Indholdsfortegnelse for June - September 2024 i Brides Today

The big, fat wedding season has arrived in all its glory, with the band, baaja, baarat of the various celebrations and couture weeks taking over our calendars for the next few months. And it doesn’t get bigger than the Indian wedding industry—it’s estimated to be worth over US$130 billion, which makes it the fourth largest sector in the country. Speaking of big weddings… This year—rather, this decade—was marked by what was likely one of the most extravagant weddings India has ever witnessed: the nuptials of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, the daughter of pharmaceutical business tycoon Viren Merchant. Their endless celebrations, the most exquisite designer outfits, grandest of décor, never-before-seen jewels from their personal treasury and a bevy of international celebrities… The Ambani-Merchant…

Her atelier seems well-aligned with the woman of the world, the glocal sensibility that is inclusive (think fluid silhouettes), eclectic (check out the embellished motifs on an AK-OK denim jacket) and ever-evolving. A fairly young label launched 25 odd years ago, Anamika Khanna’s presentation at the Spring/Summer Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai earlier in 2024 saw at least two generations of society women arrive—your front-row ladies, many of them clad in AK’s latest collection. We spotted the one-shoulder AK-OK bias-cut tops with flirtatious sequins and the richly embellished patchwork-panelled denim jackets with laser-cut motifs among her younger clientele, while the society queens sported her more sedate jackets and trouser co-ord sets. Never afraid to tell a bold story with her fashion, we were asked to imagine the collection as an…

GUCCI’S ARTISTIC REVIVAL The Gucci Ginza Gallery, in the upmarking shopping district of Ginza in Tokyo, recently celebrated the renaissance of 60 vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 bags, predominantly from the ’80s and ’90s. As an ode to Gucci’s 60-year legacy in Japan, the House curated an exhibition showcasing the classic technique of bamboo handles, originally introduced by Guccio Gucci in Florence back in 1947. Reimagining this tradition through a contemporary lens, these iconic bags will be available for purchase as art pieces once the exhibit concludes. ZOYA EXPANDS ITS REACH Zoya, from the House of Tata, has a new address at the Taj Coromandel in Chennai. A one-stop destination for the most coveted fine jewellery, they have showcased a meticulously curated collection. With this store, the brand carries forward its…

ABU JANI-SANDEEP KHOSLA into Taha Shah Badussha channels ‘The Regal Groom of Mard,’ epitomising Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s vision of the modern man who isn’t afraid to embrace a bold style. Here, as the designers prep him backstage, they highlight how today’s grooms step into the spotlight with equal grandeur. Models, under the creative direction of the couturiers, transform the ‘Asal Bride.’ JAYANTI REDDY Aditi Rao Hydari brings Jayanti Reddy’s latest creations to life, radiating elegance in a gold sharara ensemble. The backstage buzz is electric as Jayanti examines each element, ensuring that the Nizam era-inspired attire exudes the aura of the erstwhile kingdom of Hyderabad. Aditi exemplifies the designer’s vision, taking a mix of heritage and modern grace with her to the runway. RAHUL MISHRA of Playing muse to…

THE SEASON’S TRENDS Bronzed Latte: The key is to keep the eyeshadow to one or two similar shades of brown. Keep the rest of the face natural, using nudes or browns throughout. Pearlescent Skin: The pearl skin or rose gold trend is a great base for a wedding day look. Once all the make-up is done, use a beauty blender to bounce a liquid highlighter all over the skin. Add a little on your forehead, the tip of your nose and Cupid’s bow. Gently Sculpted: Subtlety is key when it comes to natural wedding make-up. Underpainting your contour—applying your contour and highlighter before your foundation—can help soften the look. Statement Lips: A bold lip doesn’t always have to be paired with minimal make-up. To let your natural beauty shine, try…

Master couturier Manish Malhotra’s creative genius has been a staple in the Ambani wardrobe for decades. But over the past year, their association went far beyond just sartorial choices—he was the creative director of the grand Ambani-Merchant celebrations that made headlines globally. Appointed by Niti Ambani last year, Manish was the natural choice, given their close association over many years. Starting from the glorious Jamnagar festivities right upto the grand wedding and reception in Mumbai, Manish was the master craftsman behind the entire wedding. “Being the creative director under the guidance of Nita Ambani was an extraordinary journey,” he says. “Her vision was clear—she wanted to transport guests into a world where tradition and innovation coexisted in perfect harmony.” THE JAMNAGAR CELEBRATIONS The first of the many Ambani-Merchant pre-wedding celebrations…

HOW WE MET EH: “We had our first date after a fitness class! Ankur was brave enough to ask me to work out with him, and then asked me out for drinks later. A few dates in and the pandemic hit. This resulted in FaceTime calls every day for months, us becoming modern pen pals and falling in love!” THE NEXT STEP AJ: “When I wasn’t just thinking about all the great memories we’ve had but was most excited about all the future memories we could create, that’s when I knew Erika was the one I wanted to marry and spend my life with.” EH: “Our engagement was the most special surprise proposal! Ankur took over the brand new Summit at One Vanderbilt (the highest observatory overlooking all of NYC) privately…

HOW WE MET “Sam and I first crossed paths in 2020. I used to live in Mumbai and had always planned to move to New York. But when Covid-19 hit, everything changed. I decided to visit my family in London until the American border restrictions were lifted; that’s when I met Sam. From the moment we were introduced to each other, there was an undeniable connection. We couldn’t stop texting each other and arranged to meet as soon as possible. With the lockdown in full swing, Sam planned a simple yet unforgettable date. We met in a park for a picnic and games, trying to make the most of the situation. Just as we had settled in, it started to rain—a scene straight out of a romcom. It was perfect.…

HOTSPOT: Rajasthan, India OFFBEAT: Marrakesh, Morocco While the forts, food, culture and luxury hotels of Rajasthan may beckon honeymooners all year round, the vibrance and lifestyle of Marrakesh won’t leave them asking for much either. From the palatial riads of the Moroccan capital and diverse landscape to the culinary delights and colourful souks, couples can pack so much into their itinerary, including intimate experiences at local spas with their partner. HOTSPOT: Istanbul, Turkey OFFBEAT: Bodrum, Turkey Eschew a trip to the Hagia Sophia and a cruise across the Bosphorus for the relative peace and quiet of Bodrum, packed with impressive luxury resorts, in Turkey’s southwestern Aegean region. Begin with a taste of Turkish heritage from Bodrum Castle, relax with some attentive massages at Bitez Hamam, drive along the coast to…

The colour teal is often associated with serenity and balance, believed to promote a sense of tranquility and sophistication. This greenish-blue hue also represents depth, but in fashion, it symbolises freshness, elegance and a connect to the natural world.…

Brides Today: Indian weddings appear to be hitting their peak pastel phase. Yet, Masaba Bride veered more towards red… Masaba Gupta: We could have trends around ivory, beige or pink, or brides could pick an off-beat colour like green, but I’m certain these are fads. Bridal red will always stand the test of time. It’s not just a vibrant colour but something that holds a strong significance in our culture. The vibrant sindoor red is also one of our brand colours. Even our store façades and a large part of our interiors are predominantly red because I consider it a very powerful colour. BT: What kind of a bride were you? MG: I was a very relaxed bride. I’m a meticulous planner, so I had everything in order well in…

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS The lesser known love story behind the founding of Van Cleef & Arpels is a testament to the saying, “When two artistic souls fall in love, their love is eternal.” In 1895, Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef not only celebrated their love with a beautiful wedding, they also gave us the very first peek at some iconic, time-tested pieces of jewellery. Soon after, Van Cleef and Estelle’s brothers opened a quaint boutique in 22 Place Vendôme in Paris, making history one clover at a time. From starting with a venture that dealt with touch wood pieces and châtelaine watches, to establishing itself with a clover motif that became an expression of commitment, the brand’s journey has been remarkable. The legendary Alhambra motif of Van Cleef…

She’s low-key, introverted and in a close relationship with her trusted pyjamas. She arrives for the cover shoot for Brides Today at a Mumbai bungalow dressed comfortably, as that’s fashion to her—easy, breezy and true to herself. But as soon as the Shehla Chatoor lehenga set is on and the cameras are raring to go, Vaani Kapoor transforms into the glamorous star we know and love. There’s much in store for Vaani this year, with a slew of releases lined up (Khel Khel Mein is already in theatres), as well as her OTT debut on Netflix with Mandala Murders. “I’ve never done a crime thriller, and this role took me back to my initial days of Shuddh Desi Romance. So I’m pretty excited,” she gushes. As she strikes pose after…

PLAN AHEAD Florian Hurel @florianhurel “Get a haircut about three weeks to a month before the big day, and slot in a quick trim closer to the date if needed. Choose a cut, style and hair colour you’re comfortable with and one that won’t clash with the wedding attire. For those dyeing their hair for the first time, book a consultation at least a month in advance to ensure you get the perfect look and feel confident on your special day.” NO DRASTIC MAKEOVERS Hiral Bhatia @bbhiral “Brides must avoid making drastic changes to their look right before the wedding. Schedule your cut and colour at least 10 days before hand as it takes a few washes for the shade to set in and for you to get used to…

From as far back as March till July this year, no one across the world was spared glimpses of the wedding extravaganza of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Over a dozen aspects of the celebration left us gobsmacked—the bevy of celebrities who braved the Mumbai monsoon to dance, mingle and bless the now world-famous bride and groom, the elaborate venues, and entertainment by the generation’s premier artists, to name a few. But beyond the glitz and glamour of the guest list and couture were the brilliant gemstones from the Ambani vault that had the lapidaries of the world salivating. Their aesthetic allure and intrinsic value aside, jewellery has served as a profound medium of expression throughout history. Their silent language, steeped in symbolism, has conveyed messages of love, power, identity…

A Cartier collection is incomplete without its signature panther, and this year, the maison once again exceeded expectations. The latest High Jewellery collection by Cartier—aptly named Nature Sauvage—drew deep inspiration from the natural world. Here, their ring-bracelet was one exceptional highlight. The 8.63-carat Zambian emerald in the jewel resonates with the panther’s piercing green eyes, while the sapphire spots all over offer a stunning contrast amid the brilliance of diamonds.…

“I love an Anamika Khanna outfit for the fabric, silhouettes and textures, and a classic, flattering Manish Malhotra lehenga. I’d keep a Tarun Tahiliani and Sabyasachi sari for posterity” When fans spotted her in a white catsuit under a trench in Melbourne on a recent Instagram story, she set the internet on fire. But that’s just a normal day in the life of Malaika Arora—actor, dancer, fashionista, reality show judge and Instagram personality. Bodycon suits her, and she knows it. “I love catsuits. I love the colour white,” says Malaika, as I ask her about that catsuit. “It’s just so flattering for my body type.” While in Melbourne to attend an Indian film festival, she donned a lot of figure-hugging, India-inspired looks. “It’s easy to have a pre-stitched sari on…

Brides Today: You’ve taken your brand to the world with your travelling trunk show. How has the response been? Payal Singhal: Living in New York for six years during the early years of my business shaped my understanding of what global Indian women want for their festive wardrobes. We came up with the concept of our designer trunk show two decades ago, but it’s now known as the PS Travelling Trunk Show. The concept itself was unheard of back then. Indians were used to shopping at exhibitions. The idea of an intimate, luxurious trunk show, where one could interact with a designer and shop in a curated environment, was new. It’s been very well received and an important part of our sales strategy ever since. The first one was held…

REGAL RUBIES Indulge in the opulence of these ravishing red gemstones. A BUG’S LIFE There’s nothing creepy about these bijoux crawlies. CITRINE SEDUCTION Celebrate the joy of yellow with these brightly hued stones.…

A FUSION OF WORLDS ICW saw a blend of traditional Indian textiles and embroideries with contemporary Western silhouettes. Leading this trend from the front were Amit Aggarwal and Gaurav Gupta, who presented outfits that seamlessly merged elements like capes, structured blouses, and modern cuts with traditional lehengas and saris. LUXE ALL THE WAY Luxurious fabrics such as velvet and silk were widely used in garments, lending a rich and opulent feel to bridal outfits. JJ Valaya and Tarun Tahiliani highlighted these textiles in their collections. “Brides no longer want costumes; they want to showcase their own natural style. They want to dress for themselves and feel comfortable,” says Tahiliani. “I believe, Indian couture is special, spectacular, and sculpted. The beauty of couture and the way it’s made is that there’s…

Over six months of lavish festivities, the most eminent guest list, high-profile performers and opulence beyond compare. The grand wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant made headlines the world over for these very reasons and more, though one of the primary highlights of the many events was the fashion on display. The Ambani-Merchant wedding was inarguably nothing short of a couture week in its own right. From India’s most sought-after designers to even Schiaparelli’s custom couture sari for Isha Ambani, the red carpets had everyone straining to see who wore what. It was raining Manish Malhotra and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla on every occasion. Tarun Tahiliani and Raghavendra Rathore weren’t far behind. And, of course, no wedding can be complete without a dose of Anamika Khanna and Arpita…

ART MEETS FASHION Art and fashion have always gone hand in hand. Art is the scripture of innovation, and fashion never fails to provide an expansive canvas for its expression. Carving out a new legacy in luxury fashion, the Ambani wedding witnessed the marriage of the two forms—crafted specially for the bride was a 12-panel Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga, the skirt of which was meticulously hand-painted by artist and sculptor Jayasri Burman in her quintessential mythical aesthetic. AJSK artisans later took over to embellish the ensemble with other elements. Such conceptual odes will be stealing the show this year. INDIANISING THE WEST A cultural renaissance always becomes the talk of the town. Feted western personalities dazzled in traditional emsembles. Celebrity stylist Law Roach chose Falguni Shane Peacock, while wrestler…

All the glittering stars, their shimmering jewellery and ghaghras notwithstanding, the real superstars of “the wedding of the century” were the culinary minds that put together a feast unlike ever seen before. Over 10,000 dishes from around the world, 25 cuisines, 20 Michelin starred chefs flown in… It was a feast for the eyes and taste buds, spread over three floors and four days. STREETSIDE SAVOURINGS My foodie buddies Parveen Kabir Bedi and Minal Wadhwa and I taste our way through miles of dishes. On the ground floor, we start with “Banaras ki gali” with its authentic street flavours and vendors, all flown in from Varanasi. For chatpata, there’s Kailash Chaat Bhandar and Bina Chaat Bhandar. For a taste of the tangy and sweet, there’s Kurkure Palak ki Chaat, the…

HOW THEY MET Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda first met on the set of Pagalpanti. Their chemistry was undeniable right from the onset, both on and off screen. Their bond deepened over time for them to become more than just colleagues, as they grew closer while working on Taish and Veerey Ki Wedding. Spending long hours on set provided them ample time to connect on a personal level and realise their similarities and differences. The foundation of their love story was also laid down by their shared love for acting and mutual respect. THE NEXT STEP After years of speculation, Kriti and Pulkit finally confirmed that they were together in 2019 by sharing sneak peeks of their relationship on social media, to the delight of their fans. The paparazzi frenzy…