As fashion season kicked into high gear with FDCI x Lakmē Fashion Week 2024, we were taken into high-octane fairytales told through exquisite bridal wear. We have witnessed couture’s exciting and eclectic line up conveyed through the art of storytelling. From bridal lehengas and saris to pre-wedding shararas and separates, this year’s wedding-ready offerings brought us creations in varied silhouettes, styles and shades to curate that dream trousseau. Whether you’re on the lookout for a traditional lehenga for your pheras, a dramatic sari-gown for your cocktail party or planning ahead for your pre-wedding festivities, there was something for every taste and preference.
If you’re not sure where to start and what to pick, here’s our edit of the most attention-grabbing looks spotted on the runways.
Monochromatic magic
Swathes of black and white lined the runway. Many designers purposefully exercised the monochrome palette through their wedding wear. Richa Khemka’s Composite collection saw various elements come together to create pieces of art. The most stand out one was the black gown worn by showstopper Bhumi Pednekar, featuring a daring neckline, embroidered bodice, open back silhouette and a drape skirt.
Shruti Sancheti paid tribute to chintz, through intricate embroidery, exquisite weaves, and handcrafted techniques like Kalamkari and hand screen printing. The designer’s garments, including layered lehengas and jackets, celebrate slow fashion and serve as heirloom pieces designed to be cherished for years to come.
Rohit Bal’s much-anticipated return to the runway for grand finale showcase was as grand as it comes. The collection was indicative of the designer’s signature design language, featuring rich textiles and intricate crafts. We are swooning over the the noir floral lehenga + cape worn by showstopper Ananya Panday.
Golden glaze
Metallics were used in abundance on a variety of runways to showcase the endless possibilities of creating classic yet glamorous pieces. Actress Soha Ali Khan was a sight to behold in a gold lehenga as she turned showstopper for 17:17 by Simmi Saboo’s exquisite Zooni collection. Effortless yet elegant, the lehenga is the perfect example of the modern day sangeet look for the bride who wants to dance the night away.
Via Poetry Of Love, Urmil by Ritika & Prerna gave a nod to the bond between generations, inspired by the designer’s grandmother. Each piece captures intricate details and delicate embroidery, much like the showstopper actress Karisma Kapoor’s gilded lehenga.
Rashi Kapoor played with crystals and sequins to create her gorgeous Espíritu Libre collection. Sushmita Sen appeared like a statue frozen in motion, dressed in a pale gold sari peppered with metallic sequins and teamed with a strapless blouse.
Pastel perfection
As with every season, pastel palette reigned supreme, but imagination soared high with designers who dabbled with unique shades and silhouettes. Former Khush cover girl Tara Sutaria, who turned muse for Awigna by Varsha & Rittu, sashayed in a gorgeous lehenga from their latest collection, Elara. Adorned with 3D applique work, crystals and delicate embroidery, it’s a look we recommend for the romantic bride to walk down the aisle.
Shraddha Kapoor, too, put the runway on fire in an onion pink lehenga from Kalki. The voluminous was heavily embroidered in aari work and showcased a scalloped border. What we loved the most is the wrap around blouse design.
Sanjukta Dutta’s collection Hẽpah..The Desire artfully blended tradition with contemporary expression. The pastel pieces captured the quiet luxury trend brought to life on handwoven Assamese silks.
Jewel tones
Designer duo Rishi & Vibhuti celebrated for their vibrant prints didn’t shy away from splashing the runway with brights tones and eye-catching prints. Not limited to OTT pieces, their 2024 festive edit, Tamasha offered gorgeous outfits that would not disappoint for a pre-wedding ceremony and destination affair. Think kaftans, saris and contemporary lehengas as the jade green option seen on showstopper Manush Chillar.
Couturier Tarun Tahiliani launched his pret brand OTT, replete with modern separates that are inspired by the rich history of Indian clothing. Relaying his India Modern story was muse Aditi Rao Hydari, who made waves in a corset-esque bodysuit with a flowing wrap-around skirt.
Known for his fuss-free bridal wear, Punit Balana presented his Johari Bazaar collection. With every piece, he brought forward a maximal approach to artistic prints and saturated colours derived from the vibrant Rajasthani culture, layered and draped in asymmetrical silhouettes suited for multiple body types and sizes. Our attention turned towards Sobhita Dhulipala’s jamuni lehenga.
Royal purple also seemed to be an overarching theme in Payal Singhal’s Tazhib edit. Mughal art and architecture remain key inspirations for this collection, featuring deconstructed anarkalis, backless corset cholis, kalidar shararas, and ruffle lehengas, all infused with Mughal-era design details.
Fiery ruby and several jewel tones proved to be the hero in Samant Chauhan’s Ethereal Bloom collection. The ruby palette flowed through Dia Mirza’s velvet Anarkali, illustrating a lapel neckline and delicate floral embroidery.
