Confused about what to design for your wedding? Here's what you need to know.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK/ELAN
Picking the right shaadi jora (s) or sherwani is a daunting task to say the least, especially when your wedding is fast approaching and fashion keeps changing faster than you could say 'wedding'.
Trend aisle: 5 fads to follow this wedding season
In such a situation, the best thing to do is to look towards designers for inspiration and fashion-forward designs. We look at the latest bridal trends showcased by designers this season.
Faraz Manan:
https://instagram.com/p/9WiodKG7QX/
A favourite among many, Faraz Manan is the man to go to if you wish to keep your barat jora traditional yet modern. Forgo the heavy embellishments and opt for traditional red and hues of pink, which will help you retain the traditional touch while adding a fresh feel to your outfit. Adding intricate embroidery and stone work to the sleeves can help to keep the dress light so it doesn’t weigh you down.
https://instagram.com/p/9RW0BOG7aC/
The lehnga does not necessarily have be heavily adorned in stone-work and crystals -- a heavy dupatta and kameez make up for the more understated detailing at the bottom -- making it much easier to walk in:
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If you're a rule breaker however, and want to go for a unique style, try an elegant gown style dress with a light chiffon dupatta and pair with similar coloured pants:
https://instagram.com/p/9GSPYHm7Q7/
Mix it up by incorporating different materials or embroidery for the front and back:
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Or opt for a heavy trail:
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Misha Lakhani:
This designer recommends brides to "invest in pieces that she can enjoy over the years" rather than buy striking clothes of low quality.
"The Misha Lakhani bride is a modern woman who remains nostalgic about the past. She is strong, passionate and romantic. She may be a classic bride or an adventurous bride, but either way she has many options. It's important for a bride to be true to herself than follow a fleeting trend," she explains.
https://instagram.com/p/77PYz-TJpM/
Steer away from the traditional and go for Chantilly lace. Add character to your jora by adding detailed embroidery and embellishments on the shirt and dupatta. Again, keep the lehnga less detailed for easy, flowy movement.
https://instagram.com/p/72Q7dCTJnP/
Another bridal look which won't weigh you down and still look elegant. Go easy on the kaam on your lehnga and choose delicate materials like chiffon -- it is light and gives plenty of volume to clothes. Use different types of rich lace to add oomph to your dress.
https://instagram.com/p/4E_DvXTJgu/
Greys can look old and frumpy if not used correctly. However, this grey not only complements lighter skin tones, but looks flattering when paired with different materials. A chiffon skirt, embellished blouse and Chantilly lace with kaam, all add extra flair to your sari.
https://instagram.com/p/7yZrmoTJum/
Another example, a lavender grey sari in chiffon with embellishment on the paloo.
Nomi Ansari:
This talented designer showcases traditional yet contemporary pieces in his bridal collection.
"We try to keep designs unconventional, but traditional at the same time. The embroidery and colour palette should shine through," says Nomi.
"Nowadays, everyone wants to get decked up and look their best but it's always the bride who has to stand out. We see that as a challenge and make sure our bride outshines all attendees," he adds.
https://instagram.com/p/9nUQpbOWLtOZ0o_FrQRX3lrPNPfJAGXtRXQ280/
Perfect outfit for a mehndi. Keep little to no embellishments, focus more on playing with colours, lots of them. Light embroidery on the shirt and some chhan on the dupatta paired with lace to give it more of a bridal touch.
https://instagram.com/p/85VgL-OWP6Hhdezkkpj0ND40D86KOYexoisU80/
https://instagram.com/p/9k3BwauWGRIWbHFkIqekUxjiTNwk6SjPyQ80g0/
Traditional with a twist. Go for bold contrasting colours to stand out and less embroidery and embellishments, the colours will speak for themselves.
https://instagram.com/p/8amGiWOWLw3SsE4MPJEbh0N6axo6ZP0Eb5SC80/
Rule of thumb for bridal wear: Keep the dupatta light. You’ll thank yourself later for not having the dupatta weigh you down the whole night.
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If you want to make a statement with your barat jora then don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting colours. You can choose to keep your dress heavy by going for a fully embellished choli and detailed embroidery on the lehnga.
https://instagram.com/p/8Nm1j7OWG7xjZfnrVC5aSyG8I2H9C3Y4t3JAk0/
If you're a bride who likes embellishments and colour, and want to go for a traditional look at the same time, then stick to the heavy kaam and contrast colours while keeping the dupatta a neutral tone so as to not overpower the dress.
Ali Xeeshan:
https://instagram.com/p/9ntE_bx07S/
The ultimate traditional bride. Go heavy on the kaam and don’t experiment with lots of colours. Pair one bold colour with pastels. Usually the entire outfit is of the same colour, however, you can choose to alternate as shown here.
https://instagram.com/p/8vUQ3wx07C/
It's all about being regal. Light colours complement detailed work best keeping the dress subtle yet regal. Detailed choli and lehnga with heavy work on the dupatta will definitely give you the majestic look you're going for.
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Heavy embellishments to enhance and amplify embroidery look great, pair with tassels on the back for an added oomph.
https://instagram.com/p/823CUwx04y/
Make sure you buy lots of cloth for the flare, traditional lehngas have a short trail at the back and exude richness because of the excess cloth.
Elan:
https://instagram.com/p/9VCeD_jR6P/
The lehnga choli paired with a koti are the rage now. If you love embellishments and heavy work then choose a simple one tone lehnga, neutral coloured choli (or you can choose to experiment with colour), and a heavy koti.
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Have the colour of the lehnga match your embroidery to complement the dress and enable the three pieces to work well together.
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If you want the regular lehnga choli then ditch the koti and try the same style as above, keeping the dupatta heavy. A lighter lehnga will allow you more movement as well.
https://instagram.com/p/9lhH0JDRyA/
Bridal does not necessarily translate into long and flowy, you can keep it short and trendy by going for a short yet heavily embellished kurta, and a printed chiffon dupatta. Contrast two of the three-piece suit to uplift the look.
https://instagram.com/p/9P2LzVjRwu/
Men, it's just as hard to find yourselves a sherwani or suit. But we've got you covered, here's what's trending in fashion:
Ali Xeeshan:
https://instagram.com/p/8ie9TMR02q/
Go bold! Don’t be afraid of detailed work and embroidery. Shine next to your bride, opt for colours like black and creams if you wish, and choose detailed work which will stand out.
Nomi Ansari:
https://instagram.com/p/8kH-OAOWMYj8MxEIpAZZdHkaSfF6N53qbTJxk0/
If not black and creams, make a statement with a printed or embroidered sherwani. Keep it short, it's in style. Pair the busy shirt with tailored pants to match the base colour of the shirt.
Republic by Omar Farooq
https://instagram.com/p/9OeZyEAdQK/
Prints and colours are the fad now. Opt for contrasting tones for the blazer coat and a simple pocket square to finish the look. Remember to keep your shalwaar kameez one-tone so that it doesn't overpower the blazer.
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If you're not one to experiment with colours, you can easily stand out in a simple monotone sherwani with a printed design. Add a brooch to add extra zest.
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Pair the printed kameez with pants of the base colour -- you would want the kameez to be the centre of attention.
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Don’t be scared to go for embroidery, even if it's just on the collar and sleeves.
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A classic suit with bold pinstripes and buttons will help you steer away from the simple. Puff fold your pocket square to add drama to your suit.
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You can either choose subtle pastels for the tie so it doesn’t overpower the suit, or you go for a snazzy pattern to add drama.
https://instagram.com/p/9Xk98vgdfv/
Raise the bar and go for a three-piece. Muted patterned suit and waistcoat with a bright patterned tie stand out and look sophisticated yet noticeable.
https://instagram.com/p/9Vkmk0gdRT/
Go bold and have fun: Pair your suit with a patterned shirt, it will be all the drama you need without going over board.
https://instagram.com/p/7IFI-XgdZ2/
A three-piece tux always looks stylish and suave. You could experiment with the bow tie or you could simply make a statement and go for a patterned or coloured vest.
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