Here comes the bride

Designer Narendra Kumar, who has been a fashion heavyweight for over a decade, is out with a bridal collection for the first time and will be showcasing it at the ongoing Bridal Fashion Week. Excerpts from an interview

What prompted you to come out with a bridal line?
Having witnessed brides struggle with the restrictions of choosing from standard heavily embroidered wedding dresses, I wanted to create a collection that will provide a fresh and new creative option.

Jamun (Deep purple) and bridal toned shades are the preferred colours. (Image from Tarun Tahiliani's bridal collection)

How would you describe your collection?
This collection has its roots in the classical ballet traditions and is inspired by the compositions from one of the last great representatives of Romanticism in Russian classical music, Sergei Rachmaninoff. The aesthetic is classic with a youthful, modern twist. It's an exemplification of the Indian bridal finery and traditional embellishments, which are reflected in the rich, elaborate embroideries and beautiful feminine silhouettes.

Is the Indian bridal market evolving?
Definitely. The wheels are turning. Today's bride is a globetrotting woman, who exudes confidence. She has an individual sense of style and understands couture quality. She desires to be chic and elegant, traditional yet stylishly modern. The well-travelled, new-age bride wants to look beyond a typical lehenga for her wedding.

Long lengths will be the flavour of the season. (Image from Mandira WirK's bridal collection)

Lengths
Falguni & Shane Peacock: Long, asymmetrical hemlines with fringing are what most brides are opting for this season.
Mandira Wirk: "Long lengths will play a major role. Below the knee, calf length and floor lengths are in vogue.

Colours
Shantanu and Nikhil: The Indian skin tone is versatile enough to carry any colour in the world. Joyous colours like salmon pink, plumeria purple, dusty orange, vintage gold, cobalt blue, and scarlet red would be some of the stronger ones this season.
Tarun Tahiliani: I see mango, jamun and mauves in fashion besides the traditional bridal jewelled toned colours and of course the classic red which is symbolic here in India.

Must Haves
Shantanu & Nikhil: One should definitely have a fairytale gown, which is structured on top and gets voluminous, and yet, remains fluid waist-down (this is an apt silhouette for one of the cocktail/ Sangeet functions). Besides, her trousseau wear should have a heady mix of some cocktails sarees with sexy bustiers, voluminous net anarkalis, and fitted jackets with floor length skirts.

Falguni & Shane Peacock: Anarkali gowns and cocktail dresses for the pre-wedding functions are a must for this bridal season.

Indian embroidery is evergreen and will be the draw this wedding season as well. (image from Jyotsna Tiwari's bridal collection)

Embroidery or styling
Tarun Tahiliani: Fine combinations and technically crafted Swarovski elements will lend a new high for the sparkle seeker in terms of embellishments. Also, for a rustic, old world charm in embellishments, one can go for gilt work and pave stones to embellish the garment in an eye-catching manner.
Jyotsna Tiwari: Indian craft or embroidery techniques with an influence of other cultures add newness to the designs. There is lot more possible than paisleys in embroidery, so lot of fusion of cultures will be seen.