Here’s what’s trending in fashion this wedding season

At the beginning of the wedding season this year, Indian designers showcased a glittering line-up of Bollywood showstoppers and inclusive models on the ramp to give us a glimpse of 2023’s re-imagined fashion royalty. From saris with bespoke motifs paired with cape veils to lehengas with jackets that redefine bridal power — this year’s trends dare you to dream beyond the expected.

Quintessentially filmy

Presenting a fresh take on lavish peplums, slim skirts, jackets, and draped saris, Bollywood’s darling Manish Malhotra showcased a dramatic line of bridal lehengas, sparkling kurtas, and shararas at the recent Bridal Couture Show 2023-24 in Mumbai. The designer completed the look with extravagant trails, head veils, and statement blouses. The hand-embroidered pieces feature classic zardozi, aari, Kashmiri, thread-work, and taban techniques.

Dapper menswear

If modern brides are embracing unconventional colours, cuts, and styles for their big day, the grooms ought to match. Menswear designer Kunal Rawal, known for his futuristic designs, decided to pay homage to his homeland and crafted modern-day heirlooms for his latest couture collection. From intricate thread-dipped pieces and embroidery, to surface embellishments in the form of 3D motifs; the designer has a range of colours and clothing options for men’s formal wear that includes dhoti pants, quilted jackets, and layered sherwanis.

On the other hand, designer Tarun Tahiliani’s menswear line takes inspiration from the dramatic flair of the ‘90s. His couture line The New Man, part of his collection For Eternity, fuses innovative chikankari, Persian motifs, artful kashidakari, and Egyptian door influences. His collection features draped silhouettes, dhotis, re-imagined kurtas in structured fits, buttoned shirts, cummerbunds as belts, plunging cowl necklines, and open jackets, replacing conventional styles with a fusion of masculine flair, innovative tailoring, and sartorial drama.