The week long India Couture Week 2024 called the curtains down with some elaborate shows on the penultimate days. Opulent sets, star showstoppers and grand bridal couture were at the centerstage.
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
In the fourth and concluding part of the highlights from the India Couture Week 2024, we’ll review the collections of couturiers who showcased Indian Bridal Couture and forecasted the trends that will dominate the forthcoming wedding season.
‘NARGIS’ by Rahul Mishra
The 2024 Festive Collection of Rahul Mishra was a story inspired by nature — the enchanted forest, its beautiful flora and fauna and the birds and peacocks that roam around in the man-made habitats in nature’s bounty.
Rahul Mishra’s “NARGIS” collection at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
Pastels seem to be the hue of the season and embroidery has always been integral to Indian Wedding Wear. Men’s bandhgalas with strategically placed embroidery of floral bouquets, off-shoulder sheer gowns with birds and peacocks embroidered on them; lehengas-choli with all over floral embroidery; and sarees with embroidered borders and scalloped capes were outstanding. Lisa Ray looked gorgeous in an off-shoulder gown with 3-D embroidered bustier.
Rahul Mishra’s “NARGIS” collection at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Rahul Mishra
Rahul emphasised, “Nargis, like all our collections, observes the brand’s efforts to promote the reverse migration of embroidery artisans from densely populated sub-factory setups in the metropolises to their communities in the villages.” This is indeed a much-appreciated step taken by Rahul Mishra.
‘NAWABI CANVAS’ by Jayanti Reddy
Couturier Jayanti Reddy made her debut at the India Couture Week 2024 and introduced us to the rich heritage of the Nawabs and Nizams of her hometown, Hyderabad. Jayanti drew inspiration from the regal jewellery collection and real costumes of the Nawabs. It was a beautiful synthesis of heritage, history and high-fashion.
‘NAWABI CANVAS’ by Jayanti Reddy at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Jayanti Reddy
Intricate embroidery with great finesse on scalloped lehengas and corsets; plain sarees paired with heavily embroidered blouses; and shararas paired with décolletage jackets were a treat to watch. Antique motifs on heritage textiles completed the ’Nizami Canvas’ of Jayanti Reddy Couture.
In the words of Jayanti Reddy, “My India Couture Week collection is a cornucopia of culture and colour, couture and poetry. A symbiosis where traditional embroideries are informed by the royals of Hyderabad and their unapologetic lavish lifestyles.”
‘NAWABI CANVAS’ by Jayanti Reddy at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Jayanti Reddy
‘OTHERWORLDLY’ by Tarun Tahiliani
Master Couturier, Tarun Tahiliani has been working on making couture and bridal wear comfortable. The bride no longer needs to toil the night away in heavy and uncomfortable lehengas on her big night. Tarun Tahiliani now promises comfort with his flowing lehengas with lightweight fabrics. “We’re committed to blending technology and tradition to create otherworldly, comfortable clothing that feels like a second skin. Beauty may be subjective, but comfort and fit are not,” says Tahiliani.
‘OTHERWORLDLY’ by Tarun Tahiliani at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Tarun Tahiliani
‘OTHERWORLDLY’ by Tarun Tahiliani at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Tarun Tahiliani
When it comes to style and silhouettes, nothing is more beautiful than Tarun Tahiliani drapes, juxtaposed with structured bodices that beautifully create a modern yet timeless look.
Goddess draped sarees; flowy lehengas embellished with fine Mukaish; and Chikankari work and well tailored sherwani and bandhgalas indeed made Tarun Tahiliani’s collection look ‘Otherworldly’. As explained by Tahiliani himself, “‘Otherworldly’ is a journey into a realm where comfort and ethereal beauty coexist seamlessly.”
The off-site show was presented in a grand stage with a grand backdrop and live music beating in sync with the steps of the models.
‘RANG MAHAL’ by Falguni and Shane Peacock
Designer duo, Falguni and Shane Peacock showcased their collection at the grand finale show at India Couture Week 2024. Expectations were grander for the grand finale show, and Falguni Shane Peacock pulled out all stops to present a fitting finale show. Themed ‘Rang Mahal,’ the collection drew inspiration from iconic elements of India’s luxuriant history — the grand palaces of the erstwhile royalties, lavish lifestyle of rich famous, and the luxurious and exquisite craftsmanship from different regions of India. Luxurious silks and rich velvets were embellished with deft embroidery using different regional techniques.
‘RANG MAHAL’ by Falguni and Shane Peacock at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Falguni and Shane Peacock
Circular lehengas, fitted mermaid skirts with shiny embroidery, lehengas with monochrome threadwork and beautiful sherwanis dotted the show. Showstoppers, Rashmika Mandana and Vicky Kaushal won the crowd’s heart with friendly demeanour.
‘RANG MAHAL’ by Falguni and Shane Peacock at India Couture Week 2024
Photo Courtesy: Falguni and Shane Peacock
Photo Courtesy: Falguni and Shane Peacock
Falguni Shane Peacock collaborated with Swadesh to include a capsule collection of Kanjivaram sarees and Banarasi brocade lehengas bearing the signature Falguni Shane Peacock flourish.
Text by Jaydeep Ghosh
Image Courtesy: Rahul Mishra, Jayanti Reddy, Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni and Shane Peacock
Find out more about India Couture Week 2024:
https://www.fdci.org/events/hyundai-india-couture-week-2024.html
