Indian bridal fashion is known for its bold designs, which range from intricately designed lehengas to colourful sarees. Traditionally, Indian brides wear the colour red, which is associated with prosperity and fertility in their culture (fun fact: it is also the colour of Mars, the planet in charge of marriage in Hinduism)! However, with time and generational changes, inter marriages and multi-faith weddings, rather than sticking to the traditional red, brides are now opting for pastel and cream shades. How do the grooms cope with this trend? Well, they hold up just fine with the brides to match their outfits or most just colour co-ordinate. The groom can share some colour depending on the skin tone. Most grooms love to go plain and simple but use some colour to incorporate the bride’s colours. Some go for the full works and make an entrance that matches their bride!
Contemporary Indian bridal designers have interpreted tradition in their own unique way. Brides can choose from a variety of colours ranging from bright pinks to minty greens, as well as more simple looks that embrace crisp lines and minimal embellishments. But whatever path you choose for your bridal look, know that there will always be a stunning design for you.
So, in order to better familiarise, Indian bridal designers will set a colour trend according to seasons and unique to their brands names. Let’s talk about some renowned brand names in designer bridal use by Bollywood to the elite.
1) Sabyasachi Mukherjee is one of India's most coveted bridal designers today. He is known as the celebrity designer, having created bridal looks and jewellery for Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, to name a few. Sabyasachi designs are for the modern Indian bride, with timeless and elegant creations. Sabyasachi has something for every bride's taste, from minimalist looks to more elaborate and glamorous gowns.
2) Manish Malhotra has made a name for himself not only in the bridal industry, but also as a costume designer for thousands of Bollywood films. This is unsurprising given his spectacular and fantastical design aesthetic. For those who can't get enough of Manish Malhotra's magnificent bridal creations, the brand launched a new Instagram account, @manishmalhotravows, in 2021, showcasing photos of Manish Malhotra's designs worn by brides and grooms. Malhotra's gowns are for the self-assured bride who isn't afraid to stand out.
3) Naeem Khan is an Indian-American fashion designer based in New York City. At the age of 20, he began his career as an apprentice to American designer Halston, later launching his first collection in 2003, followed by his bridal line in 2013.
Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Rachel McAdams, First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Noor of Jordan, and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, to name a few, have all worn his designs. Khan's creations are made for every bride on the planet. His designs are daring and avant-garde, ranging from unconventional gowns to jumpsuits to mini dresses. Every season, Khan pushes bridal boundaries in every way possible.
4) Tarun Tahiliani is a name to know, with numerous accolades and several stores across India. Tahiliani got his start in the fashion industry by co-founding Ensemble, a luxury multi-brand designer store, with his wife Sailaja Tahiliani.
Following the success of the store, the designer established the Tarun Tahiliani Design Studio in Delhi, where he later created his signature Tarun Tahiliani collection. He quickly gained recognition for his bridalwear designs and was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India, the official fashion week governing body. His most recent collection, 'The Age of Innocence,' was designed for the modern Indian bride and groom. According to his website, this collection "thinks about the bride of today and what her heart would want." Lightness, joy, comfort, and, most importantly, the freedom to be herself."
Whatever style, colour or design a bride wants, Diva D London is here to create the bridal lehenga of your dreams.
