Embodying the right elements

Manpriya Singh

There are quite a few detours that any conversation on clothes can often take; trends that are always barging in and out, style that is eternal and fashion that is open to interpretation. What else is open to interpretation is the term ‘modern India bride’. With some collection notes citing the one that wants to go all traditional, sometimes to the point of reviving heirloom lehengas, while others all set to dance at the beach on destination weddings.

Defining new-age brides

Carefree is the word that designer AD Singh would like to use instead; a philosophy that’s been at the centre stage of his collection comprising fusion bridal clothing. “She is carefree in a way that she wants to dance at her own wedding, have a good time, let go while not worrying about the drape, or the pallu and the works going haywire.” Which is also why he always finds himself telling the bride to ‘accept themselves’.

The journey to being the bride of your dreams starts in the mind and then moves onto outfit, make-up, jewellery, etc. “Somebody will say they are plump and that’s the end of it. The pressure on a bride is devastating. A lot of times when they come for the fittings, they tell me about the crazy crash diet they are onto…which is why I start by telling them to feel beautiful before they can look it.”

Trendy bridesmaids

Brides are you listening? “It’s not just the brides, but the bridesmaids are a clientele in themselves, with dressy light gowns making their way into any wedding celebrations. At least one function is a gown,” joins in designer Sakshi Bindra. Talk of the trends that will be seen in the coming months while the new year is already upon us and she adds, “Neons have gone for the overkill so they definitely will be out.”

World of influence

For anyone who has followed the fashion vocabulary of designer Sanjana Jon knows it’s never an isolated attempt to just put forward the clothes or a collection. It’s always a thought, an idea and a chance to wear what you believe in, which is why her collection as showcased in the city had its inspiration in human and animal rights and humanitarianism. “It the same collection inspired by H20, the movement and the movie. While silhouettes are all very fluid, all shades of pink are seen, since it signifies equality and respect for the women kind. It’s not merely enough to give them education and give them jobs if they can’t walk freely on the roads,” shares the designer, who has always been invested in activism, apart from campaigning for her brother Anand Jon.

Her body of work includes influences and landscapes from New York to the regional fashion weeks at places like Chennai and Chandigarh. “Having stayed in New York and Toronto too, my observation is that Punjabis are really good looking. If we talk of the youth in Chandigarh, they are really fashionable. Just a little bit of grooming and this region can truly be the fashion hub.”

manpriya@tribunenail.com