A Rohit Bal design is the epitome of choice.
Indian bridal fashion boasts bold designs, from intricately designed lehengas to colourful sarees, rooted in the ethos of maximalism.
Traditionally, red symbolises prosperity and fertility for Indian brides, aligning with the significance of Mars in Hinduism.
However, modern Indian bridal designers have reinterpreted tradition, offering a spectrum of colours, from bright pinks to minty greens, along with simpler options.
Regardless of your preference, there’s always a remarkable design waiting for you.
To introduce you to the leading figures, we’ve curated a list of 15 Indian bridal designers, including globally recognised names and emerging talents, worth keeping an eye on.
Sabyasachi
Sabyasachi Mukherjee stands out as a preeminent figure in contemporary Indian bridal fashion.
He has earned the distinction of being celebrated as the designer of choice for numerous luminaries, including but not limited to Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra.
Renowned for his enduring and graceful creations, Sabyasachi’s designs are tailored to suit the sensibilities of the modern Indian bride.
His portfolio encompasses a wide spectrum of bridal styles, ranging from understated minimalism to opulent and dazzling ensembles, ensuring that every bridal preference finds a perfect match within his repertoire.
Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra has not only carved a prominent niche for himself within the bridal realm but has also left an indelible mark as a costume designer for countless Bollywood productions.
His ability to create show-stopping, fantastical designs is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
For those eager to feast their eyes on his resplendent bridal creations, the brand introduced a new Instagram account in 2021, @manishmalhotravows.
This account serves as a captivating showcase of brides and grooms adorning Manish Malhotra’s designs.
Malhotra’s creations are tailored for the confident bride who embraces the spotlight without hesitation.
Ritu Kumar
Renowned for seamlessly blending contemporary elements with traditional Indian craftsmanship, Ritu Kumar stands as a prominent figure in India’s fashion landscape.
The brand’s origins trace back to 1969, and since then, it has flourished with a presence in 93 stores across India.
In 2002, Ritu Kumar extended her creative reach by introducing a sub-brand, LABEL – Ritu Kumar.
Kumar’s creations have graced the illustrious forms of Indian luminaries, including Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, and Dia Mirza.
Her designs have also found favour with international celebrities like Princess Diana, Mischa Barton, and Anoushka Shankar.
Masaba Gupta
Masaba Gupta has consistently elevated the world of fashion with her distinctive touch, marked by whimsical prints, unconventional motifs, and unconventional silhouettes.
Her brainchild, House of Masaba, seamlessly fuses her Indian and Caribbean heritage to infuse a burst of vibrancy into the everyday mundane.
Gupta’s reputation extends beyond the realm of pop colours and edgy designs, as she has made a significant impact in the domain of festive and occasion wear as well.
Her bridal collection embodies sophistication, urbanity, and a distinct attitude that resonates strongly with modern brides.
Neeta Lulla
Neeta Lulla, a recipient of four National Film Awards for her remarkable creations, has achieved acclaim for her distinctive fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
She earned particular recognition for her work on the film Jodha Akbar.
Neeta Lulla’s true forte lies in crafting exquisite bridal trousseaus, a domain where her designs range from understated elegance to opulent grandeur.
Notably, Lulla is celebrated for her expertise in utilising the ancient Paithani tapestry technique.
This method interlaces various threads of diverse colours, integrating threads of gold and silver to weave together vibrant silk fabric, resulting in visually stunning creations.
Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre has not only established herself as a prominent figure in the bridal industry but has also left an indelible mark in today’s world of luxury fashion.
Beyond her fashion endeavours, Dongre places a strong emphasis on philanthropy, environmental consciousness, and local activism.
As the founder of The Anita Dongre Foundation, she is dedicated to providing employment opportunities and professional training to rural women, empowering them to excel in garment production.
Additionally, as an ardent environmentalist, Dongre’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her choice to craft her dresses without the use of fur or leather.
Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan, an Indian-American fashion designer based in New York City, embarked on his career journey at the young age of 20 as an apprentice to the renowned American designer Halston.
His inaugural collection graced the fashion scene in 2003, followed by the introduction of his bridal line in 2013.
Khan’s exquisite creations have adorned a constellation of A-list celebrities and dignitaries, including Beyonc?, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Rachel McAdams, and Michelle Obama among others.
His designs transcend geographical boundaries and are tailored to appeal to brides worldwide.
Payal Singhal
At the tender age of 15, Payal Singhal embarked on her remarkable career, with her designs gracing none other than the celebrated Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Born into a family deeply rooted in the garment industry, her choice of a career in fashion was not only natural but also a testament to her innate talent.
Having spent 17 years in the industry, Payal Singhal has firmly established herself as a luminary in contemporary Indian fashion.
She has garnered favour among Bollywood’s leading ladies, including Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, and Sonam Kapoor.
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani stands as a formidable figure in the world of fashion, boasting a string of accolades and an extensive presence with several stores across India.
His remarkable journey commenced with the co-founding of Ensemble, a luxury multi-brand designer store, alongside his wife, Sailaja Tahiliani.
This venture, characterised by a keen eye for exquisite design, set the stage for his illustrious career.
Following the resounding success of Ensemble, Tarun Tahiliani expanded his creative horizons by establishing the Tarun Tahiliani Design Studio in Delhi.
Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
With an illustrious 26-year tenure in the fashion industry, this dynamic designer-duo has solidified its status as one of India’s most highly coveted creators of bridal wear.
The Abu-Jaani wedding line has, for a considerable period, epitomised the essence of authentic Indian luxury.
These visionary designers are renowned for their unwavering commitment to excellence, as they exclusively enlist the finest karigars to meticulously craft their zardozi work on exquisite fabrics.
The result is a collection of unparalleled designer bridal lehengas, each a masterpiece in its own right.
House of Vian
House of Vian emerges as a distinguished accessories brand specializing in the artistry of crafting pure leather Juttis, Mojaris, wedges, and meticulously handcrafted clutches.
At the helm of this creative venture stands Drishti Mahajan, the brand’s founder and creative head, whose credentials include an alma mater status at FIDM California.
House of Vian’s creations are characterised by their vibrant hues and intricate beadwork, rendering them the perfect accompaniments for brides who exude a sense of fun and creativity.
Offering an extensive array of styles, the brand ensures that every bride discovers an accessory that harmonizes effortlessly with her unique style.
Anamika Khanna
Anamika Khanna stands as a rare visionary in the world of fashion, as she has entirely redefined the art of draping the traditional nine-yard saree.
She has earned the adoration of A-list Bollywood divas, who are captivated by her distinct and sophisticated creations.
Khanna has etched her name in the industry through her unique craftsmanship, which encompasses exquisite zardozi work, intricate golden embroidery and unconventional asymmetrical silhouettes.
Her design aesthetic has been aptly described as a fusion of tribal, funk, chic, elegance, and hipster, with touches of ruffles and whimsy.
Seema Gujral
In 1994, Seema Gujral embarked on her journey in the fashion industry, setting up her brand despite having no prior experience in the field.
Her determination and creative vision led to the establishment of her brand, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
In 2010, she reached a significant milestone by inaugurating her inaugural flagship store in Noida, a location that also houses the brand’s production facility.
Over the years, Seema Gujral’s designs have found their way into various prestigious Indian luxury retail platforms, such as Ogaan, Carma, Aza, Pernia, Ensemble, and many more.
Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal embarked on his fashion journey by venturing into traditional menswear, but over time, he expanded his creative horizons to encompass accessories and womenswear.
Renowned for his masterful incorporation of Peacock and Lotus motifs, Rohit Bal has earned the title of the “master of fantasy and fabric,” as bestowed upon him by Time Magazine.
For brides seeking to make a striking statement on their wedding day, a Rohit Bal design is the epitome of choice.
His creations are distinguished by their exquisite embroidery, influenced by the rich traditions of Kashmir, with the artist’s meticulous attention to even the minutest details.
Esha Koul
Esha Koul is a promising designer based in New Delhi, poised to make her mark in the fashion world.
She honed her skills during a four-year stint at the prestigious Pearl Academy of Fashion in New Delhi before taking the bold step of launching her eponymous label.
Koul’s distinctive style is characterised by her adept use of contemporary fabrics and infusion of modern accents.
Her designs exhibit a harmonious fusion of traditional Indian elements with influences drawn from the rich tapestry of Parisian and Grecian cultures.
Each designer has carved a niche in the industry, enriching the tapestry of Indian bridal wear with their distinct styles.
As brides embark on their journey toward their special day, they can take comfort in the knowledge that these designers stand ready to transform their dreams into reality.
In this world of bridal couture, the beauty lies not just in the garments but in the stories, cultures, and dreams they encapsulate.
Images courtesy of Instagram.