As the fashion fraternity casts its spell on the wedding season, the ghagra comes alive like never before in hues of peach, blue, and lilac, marking a shift from the conventional reds, maroons and traditional vermilions.
J.J Vallaya`s bridal collection for the season consisted of unconventional colour palettes in intricate zardozi and traditional embroideries. In a turquoise and sky blue ghagra, the wedding ensemble worn by leading model Noyonika Chatterji was the steal of the season. Soft peaches, pinks and ivory fused with a smattering of gold tissue and brocade embellished with diamantes and swarovskis give the wedding ensemble a rich, elegant and glamorous look.
Stylish Bridal Ensembles
Ritu Kumar`s collections for the bride-to-be were a signature of the traditional and classic look of yesteryears. The styles for the wedding ghagra are a lot more accentuated, modern and stylized from those that were worn a decade ago. The cholis are tighter, with square, wide, boat and unique plunging necklines incorporated with low cut backs with feminine strings and tie-ups. The sleeves are much shorter than the regular three fourth lengths`; they are the avant-garde little cap sleeves with heavily encrusted embroidery detailing. The ghagras are a fitted version of the sixties umbrella skirts with traditional hand work adorning the main body of the skirt, although worn below the belly button, they are a big no no for those on the larger side. A big hit with the slim sexy silhouettes, the newest version of the ghagras are lighter, more practical and are elegant versions of the cluttered, gaudy ones worn in the days of yore.
Jewellery
The accessories for the occasion are in conformity with the entire look, one that is refined and glamorous. Gold and diamond chokers are minimal, simple and intricate so that the attention isn`t drawn away from the ensemble. Loud, gaudy and gilded jewellery are a thing of the past, says jewellery designer Poonam Zaveri, who informs us that the code for the season are diamonds set in white gold or platinum to give it a whole new aura. Those set in yellow gold are subdued in tones of copper or matte finishes to maintain a coordinated look.
Make up
Keeping with the trend of stylish and elegant bride to be, even the make up is just right, neither light, nor too loud or bright. Dark khol and heavily accentuated eyes are the norm, with hues of eye shadow in shades that compliment the colour of the garment. Anoushka Pitambar, ace make up artist, cautions that a lot of times the foundation or base is overdone thereby making it look patchy and uneven from the rest of the body colour, so it is vital to instruct the beautician to maintain the same tone on both the body and face. Glossy tones of warm browns, pinks, and old rose with lined lips just go the extra mile to accentuate the whole look.
Coiffure
Hairstyles combined with floral accessories and pearls add a touch of feminity with a light bouffant for the coiffeured look.
"The excitement, glow and charm of a bride-to-be, in conjunction with the latest fashion trends can never fail to deliver the moment of a lifetime".