Recycle, reuse, repeat: Say yes to new wedding mantra

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 22

Changed dynamics in the post-pandemic scenario have caused the wedding fashion industry to halt and rewind, shunning the extravagance and embracing responsible, minimalist approach. The first edition of Wedding Asia, a luxury lifestyle fashion exhibition, opened at Hyatt Regency. Taking cue from transformation that took place post Covid-19, subtle tones and minimalism seems to rule the latest trend.

From noted designer Nitin Bal Chauhan’s fusion collection with monochromes and eccentric cuts and embroideries to several upcoming labels presenting soft, subtle hues for wedding season, the post-pandemic fashion seems to be about basics and comfort. Sonia Gohil, designer from Mumbai, who is displaying her collection of stylised cocktail and wedding trousseau, says, “Weddings have become an intimate affair these days and so wedding fashion too has changed towards more stylised looks but less on extravagance. It is more about fabrics now, with stylish cuts and detailing and less about embellishments. From jumpsuits to lehengas with minimal embroideries, the current trend is simple yet high on style.”

Recycling and reusing old concepts for weddings, too, has become a thing now. Patiala-based Akash and Ajay Bansal, from their line of wedding swear by it as the hottest trend this season. “We have curated a 45-year-old saree with kutki work (a thread and bead work) to be remade into a lehenga. Similarly, we have revived old heirloom pieces with Kashmiri embroidery and other intricate hand work to be remade into new pieces such as duppattas. A lot of people are demanding recycling of their heirloom pieces and it is cost effective as well,” says Akash.

As far as business is concerned, exhibitions are still a better option for designer labels. “Since people are not travelling as much as they used to for wedding shopping, exhibitions work well as they get to see all the wedding essentials at one stop. Also, there are multiple choices from a number of designer labels on display, so you can pick and choose,” says Sonia.

Kamaljit Singh, general manager, Hyatt Regency, says that since the target market for coming months would be domestically focused, lifestyle exhibition would offer one-stop destination for people planning on events and weddings. “For a short while, the market would be domestic for weddings, social events. Such events offer multiple options for marketing and are business friendly too.”