Saying ‘I do’ in style: The designers that woke the bride in me

Ensembles made for the risqué yet quintessential ‘dulhan’, I had quite the change of heart...

KARACHI: For someone in their 20s and not even adjacent to the notion of being hitched, I’ve always concocted a three-way wedlock of Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra and Manish Malhotra for my intuitive ‘shaadi’ ensembles. Being possessed by an avant-garde, experimental edge, I couldn’t imagine one designer (especially not local) who could realise the bridal guise of my dreams. But guess what? I might’ve had a change of heart.



Sania Maskatiya, Misha Lakhani and MAHGUL are, unquestionably, designers – or may I say ‘craftswomen’ that have taken the lead to revolutionise the image of the modern-day bride who refuses to conform to societal norms, who trashes the credence which squeals ‘A bride isn’t a bride unless she adorns all-things-red’; a bride who questions communal beliefs and one that denies the archaic philosophies surrounding non-experimentation.

That’s the kind of bride I shall be and these women are probably going to be responsible for crafting my edgy wedding attire.

Note: These designers shaped and designed a whole new-fangled system of ‘backs’ – something us contemporary, up-to-the-minute chicas live for – and ahem, go to the gym for!

Sania Maskatiya

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Sania’s ‘SAMARKAND’ described in two words would be ‘All That’. Permeating extravagance and monarchy-kind-of vibes, I totally see myself over indulging in the mammoth squelch of colour patterns and textures that the ensembles boasted.

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The assemblage bragged signature-traditional workmanship in contemporary and unexpected silhouettes, utilising an array of textiles from majestically gold-spun tissue to brocade, luxe silk, velour, jamawar and delicate French nets.

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The assortment would most definitely qualify as being modern heirlooms you would want to treasure, and essentially don from time to time – because they preserve this multidimensional eminence.

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The outfits are not just picture-perfect for brides but they’ll be rocking for the bride’s sister too and I just dig that! Paired with Amrapali Jewels, the showcase was nothing short of style personified.

MAHGUL

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‘Darya’ by MAHGUL, in my opinion, took birth when class shared nuptials with swagger. Comprising everything whimsical, this particular showcase will be made absolutely necessary-to-be-donned by my would-be groom (no questions asked)! The above-the-knee Lucknowi sherwani, teamed with calf-snuggling white pajama pants – and that chic pocket square - drool worthy and a half, to say the least.

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The amalgam of heritage and contemporary appeal deems this collection as a must-see-and-must-adopt assortment for couples that wish to sway light-years away from eye-blinding hues and overdone customary styles. The collection reconnoitered the boundaries of the ‘basic’ silhouette with the interplay of the prototypical and modern, to generate uniquely structured statements across an evolutionary bridal aesthetic.

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From incorporating 3D sculptural embellishments alongside freshly fashioned gota, tilla and dubka work techniques, MAHGUL aced their bridal game. Making it a point to line each outfit for an accented, modernistic finish, this showcase was a futuristic couple’s dream come to life.

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And oh those monochrome outfits accessorised with exclusively handmade khussas, then teamed with high-fashion jewellery by Outhouse was merely scenic.

Misha Lakhani

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The ‘Bagh-e-Bahar’ collection by Misha was indisputably on a mission: To cater to every kind of forward-thinking, futuristic bride there is. Whether you’re into avant-garde bohemian styles or designs that are reminiscent of ethnic-vibes-meet-innovative-appeal – Misha’s ensembles will incontestably meet your needs.

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The collection vaunts modern Mughal aesthetic with a mix of Persian, Central Asian and indigenous Indian-enthused bravura. And can I mention, that the dark bandeau choli just ‘spoke volumes’ to me like it was mine!

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Personalised hand-woven silks and Kashmiri backdrops cohabiting with premium quality needlecraft emitted an old-world charm – all while being multipurpose and effortlessly comfy. Housing diverse techniques such as applique with badla and zardozi with resham accents throughout, there was a cluster of colours to choose from too - hues of iridescent ivory, muted gold, millennial pink, vivid reds – you name it!

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With all my favoured fabrics (think deluxe silk, elegant net, indulgent velour and decadent muslin), this showcase would be, not just a treat – but a feast for the bride and her parents! And just so you know, actor Armeena Khan was so fitting to be the showstopper for this nifty collection.

Looks like I've got all the "my kind of 'risqué-bridal' acumen" under my belt. All we need now is a fashion partner that chimes well with all of the above!

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