Aashni + Co Bride_IssueNo1 by Aashni + Co

BRIDE ISSUE NO 1

EDITOR’S NOTE

ow more than ever, Indian design appeals to those beyond the nation’s geographic borders. The Aashni + Co woman craves for key pieces and Indian Fashion Houses this season and going forward will continue to offer her wardrobe essentials as much as couture archival pieces that quite simply — work. The brick and mortar Aashni + Co store was established in 2012 in the heart of Notting Hill, London. It was built on the sole foundation of providing a platform to promote beautiful designs across these borders. In our first issue The Look-book Spy (page 18) is a celebration of these creative talents. Focussing on our in-store anchors, the feature is a low-down on the current inspirations and designer insights for the bride this season. Also giving a bride The Perfect Plan, on page 46 we speak to the author of bridal bestseller The Wedding Bible, creator of the Ultimate Wedding App and the most sought after Wedding planner and designer — Sarah Haywood. She reveals her ‘Big Five’ for a bride to-be. “To be married again!” the brides of yesterday may scream. Not, we must add for a marital escape; but a journey back into one of the most beautiful and glamorous times of a woman’s life.

Aashni Shah, Editor-in-Chief

CONTENTS 6.

THE STYLE EDIT

44. FOREVER THE BRIDESMAID

This season’s top trends unpicked.

14. JEWELLERY: POWER DETAILING

All the looks you need to know about for the bridesmaid this season.

46. THE PERFECT PLAN: SARAH

A spotlight on those all important finishing touches.

HAYWOOD WEDDING DESIGN

16. WAR OF THE ROSES: THE

WHITE BRIDE

The woman behind The Wedding Bible tells us how a bride can make it all come together.

De-mystifying the colour every Indian bride shys away from.

48. AASHNI + CO: REAL BRIDE

18. THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

The collections examined — the nitty gritty from each designer.

Words from in-store bridal alumni.

52. STORE: BRIDAL BLISS

Experience being a bride with Aashni + Co.

AASHNI + CO BRIDE Editor-in-Chief Aashni Shah Fashion Features and Senior Editor - Liam O’Connor Art Editor - Simon Santhanam Features Assistant - Slikha Sidhu Look-book Spy

Image Contributors

Photography - Peter Fingleton Model - Lauren B, Lenis Model Management Hair - Patrick Forini, Make-up - Emily Bilverstone, Shoot Asisstant - Rochelle Penfield Location - Beach Blanket Babylon, Notting Hill

Nidhi Agarwal Zarine Bajaj Hema Kumar Param Sahib Prernaa Lohiya Priyanka Kapoor Ipshita Barua Fashion Design Council of India Lakmé Fashion Week Amrapali Vasundhara

THE STYLE EDIT

RUNAWAY: The RESORT Bride

Lighter pieces cut on clean silhouettes are perfect for the bride who chooses a resort wedding. Opting for simplistic chic, she finds bridal drama in particular touches rather than in excessive detail or work. Gaurav Gupta’s signature pre-pleated saris and sultry anarkalis on chiffon and georgette have become a go-to for the resort bride. Anamika Khanna’s separates provide function for the bride who needs to travel. Designers have become more conscious of this bride and offered fluid bridal ‘looks’ that are accessible wherever she decides to marry. The Aashni + Co Bride: Real Stories on page 48 suggest that the resort wedding is hot property. Just leave a little room for us in the suitcase.

THE

TARUN TAHILIANI

STYLE EDIT

The Indian bride is built on tradition and an inherited aesthetic. Current couture collections have made these sentiments accessible to the bride in the here-and-now. The Style Edit highlights the key trends for this bridal season, exploring where and who a bride should look to for the designs that are right for her. It also gives her a chance to play with alter ego. Let’ call her the bridal warrior.

Gaurav

ANAMIKA KHANNA Sabyasachi

SABYASACHI

ANAMIKA KHANNA

GAURAV GUPTA

THE STYLE EDIT

OLD AGE ROMANCE:

STEP INTO GRACE:

The HERITAGE Bride

The ETHEREAL Bride

‘Heritage’ was a unanimous feature on the couture catwalks and current bridal collections breathe deep nostalgia. From Sabyasachi’s 1920s influences and Manish Malhotra’s 1930s inspired offering, we see a real homage to old age craft. Take note of the jewel tones and golden hues that indulge in real regal reference. Throughout the collections an array of zardozi and thread-work on velvet, silk and net provide luxury with an antique twist. Look to Tarun Tahiliani and Anamika Khanna to find the past married to modern-age. The Heritage Bride balances this wealth of influence with her perspective of today; she has sartorial style.

Even the more elaborate collections of the season leave room for understated glamour. Shades of ivory at Sabyasachi reign supreme whilst the full length sashay at Anamika Khanna is completely sublime. Dreamy pastels at Tarun Tahiliani and spider-web lace at Gaurav Gupta realise what is usually reserved for the fiction of fairy-tale princesses. But do not be fooled; understated is not devoid of drama. Rather it is concealed in the intricacies of work and the dancing of asymmetric hems. The Ethereal Bride wears her beauty with dignity and her intrigue with celestial charm. ANAMIKA KHANNA

GAURAV GUPTA

MANISH MALHOTRA

SABYASACHI SABYASACHI

MANISH MALHOTRA

ANAMIKA KHANNA

Anamika TARUN TAHILIANI

TARUN TAHILIANI

SABYASACHI

TARUN TAHILIANI MANISH MALHOTRA

THE STYLE EDIT

PARADISE FOUND:

CUTTING EDGE:

The BOHEMIAN Bride

The CONTEMPORARY Bride

This couture season teases with the unconventional. Popping appliqué meets tropical colour at Manish Arora whilst Anamika Khanna’s multi-dimensional flair provides a window into otherworldly mystique. Majestic florals cut on military lines at Sabyasachi flirt with androgyny whilst Tarun Tahiliani invites us on a journey into the exotic. The Bohemian Bride is uncontrived and delves into the unexpected. Designed to marry character with clothes — these picks result in a truly magical spectacle. Every bride knows that no wedding is complete without that magic.

TARUN TAHILIANI

This season’s collections continue to prove Indian fashion as directional and dynamic. They are a true match for their greatest admirer; today’s bride to-be. She is influenced by a medley of cultural tradition, character and her existence in the 21st Century. With experimental structure and shape being intrinsic to contemporary pieces, couture craft makes this fashion forward detailing what it needs to be: wearable. Notably, Gaurav Gupta’s avant-garde pieces prove that function is compatible with progressive design. Drape-saris from Anamika Khanna combine an Indian bride’s staple with ease of wear, whilst Manish Arora’s kaleidoscopic lens spurs this bride’s evolution. The Contemporary Bride is ambitious and excited by the ‘new’. She is the bridal warrior. MANISH MALHOTRA

MANISH MALHOTRA

ANAMIKA KHANNA MANISH MALHOTRA

MANISH ARORA SABYASACHI

ANAMIKA KHANNA

MANISH ARORA

SABYASACHI

ANAMIKA KHANNA SABYASACHI

GAURAV GUPTA

SABYASACHI

THE STYLE EDIT

HIGH OCTANE:

BRIDAL TRIBES

WHICH BRIDE ARE YOU?

The BOLLYWOOD Bride

The Indian bride is synonymous with powerful impact and statement. She is a decadent tour de force. Luminescent effects at Gaurav Gupta cast a dazzling spell of beauty whilst voluminous peacock-coloured lehenga skirts at Tarun Tahiliani carry serious ‘wow’ factor. Heavy zardozi glistens in Manish Malhotra’s collection and hypnotic hues at Manish Arora catapult a bride to red-carpet status. The Bollywood Bride is confident and unapologetic about it. The lesson; Indian flamboyance and elegance can play in harmony. The bride; a starlet. The wedding; a feast for the eyes. TARUN TAHILIANI

Location, location, location. You’ll be getting married;

On the weekends, you and the hubby can be found :

a) In a big hotel or an upscale countryside estate. b) Somewhere with pearly sands and an ocean backdrop. My passport is at the ready... c) In a church / temple. The most important thing for me is to respect the sanctity of the occasion. d) Somewhere with a blank canvas like an industrial space where I can make my own mark in choice of decor.

a) At art galleries and restaurant openings. b) Doing couples yoga. c) On romantic dates at your favourite little bistro. d) At the office.

Your wardrobe is primarily…

a) Red and Navy b) Prints When it comes to the ceremony, the options c) Pristine whites and feminine florals are unlimited. Which of these kinds of ceremony d) Black and Gold seems right for you?

a) Religious and traditional. b) Non-denominational, with aspects of tradition; I’m not overly religious. c) Personal, unique, off-beat, and possibly interfaith or intercultural. d) Simple, short and sweet. We’ll Say “I Do” and be done.

MANISH MALHOTRA

MANISH ARORA

MANISH MALHOTRA

When it comes to the food at your wedding, you’d like: a) To be served by waiters dressed in heritage wardrobe — I like the ethnic touch. b) A fabulous buffet and a delightful Viennese table for dessert. c) An elegant sit-down dinner, preceded by a cocktail hour featuring a selection of personally chosen canapés. d) I’ll be eating at my favorite restaurant.

How many people are coming to the wedding?   a) 500+. Big, grand and glamorous. b) 50-100. I want my husband and I to have our friends and family there to see how happy we are. c) 100-200. Enough for a great party. Not so many that I get overwhelmed. d) Less than 50. I want it all quite low-key.

Mostlya)The Heritage Bride / The Bollywood Bride b)The Bohemian Bride / The Resort Bride c)The Ethereal Bride d)The Contemporary Bride

JEWELLERY

POWER DETAILING

n Indian bride’s jewellery is steeped in as much tradition as her outfit. Often the grand ceremonial pieces are family heirlooms, inherited by a bride as she celebrates one of the most poignant moments in her life. With a medley of functions and a bridal trousseau to be acquired, a bride must search for sets and individual pieces to accompany not only aspects of her wedding wardrobe, but those that will be cherished and called upon during married life. Here is the Aashni + Co Bride hot-list from three of our designers for the season.

Amrapali Amrapali’s precious sets are part of every bride’s ultimate jewellery lust list. The lighter luxe, go-to pieces have become the more widely accessible styles from the design house. Predominantly seen on enamel for a more contemporary feel, an experimental take on rings, drop earrings and bangles in particular have proved popular with the creative set. The Contemporary, Bohemian and Bollywood brides are sure to find pieces here. Manish Arora’s collaboration with Amrapali lends a directional take on the powerhouse jeweller’s aesthetic. Pops of colour are seen in a dizzying combination of gems and dip-tipped accents.

Vasundhara Fusing art and craft in her work, Vasundhara stays true to the traditional elements of Indian jewellery. Semi-precious stones, gems, zircons, polkis and pearl detailing is finished by hand. This gives the collection a glamorous vibe that is fused with delicate charm. For the Heritage and Ethereal brides, this is where to look.

Suhani Pittie Contemporary designs with a vintage feel have made Suhani Pittie a staple amongst the red carpet elite. Her aesthetic is clean and far removed from the clutter that can often fill a bridal jewellery box. Gold takes prominence in dramatic neck-pieces, drop earrings and bracelets. So impressive, some of her pieces could be mistaken for a warrior’s armour when Pittie embraces ‘statement’ uninhibited. Providing the jewellery for her sister Anamika Khanna’s couture week show confirms her as a match for the free-spirited bride. The Resort, Ethereal and Contemporary brides should focus their search here.

FEATURE

WAR of the ROSES The WHITE Bride

s a bride to-be plans her wedding she begins to realise that happily ever after. Whilst taking her steps into the future she holds up a looking glass not only at her present but her past. Her dreams for a wedding are bound in multiple influences; perhaps in her childhood storybooks or in the photos of her mother and grandmother as brides. The Indian Bride is a vision painted in a glorious rainbow of colour. The Western Bride is a vision in radiant white.

TARUN TAHILIANI

MANISH ARORA

The White Bride is the cross-cultural bride. She is built on the aesthetics and ideologies of two cultures. She is the bride who has grown up in the West but of Indian heritage. She is the Indian bride marrying a Western man. She is even the Western bride who is marrying an Indian man. Whilst bridal collections famously shy away from white, the couture designers this season have shown a wider use of the hue. Sabyasachi’s iconic thread-work red saree-lehenga (far right) also is shown in his Opium collection in off-white, as well as in his sherwanis and between pockets of gold in ghagras and anarkalis. Gaurav Gupta’s religiously incorporates the colour; this season adorned in sparkling zardozi and translucent sequin work.

GAURAV GUPTA

SABYASACHI

White is also seen generously at Tarun Tahiliani; featured alone and also fading into ivory and milky cream. Tahiliani’s liquid smooth silks are a perfect match for the purity of the colour itself. Manish Arora embraces it full on, playing with sequin shine and appliqué to reinvent the tone with welcome glimpses of Indian craft. With The White bride in mind, current bridal collections have incorporated her aesthetics with notable Indian edge. Be it on a heritage cut or in manipulating the colour with traditional technique; the couturiers have proved that The White Bride can exist in Indian sensibility. She is also the cross-cultural bride.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Gauri + Nainika

For The White Bride who imagines herself in the classic white wedding gown, this Indian fashion powerhouse proves that you don’t have to rely on the collections of the West. The Delhi born duo has become famous for a meticulous attention to silhouette, shown in architectural, bespoke gowns. Sculpted with gravity-defying finesse, Gauri & Nainika collections have garnered a huge bridal following for a dedication to old age charm, elegance and fantasy; the ultimate check-list for The White Bride.

SABYASACHI Sabyasachi

THE

LOOKBOOK SPY

n inundation of catwalk images, mixed with the constant celebrity focussed paparazzi lens can make current designer collections hard to digest. The Look-book Spy gives an exclusive insight into these collections for you; the bride who inspires the designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; minds and hands that craft them. With words from the couturierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s themselves, this is a chance for the brideto-be to unveil a unique perspective from behind the seams. Discovering your bridal wardrobe is like finding another perfect matrimony itself.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

Arora MANISH

“ Fearless and confident truly describes a Manish Arora bride. Stars would be her followers, as she would be the

cynosure of everybody’s eye.”

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

sari pallus. The free-flowing fabrics such as chiffon, georgette and Chanderi invite a bride to share in this sense he ‘Indian by Manish Arora’ col- of the ‘free.’ As much as Manish Arora lection that was presented at the lat- moulds a story, she too moulds her own. est PCJ Delhi Couture Week was the debut bridal couture show for the deON...TREND VS TRADITION signer. The theatrics and drama seen on the ramp were a true display of his fiery spirit and turned the stereotype of an Indian bride on its head.

“It is good to experiment

“Indian takes wide inspiration from the art noveau era and the deatils of African beadwork, along with the cutwork craft moulding it into a story with strong colour block.” The acidic tones that adorn lehenga skirts are given added pop in appliqué detailing and scattered sequin work. Cut with laser precision, Arora gives a bride perfect kali symmetry and in turn graceful bridal float. Sequins are also seen in kurtas and sparkled in

with newer cuts and newer styles to find a fusion with tradition and trend. A modern bride… can combine new cuts with classic embroideries and ultra vitamin fresh colours.”

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY Whilst Indian is based on a revival of heritage and craft, Arora also ventures into the ‘new.’ Indian sentiments are executed with updated pizzazz. His regular presence at Paris Fashion Week has extended his demographic to the Indian bride based outside of India. He makes what could otherwise be to her archaic, relatable. “Indians have inherited the Indian taste and traditional values. So, I’m sure an Indian bride would always want to be an Indian by heart and would always want to look one in a million.” Indian is for the new age meets old age bride. This woman is instinctive, confident and energetic. A hybrid of influence and taste, she is not trapped by fear of rules or expectation. Moreover, she sets the rules and like Arora himself she is a pioneer, a leader of the pack.

ON...WEDDING DECOR

“The day for the bride should be a celebration of her dreams. So the theme has to be something lavish and grandeur for sure.”

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

Gupta AURAV

“The Gaurav Gupta bride is all about experimentation. She believes in the modern Indian look and is a combination of

sensuality and womanliness.”

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

ON...THE PERFECT TROUSSEAU

“Every bride must have the iconic sa-

ree gown or pleated experimental sarees, which are easy to wear and come in handy. She should also have some chic anarkalis, and remember that it’s nice to mix up colours like neutrals and brights so that you

parties she could choose more modern outfits but for puja, mehndi and the wedding day she should wear something traditional.” ON...THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

“It’s nice if she keeps it sophisticated. I love Chantilly lace sarees for them.”

”

A Gaurav Gupta Bride wears her character with confidence. She is creative and thrives on her imagination. It is to no surprise that he envisions In his ability to re-work classic aesthetics and her wedding as “different depictions of fantasyland”. even expectations, the designer’s genius is found in crafting collections that make Indian-wear rel- The juxtaposition of reality and fantasy is played evant for today’s bride. His collections absorb this out in a bride’s influences from both her childhood philosophy; conscious of past, present and future. dreams and the very tangible, touchable love-story that she lives today. Lightfall is a step not only into ‘For the peripheral ceremonies around the wed- the designer’s dream come reality but also into a ding like the sangeet, reception, cocktails or new love-story altogether; an affair with couture.

have a variety.

aurav Gupta is celebrated as a pioneer of India’s fashion forward, contemporary evolution. For him, a bride should take advantage of this revolution even amongst the traditions of shopping for her wedding wardrobe.

“She should be eager to research. Es-

pecially when India is at its peak in the world of fashion and newer explorations, she should look at newer younger versions

”

or forms of Indian wear.

His couture catwalks are a true feast for the eyes. Atmospheric and polished, the spirit of his collection, his brand and his own heart is tangible. This spirit is fed by fantastical indulgence, played out in architectural dramatics. His pieces allow a bride to journey into shimmering mythical escapism.

Gupta’s current Lightfall collection marries the movement of fabric to the body. The designer has become famous for an exquisite use of lace and a love of satin, with both becoming signature design accents. This collection sees these used in a colour palette of rainbow proportions. Degrees of gold and silver, both in high shine metallic and antique finish play a part. Blush pink is mixed with neon and bursts of fiery orange-red. Capturing light and reflection with every angle is the focus for Gupta and his mastery of cut executes this to perfection. Finely tuned finishing techniques puts this play on light to full effect, notably saadi detailing, zardozi work and crystal embellishment. Gupta works intricate embroidery onto flowing georgette pallus, voluminous organza and perfectly pleated net. The result: a glowing, illuminated bride.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

Khanna ANAMIKA

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Anamika Khanna bride is not the stereotypical bride. She is intelligent, has a mind of her own and is willing to experiment. At the same time she respects the

heritage and tradition of the auspicious occasion.â&#x20AC;?

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

namika Khanna’s latest couture collection displays her understanding of shape and form. Crafting synchrony between couture ramp dramatics and the beauty of subtlety, her garments are the epitome of elegance and style. Khanna has honed her craft with an exquisite attention to all aspects of her design aesthetic. This collection sees architectural layering; where complete sets could easily be worn as separates, or pieces borrowed from one look and reinvented with another.

Capes, gilets and fitted peplum jackets were teamed with full bodied volume in lehenga skirts, drape-saris, sharara and dhoti pants. Textured and crushed silk is partnered with glimpses of tulle and organza for whimsical charm. Floral and leaf detailing took shape in prints, threadwork stitching and zardozi. This collection has a real sense of Indian masquerade, created for the style chameleon. In perfect harmony, the ethereal meets the tribal, and the graceful meets the fierce. Her bride is experimental and artistic blends tradition with contemporary edge.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY She is history with a twist à la mode. This is a delicate balance for a bride to She has become famous for an unrivalled finesse find but Khanna achieves this flawlessly. wherein her borders, hems, collars and cuffs are cut with such stunning precision that they become pieces of art. The red lehenga we shot for The most important thing to remember is her Look-Book Spy cover is simply mind-blowthat it is a traditional function and it is im- ing; statuesque yet still so dreamily feminine.

“

portant to respect that. There is absolutely no

ON...RECYCLING YOUR WARDROBE

harm in experimenting, as long as the sanc-

“Whilst the bridal outfit is something one

tity is maintained.

”

Whilst this bride is daring she still curates her wedding with refined taste and classic accents. Be it with directional edge or personalised flair, it stays true to the essence of Indian integrity. For the designer this elegance and style extends to

wants to have as an heirloom, it can easily be used in simpler ways. For instance a skirt worn with a white shirt and a large neckpiece is supercool! The dupatta can almost

“The jewels, the setting and the kind of space.”

be used as a sari with a simpler top or even

For the bride, this current collection is simply spectacular with pieces even garnering cult status direct from the fashion week ramp. Adorned in classic embroidery with ultimate luxury finish, Khanna creates a sublime sight in which the ethnic meets the universal.

This collection was inspired for a bride who has freedom, who is an explorer and who craves endless expereince. She understands the spirtuality of her destiny but knows that she can also influence it. She creates her own ‘forever after ‘ as she lives it.

”

teamed with an Indian kurta.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

Malhotra ANISH

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Manish Malhotra bride celebrates femininity. She is confident, modest and encourages individuality. She values our traditions, cultures and heritage

â&#x20AC;?

along with a modern outlook towards life.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

lehenga, Deepika Pakudone provided the show-stopping feature on the ramp; the watching bride anish Malhotra’s pres- to-be simultaneously swooned. entation at the latest PCJ Delhi Couture Week drew inspira- Malhotra’s couture week ramps tion from the lavish prosperity have become iconic for such examongst the elite of 1930s India. travaganza: arguably the most sought after seat at fashion week. This collection sees corseted Conviction and impact is at the bodies against voluminous le- heart of his design and he has henga skirts, mixed with full established himself as an ambaslength anarkali gowns. Ele- sador for maintaining the phements of sheer and open backs nomena that is the Indian bride add daring charm to a through Yet, he remains honest about line of conservative, regal cuts. the risk of a bride being overpowered by such phenomena: Sumptuous velvet and fine silk is adorned in lustrous painstaking- “In search of your perfect outly hand-stitched thread, whilst fit you must not lose your indisignature sequins and pitta work viduality. For example choose a decorate hemlines, cuffs and high colour that not just defines the collars. Antique detailing and occasion but also defines you as use of chikankari work displays a bride. Always believe in the inthe designer’s call for traditional stinct of balance. Be it a balance workmanship. Clad in a mid- between elegance and romance night blue, silver zardozi velvet or bling and craftsmanship.”

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY Balance for Malhotra is also the key to creating a wedding trousseau, where a bride must “look into the practicality of clothes in terms of season and occasion. A balance between daywear and eveningwear, a balance between dark hues and bright hues, classics and a hint of trend.” ON...TREND VS TRADITION

“

A Manish Malhotra Bride always knows how to combine the two as somewhere she is the trendsetter.

”

Holding the fort as one of India’s most sought after bridal-wear designers, Malhotra is committed to the perspective of his client — and the practicality of a woman’s everyday life beyond her wedding day.

ON...RECYCLING YOUR WARDROBE

“If you are looking at wearing your bridal

outfit again then invest in an intricately embroidered sari or a lehenga anarkali which further can be worn as separates with long jackets, simpler blouses, different dupattas … basically styled differently to create an individual look altogether.

”

Loved not only by the everyday woman but also starlets of Bollywood notoriety, Malhotra has established true universal appeal in his design. His ultimate wedding; forged with “an elegant touch of royalty and modernity” has the potential to transform this everyday woman into the starlet bride. This current collection fuses the subtle with the sensational. This bride is a juxtaposition; no wallflower — she is a style powerhouse, but wears her edge with poise. She, like Malhotra, knows the importance of balance. In this balance, like him; she personifies complete, quintessential chic.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY The Lookbook Spy

Sabyasachi MUKHERJEE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dignity, culture and a respect for tradition epitomises the Sabyasachi bride. Her wedding decor would be a

royal organic theme, done with

hand block printed fabrics, flowers and a meal that is

â&#x20AC;?

completely Indian.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

Sabyasachi’s love for India, its history and its rich cultural resource has seen the abyasachi’s Opium col- designer become a vocal palection breathes change into triot for the nation’s creative a signature aesthetic that has recognition on a global scale. been seen previously on the designer’s couture runway. This is seen by the widest auInspired by the 1920s, he dis- dience in ‘NDTV Good Times’ plays the decadence of the Band Baajaa Bride. The show, past in his vintage referenc- now in its third season, has ing and explicit love for tra- catapulted the ideologies ditional craft. Champagnes of an Indian wedding into and ivory hues are met with the digital age spotlight. It rose pink and deep wine-red. has also familiarised Indian Gold accents, both in Resh- girls and women based outam work and zardozi encap- side of India, who may be sulate the collection’s call for distanced from everyday grandeur and ageless style. cultural traditions, with the inherited intimacies of the This collection celebrates experience as an Indian bride. the beauty of the woman, her form and her own ability to celebrate in the clothes she wears. For a bride, this collection is a pure indulgence in sophisticated glamour. The more away you No detail goes amiss, with are from your country intricate aari tari stitchthe more you should be a ing, hand finished threadwork and sublime beaded responsible brand ambasaccents taking form pre- sador for the country. So I dominantly on quilting, would tell you, on the day velvet, net and georgette.

“

Opium comes from a designer who has an unmistakable passion for each and every detail of a garment. Flowing anarkalis and fluid lehenga skirts are worn beside fitted sherwanis, high necked blouses and full sleeves. Sabyasachi departs from previous collections in a romance with a bride searching for her full feminine allure.

of your wedding, choose something that is more traditional rather than fashion…tradition is timeless. If it becomes too fashion then it becomes quickly

”

dated.

The Opium collection is a heartfelt expression of the designer’s own vision for a bride. This vision is delivered with historical reference and genius flair. He tells a story in which the designs become animations of the history in the very ON...RECYCLING YOUR threads of his work. The SaWARDROBE byasachi bride is the ‘forever’ bride; as relevant today as she was yesterday and into A bride can wear her bridal out- tomorrow. Immortalised fit again by making sure that she in Sabyasachi shimmer. tones down the jewellery or by mixing and matching portions of her garment imaginably. For instance, you can wear a bridal blouse with a plain saree, or you can wear the dupatta with a plain suit or you can just wear the ghagara with a simpler blouse and a similar dupatta. At the heart of Sabyasachi’s design ethos is elegance. Elegance is perpetual, it transcends trend and era. A bride should share this ethos. Her photographs last a lifetime and so she should look for the ‘forever’ not the ‘fad’.

“

”

Sabyasachi is fully invested in the integrity of his bride and this is manifested in his committment to the collection and couture as an industry. Many brides grow up with a vision for their wedding outfit, be it a colour, a shape or the work featured.

“The cardinal rule is that

you order something that you see rather than putting your own mind to it because a designer is trained to understand a design and changes in design. If you were to put your own ego into it finally the result might be something disastrous and it will be too late to change your wedding outfit.

”

BRIDESMAIDS

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

ARUN

ahiliani

“The Tarun Tahiliani bride has (her) own identity and persona. She loves quality

and fit and knows that style is not just what one wears but ‘how’ she wears it. Each bride is

unique

and it’s her individual personality that should be

”

reflected in anything she chooses to wear.

THE LOOK-BOOK SPY

“The Spring Summer 2014 Collection transforms into Pandora’s box. Full of mystery and revelation…bombarded by colours that personify the joie de vivre of an Indian festival.”

“

arun Tahiliani undoubtedly delivers one of the most seductive designer collections for the Indian bride. His creations are endlessly romantic and decadent, blending the woman with the goddess. He calls upon an extensive variety of fabrics and embroideries to fashion pieces that are executed with incredible finesse. Silk and lamé are stand out fabrics from this current collection; woven with blinding intricacy. Zardozi, brocade, gota and chikankari work are featured throughout. Ivory kalidar kurtas channel ethereal allure whilst vibrant hand embroidered lehengas venture into fantasy. The designer’s notorious liquid drape and silhouette is dramatised in this latest collection by gleaming accents on handloom sari pallus, flamboyant borders and frilled hems.

ON...THE BRIDAL TROUSSEAU

The hallmark of genuine Indian trousseau is the painstaking made-by-hand details, the ornate embroidery and the intricate threadwork that form this couture collection.It must always have an embroidered sari and a light lehenga. A draped, heavy anarkali is also a good addition.

Tahiliani feeds on an array of cultural influences which when intertwined with the essence of India are beautifully exotic. Whimsical drape and fluid form fuses Grecian intrigue with Indian sensibility. The deep reds and purples seen in his lehengas are taken directly from the Indian bridal palette, yet a This painstaking detail takes form in opals, pearls, play on pattern, weave and motif forge something Swarovski crystal and hand embroidered 3D flow- quite enchanted; the bride enters a labyrinth of er artwork. Intricacies are so strong in this collec- mystic luxury, wearing her charcter in her clothes. tion a bride’s fear of wearing black disappears. She is not sombre in black but rather sparkles in it.

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“Brides wherever they are, should wear

ON...TREND VS TRADITION

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whatever they are comfortable in and also select pieces that reflect their personal style and not follow trends blindly.

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The collections are inspired by ‘India ModThis collection flirts with a bride’s dynamic ern’. The textiles and the embroideries are traidentity. She is unique, her personality is beditional. Modern is the use of fit, pattern and spoke; she personifies the sentiments of couconstruction and of course the kinds of materials ture. Tahiliani is determined for his bride to stamp out a sense of ‘self’ in his outfits. The ecused. lectic mix of reference in this collection allows for just that. Like the designs she wears she owns that pricelessly bewitching bridal intrigue.

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BRIDESMAIDS

FOREVER

go for the girl that needs them to look pretty when time is of the essence; literal effortless drape. The lehenga sari has grown in popularirty in recent bride’s vision for her own wedding seasons and seen most notably at Sabyasachi. Preoutfit(s) includes that for her bridesmaids’. stitched pleats attached to a waist belt provide the These must complement her style and mir- mix aesthetic of sari drape with lehenga volume. ror that of the wedding, whilst the bridesmaids themselves must shine in their own Being a bridesmaid is also a chance to experiright but without stealing her limelightt. ment with colour. Take advantage of rainbow colour at Manish Arora and tone on tone at Manish More than likely, perfecting those pleats will still Malhotra. be on her to-do list on the big day, so taking care of her own should be as pain-free as possible. Prestitched pleats have become a staple style through- This bridal season sees bridesmaid ofout recent collections. A signature in Gaurav Gup- ferings aplenty. Here is our edit of some ta’s sari pallus — cheating the pleats is the way to stand out styles for bridesmaids to-be..

THE

BRIDESMAID A bridesmaid’s real role is not to perfect the bride’s flimsy looking pleats. She is a confidante, a best friend. She is that midnight phone call and that cup of chai. Most likely, she is behind the fitting room curtain when the bride first walks out in the outift.

MANISH ARORA

MANISH MALHOTRA

GAURAV GUPTA

MANISH MALHOTRA

MANISH ARORA

SABYASACHI

TARUN TAHILIANI

ANAMIKA KHANNA

SABYASACHI

SARAH HAYWOOD

That sentiment is what drives her vision. With a worldwide contact list full of the most exclusive venues,hoteliers,bespoke florists,cake-makers and more, Haywood still remains remarkably down to earth and candid about what truly makes a wedding.

WEDDING DESIGN

“For me it is the romance; and that comes in reflecting who you are. Creating a day, or two, or three… Who knows? But still — an experience that embraces the tradition of marriage whilst staying true to who you are.”

Behind the Bride: The Perfect Plan Thee basics and the bespoke meet in hands of this wedding extraordinaire. Meet the woman who every bride wants as their best friend.

“Every wedding I plan and design is unique. “A wedding is a blank canvas. There are no rules. Big or small; you are planning the backdrop to your day. If you have employed the right people they will make it right for you.” and bespoke. It is a top priority to understand them as individuals and as personalities; discovering what is appropriate for them and working with them to realise their dream.”

Quite aptly, it too is in romance that Sarah Haywood reflects who she is. She is driven by the romance of her craft. A dedication to premium service and to the vision of her client is what has separated her from the rest of her field. An eagerness to build, to do better, and to test her own limits of luxury service makes for both a woman and a force to be reckoned with. “Every wedding I do,I say…how do I top this? I think I’ve peaked.That is what drives me.The day I don’t think that is the day I’ll put my wedding shoes back in their box.” Though for good reason, we don’t think those shoes will be going into hiding anytime soon

Haywood’s xpertise de-mystifies the ‘wedding plan’ for a bride. It can be overwhelming and intimidating and with her eyes set on that big day a bride can easily neglect the details. Overseeing all weddings personally, it is Haywood’s meticulous attention to these details that has gained her such prestige in the luxury wedding market.

“A wedding must be inclusive. It must be geared towards the people, as no doubt they are the people you love. The rest is a backdrop to the day. It is these people that make your wedding.”

Before even beginning to design the details, every bride needs to think about these planning foundations •HOW Is it a civil ceremony? A religious ceremony? A combination of both? •WHERE A rough geographic location. •WHEN Decide approximately – a season. The more flexible you are the more options you have.

A bespoke wedding is ultimately every bride’s dream. Especially for the Aashni + Co Bride; wearing Indian couture, you will not settle for anything less. From location to decor, from catering to flowers, Haywood understands bespoke Investing in s author of bridal bestseller The Wed- the right people essentially makes the difference ding Bible and creator of the Ultimate Wedding between the special and specialist. A bride cannot App, Sarah Haywood has fast become the UK’s do everything alone; if she builds the right team most sought after luxury wedding planner and of specialists around her, they will take care of designer for a bride to-be. Delivering first-class the expertise. A bride’s main focus should be on; weddings worldwide she has vicariously been a bride over and over awgain. With a wealth of “A bride’s main focus should be on planning a day that experience and a high profile little black book, reflects who she and her husband (to be) are…one that is she has what every bride needs: the perfect plan. comfortable and joyous for both them and their guests.” “A bride’s biggest obstacle is navigating the A luxury guests’ experience is something Haywood planning process. So many couples get en- believes should be at the crux of every event and that gaged and plan the day without the basics.” is something that is found deeper than the aesthetic.

SARAH’S BIG

•WHO Draw up an A-list and B-list. The A-list is everybody that absolutely needs to be there. The B-list is if the venue and budget can accommodate them •BUDGET Even if it is on a luxury budgetdo not start planning your wedding without knowing how much you can spend.

For further information on Sarah Haywood Wedding Design and to make an enquiry www.sarahhaywood.com Images courtesy of : Barker Evans, Edoardo Agresti, Pippa MacKenzie

THE REAL BRIDE tering and had a beautiful Grecian look to them, which would be perfect for a wedding in Italy! So once I had a better idea of my ideal sari I started asking friends and relatives for advice on stores and designers in London. It was only when I discovered Aashni + Co whilst browsing online that I knew I had found the perfect boutique that understood exactly what I was looking for. Having lived in Notting Hill for 4 years previously I felt so at ease with the choice. It was clear there really is no other store in London like Aashni + Co.

REAL BRIDE Ash

“G

rowing up in Sussex and London in an Indian family, I always knew I wanted a wedding which was a real fusion of both my Indian culture and the modern British world I grew up in. As a child I went to several weddings with my family in India, the US and the UK; whilst as an adult I drew inspiration from friends’ weddings across Europe, the Middle East and Australia. All of which were so vibrant and colourful; so much fun and such a celebration for everyone! However, it wasn’t until I got engaged that I gave much thought to what my big day would look like, as

I really wanted it to represent not only my background and heritage, but that of my husband’s as well. So as my husband (to-be!) Stefan was born in London with both English and German parents, and brought up in the US and Italy - we had many different cultures to represent and incorporate into the wedding!. With the 9 month countdown from proposal to wedding — and planning the celebration remotely from London in Tuscany (near where my husband had grown up in Italy) — we had lots

to do! Finding the perfect wedding sari was my top priority! As my family are from South India it is tradition to wear a red Kanjeevaram sari on your wedding day. While I knew such a sari would be a beautiful classic choice, so regal and elegant, I was always going to feel myself in something more contemporary. I started to develop a mood board of saris and designers I liked. I soon realised I was drawn to Gaurav Gupta’s designs and colours, especially the golds and dusky pinks. I particularly loved his chiffon brooch saris, which looked so elegant and flat-

of what you are looking for. Don’t compromise, because your sari or lehenga is out there. Trust in the opinions of the experts and your loved ones — and enjoy the experience! For great design, the highest quality and personalised service, I would recommend Aashni + Co in a heartbeat!

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I first visited the store with an entourage of both my parents and my older sister — it was so important to me to have their advice as I made my decision. On entering the store we were all so struck by the incredible selection Aashni + Co had! Each piece was just beautiful — and the finishings were flawless. From Manish Malhotra to Sabyasachi to Gaurav Gupta – we knew we were going to find my wedding sari here! We were guided through the whole selection, and I tried on countless outfits to get a better feel for what suited me and what I was looking for. The in-store bridal specialists were keen to find the perfect outfit — for me - and one my family would also love too. I returned several times with family and friends (and on one occasion they too couldn’t help but try on outfits themselves!) and each time was provided with a personal and incredibly knowledgeable service. My needs were put above anything else; we were given full attention and often for hours at a time!

When I found my wedding sari — none other than a gold Gaurav Gupta sari — the after sales service was first class. Great care was taken to ensure not only that the blouse and sari fitted perfectly, but that I could transport it to Italy for the wedding with ease. I absolutely loved wearing my Aashni + Co wedding sari! From the selection of the outfit, to the tailoring and the service; I really couldn’t have wished for anything else. My advice to any bride to-be in London looking for an Indian outfit would be to do your homework and have a sense

Ash’s beautiful wedding photographs were taken by Lelia Scarfiotti www.leliascarfiotti.com

THE REAL BRIDE from the beginning that everybody at Aashni + Co was invested in helping me find the right outfit — whether it was in-store or not.

REAL BRIDE

“Being able to shop as a bride and mother for such renowned luxury Indian designers in my own neighbourhood was such a treat! It Despite our different timelines, my mother and I saved us that trip to India.” were always going to shop for our wedding out-

Aleya

fits together. With the Mehndi, an Arabian Nights function and of course the wedding we both had to balance finding various different outfits whilst working between different countries and schedules. The team at Aashni + Co was great in meeting these timelines, with multiple appointments and fittings- even packing our outfits for travel between India, Canada and London before their final destination in Marrakech.

As a bride I was amazed at the beautiful selection of outfits for different occasions on offer in all the collections. Aashni + Co has put together a meticulous collection of precious pieces — each piece is special in its own right. No two pieces are the same and as the collection is so special I had the choice I needed but never felt overwhelmed.

Now, every time I look at my wedding pictures, esAside from my wedding sari, I also found a pecially at my Sabyasachi sari I fall in love again beautiful zardozi embroidered lehenga by Sa- and again; and this feeling would be my hope for byasachi for my Mehendi, and a Manish Mal- any bride to be. You must have fun with the expehotra sequin detail sari for my third function. rience and not be overwhelmed by it all. You will My mother also found her pieces in-store; an el- know when you find the perfect outfit for you. egant beige Threadwork Anarkali and a vibrant orange georgette-net sari both from Sabyasachi.

“W

hen my fiancé (and now husband) Hafiz and I chose Marrakech as the destination for our wedding we knew we wanted the glamour of an Indian wedding to feel right for the romance of the Moroccan city. Living in London, I had in fact originally pictured myself in a traditional white wedding dress. I dreamed of something that was classy and simple. My mother who lives in Canada had visited Aashni + Co on a trip to London and fell in love with the store and its collections. Located in my very own neighbourhood of Notting Hill, I decided to pop in with my mother to see the collections for myself.

My eye caught a beautiful golden-ivory Chikankari sari. The designer; none other than Sabyasachi. With a subtly sequinned blouse and net pleats I knew that this was a very special piece. Aashni herself draped it on me and I decided instantly that this was to be my wedding sari. It was the first sari I tried on but I didn’t have to look any further after that. With my mother being based in Canada, I in London and the wedding in Marrakech, finding this sari and my wedding outfits could have been overwhelming. The team at Aashni + Co were so helpful, never overbearing and brought such calm to the whole experience. Always very honest and easy to work with, it was always a pleasure to chat with anyone. It was also very clear from the beginning that everybody at

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STORE

STORE Bridal Bliss

bride. Unique, with specific tastes and needs, earching for her bridal outfits should be the Aashni + Co bride can expect an unrione of the most beautiful experiences of a wom- valled level of advice and care that is ultimateanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Aashni + Co understands that too much ly delivered with taste, knowledge and charm. choice can in fact make it impossible for a bride to choose from. Our in-store bridal selection is With personalised consultations, appointments an exquisite edit of the current designer collec- and fittings in the luxury of our bridal suite, Aashtions. This edit is couture in itself; a mixture of ni + Co endeavours for a seamless level of service hand-picked pieces from the front row at fash- whether a bride is in pursuit of that one particuion week and bespoke commissions made exclu- lar piece or an entire trousseau. Each bride has sively for Aashni + Co by the designers them- a vision for her wedding attire and the team at selves. In-store designer trunk shows throughout Aashni + Co is committed to helping her make the bridal season have also become an essential that happen. Providing an exclusive, direct liaison part of our bridal experience. Dedicated to a par- with the designer houses, our bridal specialists are ticular designer in-residence, the bridal trunk able to provide her with a wealth of possibilities show is an exclusive way for brides to-be to see to realise this vision. They also ensure that she is the widest choice from current collections and not overwhelmed by her search for outfits, taking an opportunity to have direct and personal ap- care of the delicate details from order, through pointments with the couturierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s themselves. to fittings, to required alterations and delivery. Our in-store bridal specialists epitomise the Defined by flair and finesse, The Aashtrue essence of luxury of service; offering a per- ni + Co experience is where a bride tosonalised experience that is catered to each be can find that priceless slice of bliss.

AASHNI + CO 47 LEDBURY ROAD, NOTTING HILL, LONDON, W11 2AA + (44) 207 985 0155. INFO@AASHNIANDCO.COM WWW.AASHNIANDCO.COM