Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i Brides Today

I am a huge believer in unconditional love, one without the prejudice of boundaries, genders, race, or colour. And, in most cases, it all begins with the first glance. There’s something really special about falling head over heels for someone the first time you see them. And that special feeling is what we’re seeking to achieve with an exclusive first look at the couture collections of India’s finest designers. Joining us in the celebrations are haute couture’s biggest names from Paris—all carried off by India’s biggest face abroad, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The cover story with the actor takes us on a journey of Parisian romance and explores the woman behind the megastar. And as far as celebrations go, we are still reeling from the revelry of France’s win over Croatia…

1 ARTISTIC LICENSE 2 PURE INDULGENCE Make a grand entry in the Bentley Bentayga V8, a car that is setting the benchmark for luxury SUVs. At the heart of the latest Bentayga model is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with immense power and impressive fuel efficiency. The V8 also comes in a diesel version. 3 #YESTO LOVE Latique recently launched its store at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, exhibiting a range of jewellery designed and crafted with the most precious gems. The store caters to all your wedding shopping needs. 4 NATURE’S SPLENDOUR Pankhuri Jain’s 2018 collection (top) spotlights flowy silhouettes for different occasions. The colour palette features hues of blues, magentas, and emerald greens. Jyoti Sachdev’s collection ‘Evolution’ is a rich mix of European architecture and Indian textiles. 5…

Couture in the Indian scenario is more than just another representation of superlative degrees of craftsmanship, strewn in with the finest fabrics and embroideries that the country offers. It is a direct reflection of the reservoir of dreams and hopes harboured by billions of Indians; a connector between the heritage and the contemporary, the indigenous and the global. And last but not the least, a platform bridging the gap between dreams and reality. And what is couture if it can’t be worn on your big day? Indian bridal couture is synonymous with booming businesses, remarkable press coverage, and a mammoth scope to showcase the finest of Indian designers and fresh talents. FDCI’s ICW ’18 marks the onset of the big Indian wedding season, where designers gear up to display unrivalled…

The renowned legacy of the quaint landscapes and grand chateaus of the city of Versailles makes for a befitting French backdrop for couturier duo Shyamal & Bhumika’s ICW ’18 collection. The mood of the collection predominantly captures romance in all its glory while manifesting an ode to Indian handicrafts and hand skills that fittingly mirror our culture, passion, and the arduous hours dedicated to each of the pieces. The heavy influence of royalty in the overall look and feel of the collection makes “Indian and European palaces, the ideal location for a regal destination wedding,” say the star designers, “wherein the bride, groom, and their family members can dress up and play the royals”. Accommodating a broad selection of vintage and jewel-tones like mustard, teal, ink blue, and blood red,…

Couturier Suneet Varma’s ICW ’18 collection, ‘Naintara’, is a theatrical-yet-modern celebration of the new-age Indian bride—a confident and self-reliant woman, who doesn’t just dwell in the present; but is rather appreciative of history and culture, has a passionate fondness for traditional silhouettes, and a keen eye for details. She is highly perceptive of the lingering romance of Indian couture, painstakingly crafted to perfection. A glorious concoction of traditional motifs and patterns, vibrant colours, and a myriad of abstract artworks, the collection is given a heritage boost by the age-old hand crafts of India that contribute cultural richness to it. Arising from the designer’s belief that fashion is the politest way of talking about sex, the abundance of sheer, lucid fabrics coupled with the ever-so-delicate placement of embellishments, drapes, and unexpected…

Extracting core sartorial influences from one of the most dramatic eras of English fashion—the Victorian Era, costume designer Anju Modi gives us ‘A Maiden’s Prayer’, a collection truly worth coveting. Known for her penchant for period fashion, her creations are a diverse mix of experimental textiles and ingenious techniques, rolled into brilliant avant-garde pieces; each more wondrous than the other. Inspired by trends hailing from the rule of Queen Victoria in Britain in the 1830s—a marker of distinct prowess in art, architecture, literature, music, and fashion, the couture collection is a culmination of exaggerated cuts, intricate embroidery, and vast expanses of fine, fluid fabric effortlessly crafted into splendid works of art. Flouncy sleeves, cinched waistlines, extravagant collars, and superfluous hairdos give way to grandiose silhouettes with an aura of elegance,…

Touted as the rising star of haute couture, modest beginnings weren’t a thing for Montreal-based fashion designer, Antonio Ortega. Having stumbled upon a knack for fashion at the tender age of eight, he started giving wings to his creative abilities ever since. “I realised I had something special; like it was always in my blood,” he says, smiling. Harnessing this artistic proficiency, he channelled it as a way of self-expression—baring his soul to the world through his gift of constructing unique 3D structures. Hailing from Morelia in central Mexico, Ortega immersed himself in the inexplicable charm of the 18th-century buildings lining the streets of the colonial capital, built from a distinctive pink stone; a distant echo of the allure of our Pink City. “The beauty that surrounded me; the meticulous…

COLOUR DE-CODE The newest collection from KIKO Milano boasts of bright packaging and fun colours. With a range of eyeshadows, highlighters, eyeliners, mascaras, and lip and cheek stains, the range promises to meet all your vanity kit expectations on your honeymoon. THE PORE STORY A newly launched skincare brand by ITC, Dermafique has a bunch of promising products on offer. Our pick of the lot is the Cell By Cell Toner, which restores the pH balance of one’s skin while ensuring that your pores are tight, clean, and barely visible. DIALF FOR FUN! Korean brand Innisfree recently re-launched its Eco-Handkerchief campaign with a range of products including masks, serums, and creams in illustrated packaging. The Green Tea Seed Cream makes a much-awaited comeback. VIVID IMAGINATION Colorbar’s new limited edition collection…

Devika Sakhuja is no ordinary wedding designer. While most designers will conceptualise the wedding décor, Sakhuja and her team start with the design and end with the execution of your vision—from start to finish. From invitations to flowers, everything you could possibly need at your wedding, Sakhuja will ensure everything is perfect. WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN YOU’RE DESIGNING A WEDDING? It isn’t one thing, but a lot of things put together. The couples themselves, their families, the energy we are feeling, and the mood and the vibe that is being created. All this, along with my young and enthusiastic team, inspires me to put together the latest trends and the age-old fashion, to create something one of a kind. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF A WEDDING? Apart from the…

“Couples setting up their first home should keep it simple, classic, and not mix too many styles together.” gauri Khan’s design journey began long before she started Gauri Khan Designs. Creativity was a part of who she was, leading her to the decision to study art and history in college. It was after she renovated Mannat, her home, that people noticed her keen eye for detail and stunning interior design, and her ability to make each space look like no other. Approached for a few projects, Khan realised she enjoyed them, and thus began Gauri Khan Designs. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PROCESS? It always begins with the client’s brief for the space. They are going to use it, so it starts with understanding their vision, and the design direction evolves…

Q: What are the trends the beauty industry is obsessing over? For something to become a trend, it must be accepted and adopted by people at large. I feel every trend is justified because there’s a reason for its popularity. The current makeup trends include bright, shimmery eyeshadows, glittery eyelids, colourful eyelashes, thick brows, metallic lips, and the glass-skin look. Q: Is there one product that you can’t live without? Definitely, eye shadows! They can replace many cosmetics, blushes, illuminators etc. and your creativity is the limit on how best to use them to enhance your look. Q: Makeup tips for brides this fall season. Brides, today, love experimenting with makeup and there is so much to choose from. One can opt for an au naturale look, a softer makeup…

Lydia Courteille started her career practising biochemistry at a hospital but her heart was elsewhere. A chance meeting with some friends involved in the jewellery business led her to study gemology and antiques. Her love for antique jewellery made her an expert in the field, eventually culminating into her creating her own pieces. Thus was born the gorgeous, Paris-based jewellery brand Lydia Courteille. It all began with Courteille designing large Art Deco pieces and, over the course of the last three decades, her style has evolved to form collections with different stories to tell. Her keen knack for unusual stones doubled with her inspiring stories of travel have given us collections like Sahara, Rainbow Warrior Prophecy, and Queen of Sheba. However, in an exclusive interview with Brides Today, Courteille takes…

A glimmering sea of florals and feather-light drapes mark Tarun Tahiliani’s collection, conjuring up the image of the mythical paradise of Elysium in our minds. Contrasting iconic European tailoring against traditional Indian silhouettes and embroideries, the collection is a refined representation of modern Indian aesthetics; one that takes pride in directing heritage styles to a modern future. Featuring an array of soft neutrals and dull pastels, the delicacy of the gossamer-enveloped creations is epitomised by the intricate craftsmanship and structural engineering of fine sheer fabric in multiple weightless layers and creases. Opals and glittering Swarovski embellishments are etched into infinite swathes of lace, Italian mulle, French lamé, and sheer silk. Along with traditional hand-embroidery techniques of chikankari, zardozi, ari, gota-patti, and shadow-work, the luxurious embellishments add luminosity to the creations,…

Bringing to the plate a playful labyrinth of angular geometrics and rhythmic arabesque patterns, awardwinning fashion designer Rahul Mishra’s couture showcase is a union of aesthetically picturesque motifs and patterns juxtaposed in a way that dispels chaos despite the variety of elements. A visual dictionary borrowing from the ornate designs of Mughal art and architecture, the collection features an array of complex patterns in varying degrees of intricacy, romancing illustrated vegetal motifs of blooms and foliage. Intermingling patterns of chevron and spandrel interspersed on the mesmerising creations are reminiscent of the architectural décor that thrived during the culturallyrich Mughal era. From the soft pinks and dull yellows of the blossoms, to the greens and browns of the vegetation, and the brilliant blues of the peacocks—the collection boasts of a broad…

An artistic celebration of the extensive world of peculiar and fanciful flora and their unfathomable beauty, ‘Once Upon a Dream’ by couture virtuoso Reynu Taandon tells the tale of the playful coalescence of delicate florals and soft pastels with exquisite detailing and skilled artisanship. Arousing an ambience of calm, the soothing colour palette is a filtered take on the simplicity of nature. Primarily rooted in contemporary times, the collection fits the wardrobe of the modern Indian bride who welcomes with open arms, modern, minimalistic fashion with a classic spin. Sophisticated hues of pastel and the generous display of intricate hand-done embroidery heighten the elegance of the designs and make the collection appropriate for “a destination wedding in South of France”. Meticulous sequin work embroidery done on fine fabrics in opulent…

Bringing to prominence the medley between the queen of the French capital and the grand palace of Junagarh in Rajasthan, Falguni Shane Peacock’s collection, ‘Amour De Junagarh’ pays homage to a Parisian queen, who was besotted with the creative display of colours. The Peacocks’ affair with the city of eternal love stretches to the extent of Paris being chosen as “the ideal location for a destination wedding”. The collection takes us on a visionary tour of Juna Mahal, where a kaleidoscopic carousel creates a beautiful interplay of light and shade on the assembly of exotic creatures, including a peacock in the hall. Every minute detail from that scene is translated into a visionary saga of love, channeling the very spirit of the tropical mela. Although innovative in terms of the…

As we grow up, we all have a vision of our ideal wardrobe—rows of beautiful handbags and shoes perched upon delicate marble. Such was the dream of accessory designer Charlotte Olympia. She was born in Cape Town and moved to London in her early years along with her mother, to whom she attributes her taste and sensibilities. A famous Brazilian model, Olympia describes her mother’s wardrobe as the “rival to any coveted closet.” “My mother has always enjoyed dressing up and that is something that I have imbibed from her,” she adds. In pursuit of her dreams, Olympia signed up for a foundation course at the London College Of Fashion. “My tutor suggested I specialised in footwear and accessories because I would design outfits, complete with a shoe, bag, and…

Friends who turned into lovers—a tale as old as time. For Shriya and Anindith, however, this story was far from cliché. The two grew up together, in the same school, from the fifth grade to college. In fact, Shriya recollects, “He was my first boyfriend back in school!” The two went their separate ways once college began, with Shriya going to Parsons School of Design New York and Anindith attending the University of Michigan, but fate brought them back together the previous summer, and their love blossomed once again. “I have known Anindith all my life. It’s, literally, like I’m marrying my best friend, so there are definitely no jitters,” smiles Shriya. This is not a couple given to outward shows of love—it’s a quieter bond one spots in small,…

On a hot summer day in Paris, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walked into Hotel Raphael as a skittish fashion team prepared for a long day ahead. There was constant commotion in the streets that day as revelers looked for bars and pubs to watch France advance to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2018. Dressed in a demure black dress accessorised with oversized sunglasses, Rai Bachchan was the epitome of poise. Her radiant smile and calm demeanour instantly eased the nerves in the room and, in a short while, we were clicking some of the first shots of this photoshoot. She would smile every time the photographer asked her to change angles, confident of the light catching her sharp features and self-asssured that every outfit we asked her to wear…

Who doesn’t know Paris? The capital of France is a hub of haute couture, hip cafes and bars, trademark boulevards, and starry dining destinations. The French love fashion and food, not to say anything about their dramatic display of love and an immense appetite for cinema. The 19th-century cityscape of Paris is cut through by the Seine river, while the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris adds an imposing aura to the city. Raise a toast to the love of your life as you walk past the glittering array of designer showrooms—some of the world’s most covetable labels—lined along the iconic Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. We take you on a journey of romance in The City of Lights and chart a proposal trail along its illuminated lanes and bridges. 1…

Q: What is the ideal location for your dream wedding? If I had to choose, it has to be somewhere by the beach. I would definitely choose an island, maybe somewhere in Spain. Q: What will the décor be like? The décor will be very floral, since I love flowers and bright colours. I need everything to look very classic, and something with Victorian influences would be nice. Q: What kind of food would you like at your wedding? My palate is influenced by global cuisines, so I want a good mix of Oriental, Italian, Japanese, and contemporary Indian cuisine. Q: What would you like to wear? I’m very partial to an Indian traditional look for my wedding, and for jewellery, I would stick to polki and temple jewellery. Q:…

“The idea of youth is important, because I have a very young audience. They give a new attitude to haute couture—or at least to my eyes.”- GIAMBATTISTA VALLI “Couture, following society’s evolution, changes and depicts the face of the spirit of people from different eras.”- GUO PEI FINE ARCHITECTURE Chinese couturier Guo Pei has a fascination for alternating between fantasy and reality. At a time when commercial realities are abounding, even in couture, Pei’s approach to creation is deliciously extravagant. Within the vast galleries of Cité de l’Architecture, life-sized installations of Romanesque, Gothic, and Neoclassic moulds were created to complement her dialogue between the human body and spatial dimensions. Many of her designs were embroidered with threedimensional elements like vaulted pannier skirts, arched necklines, and standout filigree structures. Through her…

The very soul of couture lies in its larger-than-life existence. Basing his collection on this theory, celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal gives us a couture selection that traverses the boundaries of modernism and Indian heritage efficiently. Skillful artisanship, exquisite hand-done embroideries intricately worked into sublime fabrics, and a horizon of aristocratic hues to choose from—the collection showcases the grand celebration of Indian culture and tradition in all its admiration. An irrefutable love for vivid colours is another latent theme for the collection. Abstracting influences from his birthplace, the breathtaking beauty of Srinagar in present-day Jammu and Kashmir, the designer presents a miscellany of flowers that royally grace the luxe yards of velvet and other lavish fabrics used. A bounty of sunflowers featured in his creations calls for a special mention,…

Titled ‘Crystalis’, Amit Aggarwal’s FDCI’s ICW ’18 collection draws inspiration from two of the most astounding phenomena of nature—the awe-inspiring formation of crystals at a molecular level and the enveloping of the lustrous chrysalis around the cocoon of a butterfly. A combination of the words ‘crystal’ and ‘chrysalis’, the line is an obvious extension of the label’s vision of seamlessly harnessing the rich textile heritage of India and effortlessly fusing it with their commitment to environmental sustainability. The formation of crystals is a direct echo of the label’s design process. The basic form and texture of the elements are sharp and angular with a beautiful crystalline appearance—a fitting reflection of their prime source of inspiration. The shiny chrysalis around the cocoon majorly influences the collection artistically. The fluidity of the…

Taking a walk down memory lane, designer Pallavi Jaikishan’s ‘Nostalgia’ reconceives her timeless designs, giving them a modern-day punch to appeal to the woman of today. Showcasing her iconic, two-decade old chakra design and signature French-knot flowers in fresh, new avatars, the collection presents her old classics in a contemporary rendition. The riotous expanses of tulle, georgette, and Duchess satin, uphold the classic, old-world charm of dainty, translucent fabrics. French lamé, Italian and French Brocade, and tissue bestow beautiful soft pleats on embroidered lehengas, dupattas, and blouses. The fragility of Jaikishan’s couture assortment matches “the majestic palaces and beautiful gardens of Vienna, where various wedding functions could be held”. From voluptuous four-circle ghagras, to slim lehenga skirts with matching blouses, delicate shararas, and a wide range of embroidered saris—the collection…

My ethos for Mulberry is to keep its Britishness, protect its heritage, and progress with modernity. Founded in 1971 by entrepreneur Roger Saul, heritage brand and luxury leather label, Mulberry has a rich history of craftsmanship. Over the years, it has become synonymous with British cool girls, from Alexa Chung (who collaborated with the brand on the famous ‘Alexa’ bag) to Kate Moss. With plenty of iconic styles, the ‘Bayswater’ was (and continues to remain) one of the ‘It’ bags of the early 2000s. And, since creative director and Céline alumni Johnny Coca took over the helm, he has quietly but surely reinvigorated the house with a bold, new flavour. Coca’s passion for art and design, led him to study at the École Boulle in Paris, France, where he was…

Somewhere between classic symbolism and the romantic pursuit of the ideal of beauty, Tulika Bhatnagar created her interior design label Parrot & Lily. With her influences ranging from ancient Baroque and Rococo art movements, each piece of furniture comes with an interesting story to tell. HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY IN INTERIOR DESIGN START? To be honest, I dread the trite. When I set out to do my home, almost everything that I could find was, in my opinion, a bad copy of how it should be. That’s exactly when I set my workshop up. PARROT & LILY IS A VERY UNIQUE NAME. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH IT? I have to admit that wine is a great provocateur of thoughts. It was the first name that came to me…

ISLAND FEVER IN CROATIA One of the top emerging European destinations of 2018, Croatia brings forth a rich history, secluded beaches, riveting rivers, postcard-worthy mountains, and a gamut of popular festivals. City spots such as Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar offer Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian monuments. Sports enthusiasts can opt for one of the several modern resorts dotting the Dalmatian islands and choose from activities like rock climbing, sea kayaking, and mountain biking. SEE From feasting your eyes on the beaches in Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Seminyak to indulging in a pre-wedding shoot amidst the rice terraces of Ubud—options galore for your Balinese wedding getaway. The attractions in this temple-dominated and art-rich spot are Tanah Lot Temple, Besakih Temple, Ubud art market, and more. WELLNESS IN BALI Say “I…

# 2Divine by Dimple Nahar Mumbai (23672948) A A by Amara at www.Amara.com ABBEYHORN at www.MrPorter.com Abraham & Thakore Delhi (41552540) Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Delhi (46040757) Address Home Delhi (41719292) Afloral at www.Afloral.com Agent Provocateur at www.AgentProvocateur.com Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Gorakhpur (18001201299) Alex Davis Studio at www.TheHouseOfThings.com Alexander McQueen at www.AlexanderMcQueen.com Alexander Wang at www.Net-A-Porter.com Alexis Mabille at www.AlexisMabille.com AMARIS – Jewels by Prerna Rajpal Delhi (41095655) Amit Aggarwal Delhi (9899323789) Amrapali Delhi (9811740900) Anamika Khanna Delhi (9360337744) Anand Kabra at www.PerniasPopUpShop.com Anantaya at www.TheHouseOfThings.com Anderson & Sheppard at www.MrPorter.com Anita Dongre Delhi (9205747355) Anju Modi Delhi (49072172) Anmol Jewellers Mumbai (61333444) Ansavv Delhi (7011619996) Antar-Agni by Ujjawal Dubey Noida (4157575) AQUAZZURA at www.Aquazzura.com Art Karat Delhi (49050805) Arteriors at www.NeimanMarcus.com Arthur Price at www.ArgentorSilver.com ASHI Studio at www.AshiStudio.com Atsu at www.PerniasPopUpShop.com Audemars Piguet at Kapoor Watch Co. Delhi (46767777) B Balenciaga at www.Balenciaga.com Bally…