Globally acclaimed designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are pioneers of haute couture and bridal wear. Over the past three decades, the designer duo has celebrated Indian craftsmanship and silhouettes in their own unique way. A favorite when it comes to celebrity weddings, their creations have been graced by a range of Bollywood brides including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja.
Speaking to News18, the couture connoisseurs share valuable insights into what the New Age bride is looking for in 2023 and how to calm down a bridezilla.
Excerpts from the interview:
As esteemed couturiers and pioneers of haute couture, bridal wear has been an integral part of your brand’s journey. How much has bridal wear in India evolved over the years?
Bridal wear has always been an important part of haute couture and couture. The Indian wedding is big, fat and getting more and more fabulous. Multiple events, each event is a sartorial extravaganza.
We’ve introduced several firsts in bridal wear over the decades. Each has become a new style standard for brides. From the introduction of chikankari to the White Bride to the use of pastel and beige instead of the classic and traditional red, pink and orange. Today, brides are choosing to wear unorthodox shades and fusion silhouettes. Lehengas are draped with half sarees. Trails on skirts and in veils along with shoulder dupattas as bridal wear have evolved to new heights of finesse and celebrate individuality.
What would you recommend to brides-to-be for the upcoming wedding season, in terms of silhouettes, colors, fabrics, designs and embroidery?
- Keep it classic. Keep it timeless and forever.
- Enjoy the beauty of spectacular craftsmanship and reject gimmicks and flippant trends. Make it a masterpiece that will remain relevant for decades to come.
- Beige and gold will be hugely popular this season, whether it’s understated embroidery like chikankari and resham or the full bling of gota, mirror work and zardozi or the modern glamor of sequins, crystals and pearls.
- Refinement and finesse dominate the day. It’s time to bring the best, without limitations.
What are the new age bride and groom looking for in 2023?
Distinctive, original and refined. The emphasis is on craftsmanship and quality. Being more adventurous and open to experimentation, the modern bride and groom try to wear outfits that pay homage to their unique aspirations and personal style.
How do you deal with a bridezilla? And how do you tell a bride that a silhouette she wants to embroider is not very flattering?
With a lot of patience, understanding and humour. Don’t take it personally. Many brides are overwhelmed with stress when planning the wedding and it often brings out the worst in them. Help them stay calm, positive and confident.
Listen to their concerns, hopes and dreams and then guide them to a choice that does them full justice. If a silhouette isn’t flattering, suggest better options. They have come to you for your expertise and wise advice. Make sure they receive both.
Do you feel that brides and grooms are influenced by what looks good on the platform and design accordingly with the social media influx?
We design for ourselves. We create things that meet our design sensibilities and aesthetics. What appears on our social media is a reflection of our creativity and not following outside trends. As designers and artists, we are focused on creating the original.
A celebrity favorite for weddings and events, their bespoke ensembles become perfect mood boards for wedding season?
Our custom wedding couture and bridal wear are becoming the standard for this season. It is ambitious and trendsetting. When you dress an icon in the finest, you set new standards for style and creativity that become iconic.
What are the ingredients for the perfect bridal outfit?
Spectacular craftsmanship, original, distinctive design. An outfit that exudes grace and elegance and feels as good as it looks.
Any advice for brides planning their wedding outfits in 2023?
Keep your circle small. Only two or three relatives and trusted friends. Too many opinions spoil the outfit. Always invest in the best you can afford. Avoid the tacky and trendy. Your wedding calls for a timeless classic. Above all, enjoy this process and don’t get overwhelmed with stress or anxiety. It’s time to celebrate.
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