Text: Mansi Wadhwa

There’s good reason why nuptials in this country are called the Great Indian Weddings. With hundreds of thousands invested every season, the Indian marriage market is among the world’s biggest. Among the many aspects that contribute to the dream weddingscape, the bridal trousseau is arguably the most significant. Traditional ensembles, catering specifically to brides, make for big business—the booming bridal wear boutiques and designers only confirm the trend.

Bored with the usual red and glitter, we got a refreshing glimpse of new and reincarnated fashion players on the block this year. Beyond elaborate queen-size gheras, sparkling zaris and zardosi, crepes and georgettes, lies a world of ingenious textures and embellishments that challenge the obvious notions of what makes for wedding-appropriate clothing.  And the new-age brides are ready to experiment! Whether you are planning to tie the knot, or attending another’s wedding this season, here are our favourite names to make a unique bridal statement.

AMRITA THAKUR

Counting Kareena Kapoor-Khan and Madhuri Dixit among her fans, this designer is making waves everywhere! Amrita Thakur’s creations may be bridal but they are far from the conventional wedding apparel. Think minimal festive—powdery pinks and laddoo yellows embellished with gota patti. With no sign of heavy ornamentations or ornate colours, her confectionery-toned lehengas and sarees remain wearable for long after the wedding ceremony. Rooted in tradition yet boasting fresh cuts and colours, Amrita gives good reason to shift from bauble-laden red and maroon wedding outfits.
#streetloves Stunning gota patti fashioned into florals, cutwork and appliqué motifs.

SIDDARTHA TYTLER

Since 2002, he has established a formidable reputation as a Westernwear designer, but Siddhartha Tytler’s recent show at Amazon India Fashion Week SS16 displayed his flair for statement bridal ensembles. A happy mix of opposites, Siddhartha’s collection abounds in non-conformist silhouettes yet the surface ornamentation remains completely Indian. Brownie points for the metallic (lots and lots of gold!) and pastel colours that he so cleverly pairs with understated bling to create outfits for a truly modern bride.
#streetloves The masterfully draped dhoti dresses, pre-stitched sarees, and printed lehengas.

PRAMA

Founded on the belief that beauty is an extension of our urban existence, Pratima Pandey’s label emphasizes on natural fabrics and craftsmanship and the designs showcase her affinity for natural dyeing. The result of this artisanal, minimalist approach is Prama, catering to the sophisticated, no-fuss bride on a hunt for unconventional options to wear to the many ceremonies that mark an Indian wedding. Pratima keeps ornamentation to a bare minimum, instead adding lively patchwork and fusion details. Find well-crafted alternatives to done to death colours and silhouettes.
#streetloves Ethnic layering with a boho twist!

Gone are the days when bridal ensembles were constrained by normative colours and cuts. If your D-Day dress mantra is an extension of your unconventional style approach, these updated bridal designers will see you through every ceremony and nervous moment in style.l

Images: Amrita Thakur; FDCI; Prama by Pratima Pandey.