to cross-dress after coming home from school. Bullied and mocked during her childhood, her experience of growing up wasn’t quite that pleasant. “Growing up, at the age of six, I was extremely feminine. I struggled with my sexuality and that would give me pangs of anxiety,” she tells us, opening…

Q: What is the ideal location for your dream wedding? I would love to take my near and dear ones to a château in Tuscany! The beautiful picturesque gardens in full bloom would be ideal for a summer wedding and the rich architecture would certainly evoke that romantic picture-perfect feel. Q: What kind of décor would you like? I would follow a pastel and white palette that would look beautiful against the lush and green Tuscan countryside, using white as the base and periwinkle blue and onion pink to add some colour. Q: What kind of clothes, accessories, and jewellery should the bride and groom don? For me, it’s all about pastels, like champagne-coloured hand embroidery on raw silk. But the most important thing is comfort. If you don’t enjoy…

1 BOULEVARD OF DREAMS Whether textured, glossy, matte, or in a smooth finish, this season’s elemental metal of choice, gold, finds spirited new beginnings in almost every form of fashion or beauty you can think of. Relish its comeback with our picks of the finest offerings on shelves this season. 2 SUMMER PROPS Keep your skin moisturised with Koko Glam’s Royal Honey Propolis Essence, which promotes a radiant complexion. Another great multipurpose product is the Pure Plant Argan Oil from Ras Luxury Oils, which works on your skin, hair, and nails. Step out with Salvatore Ferragamo’s Signorina In Fiore, a fruity-floral fragrance with top notes of nashi pear sorbet and pomegranate. Fight sun damage with Avène’s high-protection cream. 3 UNWIND AND REJUVENATE Pampering its patrons in New Delhi, CHI, The…

Retaining the essence of his namesake label, designer Abhinav Mishra has brought creative and commercial buoyancy to the fashion arena—a tough task as traditional notions of “lady dressing” still continue to enjoy prominence in fashion and life. With his SS’18 collection, he seems to be on a solid course for the future. Articulating the language of his creative intuitiveness, Mishra gives us an insider’s view into his fashion brand and tells us how painstaking craftsmanship adds a personal and delicate touch to every bridal creation. Q. Take us through the history of your label. Having always been interested in design and art as a child, I studied fashion at the Wigan and Leigh College in Lucknow. From there on, in 2009, I started my own label ‘Abhinav Mishra’, which is…

Ray of Light While lying in the sun to get that perfect tan can be damaging to your skin, bronzers can provide the same effect with the least effort. Use a powder brush to apply the product evenly on your skin. A cream bronzer is preferable for summer since your skin is drier. Scrub Away A gentle sugar-based exfoliant works well for the tender skin on your lips. Without applying too much pressure, scrub your lips twice a week. The grains of sugar in the scrub help buff away dead cells to reveal a softer, healthier pout. Water Bubble The scorching heat can leave you parched, thus resulting in dry, patchy, and dull skin. Make sure your body is getting enough water during summer so that your skin stays hydrated…

Descending from a line of renowned perfumers and fashion legends, Romano Ricci’s first olfactory memory is that of a masculine scent his grandfather, Robert Ricci, developed. And so, it is almost uncanny that the founder and nose of the brand Juliette Has A Gun develops notes for women, highlighting different facets of the gender. A recent entrant in the Indian market with Maison des Parfums in Delhi, the brand caters to the many moods of women. “It is certainly not my role to assign a gender to one composition or another but my personal goal is to talk to and celebrate women, making them feel strong and proud of their femininity,” says Ricci, delving into the brand’s beginnings. “The story behind the name Juliette has a Gun is simple and…

TELL US HOW SHAADILOGY CAME TO BE. In 2016, when we were helping friends and cousins plan and shop for their ceremonies, we found ourselves in the middle of all the stress that wedding shopping and planning brings with it. Shaadilogy aims to address and alleviate some of these concerns. We can make all kinds of wedding shopping easier, whether it’s trousseau shopping for the bride, occasion, or theme-based fashion for guests, gifting or simply helping people make appointments with designers. HOW EXACTLY DOES SHAADILOGY WORK? Shaadilogy.com is a curated marketplace for everything wedding. Our online store offers the best in wedding fashion from designers, and we also offer bespoke services and customisations on request, to ensure that shoppers are able to get the perfect fit. Shaadilogy features an extensive…

An art form passed down from fathers to sons for generations, Pichvai art was seeing a decline. With barely any patronage, the artists skilled in the art of Pichvai turned to other means of supporting themselves. Born and raised in Udaipur, art curator and revivalist Pooja Singhal felt the loss deeply. “Pichvais were wall hangings used behind the Shrinathji idol in the temple in Nathdwara. Over the years, they became a popular art form. Friends and families who visited Udaipur would ask for a good Pichvai. The artists would come home and choosing a good piece was a group decision,” says Singhal. A colourful and intricate art form, Pichvai features in the collections of some of the biggest museums of the world, like the Museum Of Modern Art. But Singhal…

A A by Amara at www.Amara.com A. Lange & Söhne at Johnson Watch Co. Delhi (41517518) Aakar Intimates Noida (89610 66841) Abhinav Mishra Delhi (49055249) Abraham and Thakore Delhi (41552540) Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Delhi (46040757) A.W.A.K.E at www.A-W-A-K-E.com Acne Studios at www.AcneStudios.com Acqua di Parma at www.MrPorter.com Adam Selman by Le Specs at www.LeSpecs.com Adarsh Gill Delhi (24656530) Address Home Delhi (41719292) Adriana Degreas at www.AdrianaDegreas.com Aesop at www.Aesop.com Afloral at www.AFloral.com Aigner at Shopper’s Stop Mumbai (42492500) Aikeyah Delhi (7291825361) Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Gorakhpur (18001201299) Alaïa at www.Alaia.fr Alberta Ferretti at www.AlbertaFerretti.com Alberto Torresi at www.AlbertoTorresi.com Alessandra Rich at www.AlessandraRich.com Alexandre Birman at www.AlexandreBirman.com Alexander McQueen at www.AlexanderMcQueen.com Alexandre Vauthier at www.AlexandreVauthier.com Alexis at www.Shop-Alexis.com alice+olivia by Stacey Bendet at www.AliceandOlivia.com AMARIS – Jewels by Prerna Rajpal…

Q: What is the ideal location for your dream wedding? Somewhere by the sand and water for sure. So, probably the Maldives. A wedding set up on the beach, with low-key, summer vibes, where everyone can just chill, drink, and lay on the sand. Q: What will the décor be like? Very minimal; I want wild flowers and fairy lights. A wedding by the beach means that half the décor is already done! I want big pillows on the sand, vintage tables, lots of lanterns and candles. Q: What kind of food would you like at your wedding? Mini-burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, basically junk food because I like to keep it real. Q: What would you like to wear? I want something simple, elegant, and fuss-free. I want to look…

Fawaz Gruosi, the genius founder and creative director behind the brand de GRISOGONO, likes to acknowledge the huge role of luck along with passion and dedication behind the meteoric birth and rise of the brand in the last 25 years. A journey that began with cleaning counters at a jewellery store in Florence led him to climb his way up to being the top salesperson in the store, to working for the most renowned jewellery brands around the world. “The desire to unleash my creative ideas and design my own jewels became stronger and stronger, until I was finally able to establish de GRISOGONO in 1993 with two partners, and subsequently take sole control of the company two years later,” says Gruosi. His vision and the ability to take risks…

Luxury, today, is an experience—its true meaning is derived from the contextual environment, where a simulation of real-time sensory pleasures gives consumers an authentic taste. Gone are the days when a superlative price tag or a not-so-familiar name would seal its place in the luxury market. Owing to a burgeoning section of social media enthusiasts and an influx of global retail chains in India, an intimate experience of brands is what consumers demand today, in the midst of all the brouhaha. It is in this context of a concept-driven retail environment that the entry of Luxe Bridge, a multi-brand fashion outlet from Genesis Luxury, should make us welcome it with giddy excitement. For it is not just another extravagant store for premium accessories, but a well-curated space offering a host…

“I prefer floral perfumes over fruity ones. I really like spicy, woody notes in my scents since they last longer.”–Rimzim Dadu, Designer “I really like floral perfumes with a hint of citrus in it. My favourite scents are usually citrusy and light.”–Shweta Kapur, Designer…

“It is your wedding. Please make sure that you have a say in what you want. And if you have to, become bridezilla! ” His warm voice and amiable personality belie his stature in the hospitality industry and his self-deprecating sense of humour make you feel right at home—Keshav Suri is a man of many words and he keeps you strung to each one of them. Between wanting to raid his closet and trying all the grooming products he owns, we managed to squeeze in a Q&A session. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE LIKE? It is quite unexciting actually. I wake up, check my emails, go through my phone, and then head to work. At work, I have the convenience of having a salon that I own,…

We met when I spotted Sid on a plane flying to India. I thought he was kind of hot, so I took a cheeky photo of him and then asked some of my friends if they knew him. Fortunately, I was in luck and it turned out that one of my friends was a high-school buddy of his,” recalls Claire O’Neil. She made the introductions, love blossomed, and the rest, as they say, is history. For the bride, a former hotel-industry professional and the groom Siddharth Parekh, a venture capitalist, the cross-cultural wedding was one that depicted the almost-magical journey as a couple. They zeroed in on Jodhpur as the perfect destination. “We chose Jodhpur for its colourful, magical vibe, amazing locations, and a rich history,” Claire elucidates. There was…

“A bride should not have too many expectations on the big day. Go in with a clean slate and then everything feels like a bonus. I feel that for a marriage to work, friendship and respect are extremely important.”noyonika chatterjee, GROOMING CONSULTANT “Nothing makes a bride more beautiful on her wedding day than the values she has been brought up with. A relationship depends on the space you give your partner and a great amount of trust. So, communicate with each other and strengthen the foundation on which your marriage stands.”nan ia ah ani ENTREPRENEUR AND FASHION DESIGNER, NANDITA MAHTANI “My parents always taught me that the key to a good marriage is to remember that it is a two-way street—if you give love, you will get love. This piece…

As a beautiful tribute, the ‘Sino-Song’ collection derives its inspiration from the Song Dynasty of China. Celebrating the contemporary Oriental spirit without moving away from singing praises of the gentle and flourishing dynasty, this piece is the perfect testimony to the union of a lifetime. Bold and free, graceful and exquisite, this necklace conveys the artistic and poetic sentiments that were so prevalent during this effervescent era.…