(Interviews transcribed by Utkarsha Dasare)
Ask any bride, and she will tell you that shopping for her wedding clothes is a difficult job even when a deadly virus isn’t breathing down everyone’s necks. But combine it with the stress of planning a wedding with not more than 50 people in tow, making sure there’s social distancing, enough masks, and enough sanitizers for everyone to spritz, and it is a personal crisis of a different sort. Unfortunately, we cannot do much to make the planning bit of the wedding any easier. However, we can help take some stress off your plate by giving you some helpful ideas on how to navigate the tricky minefield of bridal shopping in this pandemic.
We quizzed four stylists with knife-like fashionably insightful intelligence on how they think the pandemic has affected bridal trends. In return, they’ve not only lent their expertise on the subject but also thrown in designer recommendations that a bride can turn to when she does begin her search for her one dream wedding outfit.
Who: Namita Alexander
Stylist to Diana Penty
The Pandemic's Effect on Bridal Styles
Because of the pandemic, there’s not much of a trousseau to put together because of the fewer functions now. Brides can buy just 2 or 3 outfits - a mix of lighter and heavier pieces - and get done. I also feel that people are refraining from being ostentatious, and as a result, not going for very elaborate outfits and choosing lesser jewelry. Of course, there is 5% of brides who don’t care about downsized weddings and still want to wear their dream outfits. Overall, I see that a majority of people have taken a step back and are dressing a little more conservatively in terms of how much they would spend for sure.
Designers on Your Radar
A designer that is currently on my radar in terms of a wedding - and I mean an absolute classic, and someone you cannot go wrong with - is Sabyasachi. You can dress up or dress down in a Sabyasachi, and rest assured that it is going to look good. When it comes to wedding styles, I have a conservative approach. I like going to old stores, whether it’s a Kanakavalli or Nalli silks, or going to your weavers and getting a beautiful saree and supporting the cultures in India. I love beautiful Kanjeevaram sarees and sarees that feature different kinds of threadwork. I think that they are stunning and can pass down generations as an heirloom. In a way, I bias toward smaller stores, classic Indian brocades, and Kanjeevaram sarees as opposed to big design houses.
Who: Sukriti Grover
Stylist to Kriti Sanon, Tamannaah Bhatia
The Pandemic's Effect on Bridal Styles
The pandemic has affected the way the brides are shopping now. We see a lot of them choosing not to prefer heavy and cumbersome or expensive pieces and going for lighter styles instead. Brides are also opting for classic pieces - styles that are timeless and will last them a lifetime - as opposed to fads. That is a change from the pre-pandemic days.
Designers on Your Radar
There are a lot of bridal designers, but a few of my personal favourites are from the new lot. A designer I am particularly fond of right now is Jayanti Reddy. I love her lehengas; they have a certain richness about them. Her use of heritage loom is commendable. They are pretty with superb craftsmanship. Anushree Reddy's clothes are worth considering, too. Her floral lehengas are young and pretty and have a romantic feel to them. Another noteworthy new designer is Abhinav Mishra. He also has some good bridal lehengas.
Who: Pranay Jaitly and Shounak Amonkar of Who Wore What When
Stylists to Vidya Balan, Radhika Apte
The Pandemic's Effect on Bridal Styles
The pandemic has most certainly affected how brides are shopping. It's a reality that no one expected or has come around to accept. At the same time, weddings have become personal and intimate, too. It's the best time to go back to your grandma's trunk and wear her red Banarsi saree and experiment with it. However, if you do decide to shop, I suggest you go for something minimal, with less volume, and which is wearable. Pick sustainable options that you can re-wear again.
Designers on Your Radar
Designers on our radar are Torani, Raw Mango, and Rimple and Harpreet. These brands have drawn their inspiration from old school India and made it wearable in today's day and age. Rimple and Harpreet's collection is very nostalgic; there are straight kurta sets, salwars, anarkali sets, loafers, etc. Again, things we've seen our mothers dress in. Torani's collection takes you back to the roots, too. Do look out for these designers for all your wedding festivities.
Who: Edward Lalrempuia
Fashion Consultant & Creative Director
The Pandemic's Effect on Bridal Styles
I don’t think the pandemic or the lockdown has affected brides in the way they shop. Whether they have ten or a hundred people coming to the wedding, they would like to look their best. For brides, it is their day, and they want to look great.
I cannot say the same for friends and family who are attending the wedding, though. They don’t go to as many marriages as they did before. I don’t think that they would like to spend too much. So, they’re looking at something that they can mix and match at different weddings.
Designers on Your Radar
On my radar right now is Anita Dongre. Her styles are classic and beautiful, and I think you can never go wrong with her. Another designer who I love, who is completely underrated and deserves more attention, is Shyam Narayan Prasad. A new brand that I quite like is La Fuori. I love their embroidery, and their textile is beautiful.
Cover Image: Anita Dongre
Image Credits: Namita Alexander, Peoplekind
