Unique Lehenga Inspirations from India’s Best Couturiers
Raise your hand if you have a Pinterest board (secret or not) devoted to your wedding lehenga! Don’t worry; you’re not the only one! If you’re guilty of spending a little too much time dreaming of your wedding attire, then here are some more amazing lehenga trends to swoon over by India’s top designers. The only difference is- these lehengas are very unique! Through their unusual patterns, embroidery, color scheme or draping style, these lehengas are by far the most unusual and trendsetting one’s I’ve seen over the past few years. From vintage designs made popular by Anushree Reddy to the saree gown and lehenga skirt popularized by Anamika Khanna, these lehenga trends are simply stunning! Around here, we love anything unique and unexpected, and if you are a ‘dare to be different’ bride, we think you would love these trends too!
Chikankari by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
The incredible designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla made chikankari work fashionable when zardozi and resham were the only embroidery used when it came to lehengas.
chikankari lehenga
They even experimented with lehengas in cream and beige instead of the clichéd reds and pinks.
Fusion Garments Anamika Khanna
Anamika Khanna introduced innovative styles like the much loved Dhoti saree. Structured jackets, capes, sharara pants and lehenga skirts, along with the dhoti saree are some of the most trendsetting bridal fashions in the last decade and have become very popular (especially the one that Sonam Kapoor wore at Cannes)!
Gota patti & raw silk by Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre is well known for introducing creations that reflect the techniques and hues of Rajasthan (I’m assuming you have seen her ‘Jaipur Bride’ collection- totally swoon worthy!!!). Her gota work lehengas are exquisite, my favourite being this one in royal blue and neon pink ones!
I’m also a big fan of her rich raw silk lehengas with subtle embroidery and embellishments in the most gorgeous hues like peacock blue and lime green.
Kasab Embroidery by Rohit Bal
I find Rohit Bal’s creations very unique. I love his use of kasab embroidery as well as using fabrics like mulmul, chanderi, voiles and velvet. From antique gold Kasab Kashmiri embroidery on mulmul to Shibori on chanderi and voiles, the designer is always experimenting with textures and designs. Rohit Bal also loves using unusual color palettes unusual like black and champagne beige in his collections.
Satin, Organza and net by Shantanu and Nikhil
Known for creating the most gorgeous gowns (including the super sexy saree gown), I love the use of satin, organza, chiffon and net in their ensembles. A blend of vintage and contemporary, their outfits epitomize the modern Indian bride. Opt for lighter hues like peach and smoked salmon with minimal embroidery and a statement neckpiece.
Another stunning creation by Shantanu and Nikhil is the well-fitted mermaid gown accentuated with a dramatic skirt with flounces, and a subtle hint of sparkle. Sharply constructed silhouettes are cut to focus on the beauty, while dainty surface ornamentation keeps the balance leaning towards a softer, more delicate and distinctly feminine look.
Vintage and stripes by Sabyasachi
The king of Indian bridal fashion, Mr Sabyasachi, doesn’t fail to impress with his exquisite embroidery and use of rich Indian fabrics. Last year, he had me totally spell bound and in love with his bling-y sequined gold lehengas. This year, in a complete turnaround he goes bold with fresh and totally unexpected designs like vintage prints and stripes. Inspired by the 70’s, retro designs with vintage floral prints, striped half sleeve crop tops and high waist flared skirts were prominent in his 2015 Summer Lakme Fashion Week showcase.
Which one is your favorite pick?
