allowing the couple to stand tall and embrace their true identity. For a Punjabi wedding, bright hues and Phulkari detailing merge with their signature cuts and drapes, bringing out the celebratory nature of the occasion. A Bengali wedding inspires deep hues of red and white, reminiscent of the traditional Tant Saree, gracefully draped into a saree gown with the quintessential Shantanu & Nikhil touch. Lastly, for a white wedding, they infuse Italy’s grandeur, drawing inspiration from Baroque architecture with maximalist elements such as ornate veils, lace, and pearl danglings, adding a royal yet elegant touch to the classic white bridal gown. Khushi Shah’s Shanti Banaras, renowned for its handcrafted silk, effortlessly interprets this textile into an array of cuts, colours, and textures for multicultural weddings. For a nikkah, a pastel-coloured silk sharara from Shanti Banaras offers an elegant and contemporary choice, allowing the bride to radiate grace and style. A classic red lehenga, another hallmark of Shanti Banaras, is the perfect embodiment of tradition and grandeur for a Punjabi wedding. For a Bengali wedding, a red and become the hallmark of this fusion. Designers have reimagined bridal attire for the phera ceremony, incorporating diverse cultural elements and colours that pay homage to both the bride and groom’s backgrounds. Giving us an appropriate example of a shift in traditions and wedding outfits, Mehta shared, “The concept of Mehendi functions has evolved significantly. Many brides today are averse to traditional mehendi or its smell. From the conventional approach to modern pool parties, sundowners, and boho-themed events, there’s room for experimentation. We’ve designed outfits for brides for all these diverse themes.” This shift in focus by Indian designers isn’t merely a trend rather a strong societal statement. It symbolizes a modern society that is breaking barriers, embracing diversity, and bridging the gaps between cultures. Multicultural wedding fashion proves love transcends borders, and in an increasingly interconnected world, our fashion choices can reflect the philosophy. Another aspect of this evolution is the breaking down of gender stereotypes in wedding fashion. Couples are challenging conventional norms, with brides opting for tailored suits and grooms choosing vibrant colours and intricate designs, pushing boundaries and reimagining wedding fashion. Shantanu and Nikhil feel that today’s couples, with diverse backgrounds and global experiences, seek weddings that reflect their unique stories. “Wedding fashion back in time was all about traditional Indian wedding attire for brides such as red lehengas and sarees and Grooms traditionally wore sherwanis or dhoti-kurta ensembles. Today, there’s a broader range of colours and styles, with many brides opting for pastel shades and fusion designs. Grooms also experiment with different styles, including Indo-Western outfits. Indian weddings and wedding fashion have evolved to blend tradition and modernity. Couples prefer creating unique and personalized celebrations that are authentic to their individual tastes and preferences.” Designer and their dream multicultural wedding couture Shantanu and Nikhil’s vision extends to designing for diverse wedding traditions. They understand the importance of crafting ensembles that reflect the uniqueness of each wedding. For a queer wedding, they envision strong silhouettes and broad shoulder detailing, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jona wedding Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar, Bengali wedding Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar, Bengali wedding Queer Wedding Outfits By Gaurav Gupta Made In Heaven Season 2. Shantnu and Nikhil, Veils 56|LUXEBOOK|OCTOBER 2023 OCTOBER 2023 |LUXEBOOK|57
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