Out-of-the-box bridal wear

Payal Khandwala

Fashion designer and artist Payal Khandwala's search for wedding wear that could help her move freely got her thinking about the dearth of relaxed festive wear. The result was a resplendent collection that mixes her typical use of colour blocking with rich brocades and Banarasi silks.

Payal Khandwala has combined her signature clean lines with brocades for lightweight wedding wear

"Whenever I had to attend a wedding, I would never find an outfit that would tick all the boxes: light, comfortable, with an element of tradition. I wore something like that for my wedding too.

And weddings are a big deal in India, where you spend so much for one moment and there are important rituals involved. Which is why I wanted to design something that you could dance in, and which won't leave you exhausted at the end of the night," shares the Mumbai-based designer. On offer are palazzos and culottes in rich brocades, lehengas with pockets, shirt dresses that can be used as an alternative to the dreaded anarkali, and lounge pants too.

When asked if it is imperative for Indian designers to eventually get into bridal wear, she's clear, "I wanted to get into it to make the brand complete. Right now, you have options for a brunch, a cocktail party, or an evening out. So offering a festive line would give the buyers a complete experience."

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Amit Aggarwal's architectural gowns are sought after by leading silver screen ladies looking to make an edgy appearance on the red carpet. Offering an equally geometric imprint will be his lehengas now.

"The brand has always had a couture aesthetic. It was time that it was extended to direct it towards making something special for a bride-to-be. The techniques of the brand are amplified in couture. So, the overall aesthetic still remains the same.

There's structure, an understanding of the freedom that a modern bride looks for now, coupled with intricate and contemporary hand beading," says the designer.

Ask him how does one not drift away from their design sensibilities to meet the market's demand for wedding wear, he tells us, "There are a lot more opportunities now than ever before and an aesthetician needs to stick to their belief and forte to excel."