Gowning glory of Indian damsels

 Weddings are culture specific in terms of even the tiniest of details, but one aspect that simply remains constant is the fact that every bride strives for that perfect look.

More so in this day and age when fashion dictates the terms and the wardrobe for a wedding is increasingly chic, and leaning towards a more global look. 

Graceful gowns and fairy-tale dresses are what brides are favouring lately in India, partly influenced by celebrities who have heavily contributed in making the gown what it is today.

Irrespective of religions or ceremonies, brides are increasingly opting for a custom made bridal dress, most often for a pre-wedding ceremony or for the celebratory party after the formal rites, in the case of non-Christian weddings.

Talking of this trend, Sanjana Ratnam Blades, ace fashion designer and owner of the boutique, ‘Trousseau by Sanjanna( No Ordinary Bride) says, “ Girls are fashion conscious, physically fit, and willing to experiment today.

Across cultures, the gown is becoming increasingly popular. Brides opt for custom made gowns that bring out the best in them and fuse Indian elements like bright colours or heavy work, thus embracing an Indo-Western look.”

Dazzling hand-made gold embroidery, bright hues or a dressy, ethnic bolero jacket on an otherwise strapless gown are some Indian favorites that are used to jazz up this originally western attire.

Besides, the cuts, fits, lace insets, romanticised sleeves the skirts get treated specifically, depending on how a bride wants it to swirl around her.

Alisha, who wore a blue gown for her wedding says; “Colours and heavy work on gowns are a great way to explore a contemporary bridal look. Many brides borrow designs from saris and incorporate it into gowns or get a ghagra-choli made into a gown. The idea here is that of the long flowing outfit, while its form largely depends on the ceremonies involved.”

A common notion is that gowns are seemingly less pompous in comparison to a typical Indian outfit; therefore it tends to be treated as a casual outfit rather than the wedding outfit. But this notion is a rapidly changing, as Sanjana says, “Many brides come looking for something Indian and end up opting for a gown because they are unaware of the fact that gowns have so many distinct choices.

A custom made well-crafted dress is like none other, be it in terms of grandeur or style. Brides are increasingly learning this fact and therefore the market for designer bridal dresses are on a rise.”

Smriti Rana, a bride who opted for a gown says, “The whole experience of wearing a gown was lovely, owing to the fact that it never fails to look refreshing. As impeccable expertise in making them and intricate detailing are on the rise, brides are tempted to flaunt an elegant dress, instead of customary ethnic one.”

Multi-faceted yet ubiquitous, the gowns have their own new identity, embracing glamour, grace and charm, all of which are bridal staples. Sanjana sums it up, “Dresses are gaining popularity because the long felt need for perfecting the art of making them is only recently made accessible to brides in India.

This trend is definitely here to say and grow.”

Next time you find yourself gaping in surprise at a bridal dress, at a relatives wedding, don’t be.The demand is rapidly growing as most young women today sport a globalised look, and happily for them parents are willing to let them indulge in their fancies.