January 23, 2018

FOUR LOOKS: TWO BRANDS: ONE BRIDE

There is no denying that now we give more brownie points to ‘life experiences’ than ‘materialistic ownerships’. This conscious shift makes its presence felt in the new-age Indian Weddings as well. From the ‘big-fat’ style, brides prefer the ‘private-cosy’ destination weddings with just a handful of close ones. This has unquestionably changed the way these neo-brides would like to look and shop for their special day. The Midas-touch is being given a deliberate skip by many, who wish not to risk their ‘heirloom’ or ‘locker-pieces’ of jewellery and certainly not face questions at the customs clearance, while travelling to their destination wedding. These brides are all out to flaunt statement designer pieces, often made of silver, brass or metal alloys encrusted with semi-precious stones or enamelled. We explored some of the brands that are experimenting with unapologetically interesting jewellery that would help make you beat the cliché and probably tell your father that you could buy your own wedding jewellery! If that doesn’t make you feel accomplished already here’s some help. We suggest four looks, pulled up from two popular brands for the various events that add on to your big day.

If you are a rebel, but still retain some romantic charm, we suggest you scan through the edgy collection of Suhani Pitte. It has already earned a reputation with celebrities including Aishwariya, Sonakshi, Parineeti Chopra, Nargis Fakhri, and the very stylish Sonam Kapoor. What we heart is their new collection of oxidized silver range. So if you want to keep the look understated for your Mehendi, pick two of these neckpieces adorned with crystals and pearls: a perfect blend of the intrepid and conventional. For the neck, we suggest layering them using a string to elongate one. The collection also offers statement floral ear cuffs with green and red crystals, which can definitely make you walk the path less taken by usual brides.

And if gold is a must yet quirk is on the card, try their ‘Wedding Expression Collection’. It has interesting layered neckpieces, earring, handcuffs, kamarbandh, mangtika and ring that give you the complete new-age look. Greens and clear stones rule supreme beside gold – to give you that opulence you wish for. Here we picked the entire look, which you could just order online from their website. As far as quality goes, Suhani is enlisted amongst the top 10 most ingenious jewellery designers in the world by World Gold Council. Swarovski too did not miss to include her to create their collection to celebrate their decade-old presence in India.

Next on our list, comes Amrapali. While the brand has been a hot favourite with all ethnic jewellery lovers who swear by their traditional tribal line, what we suggest for the neo-bride brigade is their Manish Arora Collection. You can get them both online, at their official website or from their standalone shops in most malls. In Kolkata, you get them at Forum Courtyard. What swept us off our feet was definitely the red and pink hearts from the Crista Necklace that you can layer with Enta Necklace (small) and further heighten the drama around the neck with a longer Candy Collar Necklace, which is a single strand of bright pink hearts and small turquoise beads. For the ears, the long Ellio Earrings are a perfect pair. The Queen of Heart bangle or the Balco Hand Jewel does absolute justice while the Crista Belt with gold plated Swarovski crystals and heart charm hanging redefines the waistline of the bride. This collection would definitely woo the groom with so many hearts in pink all over the bride. Wear it for your reception or Sangeet.

And if there is a cocktail dinner where you meet the groom’s friends, why not shock them with a bold- warrior princess look? After all the wedding is no less than warfare! We suggest you pick large Celeste Necklace, which is a super play of enamelled detailing with embellished stones. The colour story in gold, black, and navy works a perfect symphony to invoke desire. Atria Earrings are a perfect match. Keep it simple with just the Astra Bangle and make you man guess what next? Though the practice of wearing hired fake jewellery is very common in northern states, these brands offer traditional lines as well that one can afford and also be safe while travelling abroad. So here’s to a worry-free but high on style ‘holiday’ called ‘wedding’.

All pictures sourced from official websites and digitally recreated.