Five years on, Indian brides are becoming even more experimental. Mohan says the Indian wedding “has evolved to integrate contemporary Western silhouettes. The long dress has the visual appeal of formal elegance, yet it’s different from Indian attire.”
Every modern bride wants her wedding to be social media friendly — the juxtaposition of Indian and Western looks on different nights helps to create high-impact images. Mohan is observing innovation on all fronts. “Our brides are innovating with all silhouettes. They wear voluminous skirts with bolero jackets. The wedding could be a sari with a cropped jacket.”
Brides are also more conscious in their choices. They’ll think about the potential for rewearing pieces – and they’ll consider comfort too, with sneakers and boots now footwear essentials for the sangeet, the music and dance party usually held on the night before the wedding.
Cecilia Morelli Parikh, co-founder of Le Mill, a leading luxury concept store in Mumbai, also notes the surge in fusion dressing: “Brides are increasingly marrying a Western piece with an Indian classical piece, such as a statement top and lehenga [skirt]. We are seeing brides adopting more daring choices too, such as combining Alaïa pants and a traditional heirloom jacket.” Le Mill’s edit of high-end fashion brands includes the likes of Saint Laurent, Alex Perry and Victoria Beckham — and the store has recently introduced Elie Saab, proving a hit with brides and guests alike, according to Morelli Parikh.
Filling the gaps in the wedding market
Luxury brands have learned fast that Indian weddings are true destination events. That means there’s a need for more than evening wear to cover all the wardrobe changes of a celebration that typically lasts for three days. “Women come to shop for the in-between events too, which are often just as important,” says Morelli Parikh. “Every moment is something they want…
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