Table of contents for July 2020 in Brides Today

KOJI ICHIKAWA A New York-based hair stylist, Ichikawa began his career by working at a salon. He then moved to London to work with the acclaimed Sam McKnight. His skills have styled models across magazine, fashion, and beauty shoots. He has also worked with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Amanda Seyfried, and Jared Leto. In this issue, he showcases his talent in ‘Shining Star’. Vacation spot you keep going back to? London! It changed my life. APARRNA GUPTA A Mumbai-based writer, Gupta has nearly two decades of experience in wellness and beauty science. She also consults brands on content strategy and product development. And in her blog lavenderoom.com, she explores the world of fragrances, wellness, and skincare. Here, she talks about food that can get you longer and stronger hair…

Stylist Tanya Vohra talks about her new fashion venture, CLAD, which focuses on Indian grooms and their families Brides Today: How did the idea of CLAD come about? Tanya Vohra: Before my engagement, my husband’s family reached out to me to help them with their outfits. Living in Singapore, they were clueless about Indian menswear. I had to do everything—from fixing their appointments with the designers and customising their looks to taking care of all fittings. It was then that I realised that there was a gap in the market for a service like this. BT: What services do you offer? TV: Whether it’s personal shopping for your trousseau or making sure everybody’s baraat looks complement each other, tell us what you need and we’ll come up with ways to…

WHAT IS IT? No bridal trousseau is complete without a polki set. Made of unfinished natural diamonds, this craft celebrates the stone in its rawest form. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM KUNDAN? The two look quite similar and use some of the same crafting techniques. If you are deciding which one to invest in, it may help to know how to distinguish between them before you choose. While polki is made of uncut diamonds, kundan uses glass stones. Consequently, the former is more expensive. HOW TO SET YOUR BUDGET Pratiksha Prashant, CEO of Kishandas & Co, a Hyderabad-based jewellery brand, says that the price of a set varies, depending on cut and size of the stone being used. Your jeweller must always share the resale/buyback value of the set you…

The key to getting beautiful hair in time for your wedding is to boost its health from the inside out. While growth, texture, colour, and volume are genetic, diet plays a crucial role as well. Brides Today details eight expert-approved foods that promise to get your hair nourished and healthy for your big day. SPINACH Spinach is loaded with iron. “Iron deficiency is one of the most common reasons why people develop flaky hair, which in turn leads to hair fall. Consuming spinach is an easy and inexpensive way to promote growth,” says Payal Kothari, integrative nutritionist and gut health coach based in Mumbai. SEEDS Seeds of pumpkin, watermelon, chia, sunflower, and flax are packed with gut-friendly nutrients—zinc and magnesium—and fibre. “The bacteria in the gut ecosystem helps to strengthen…

GIVING BACK Kay Beauty, the makeup brand launched by Katrina Kaif, is doing its bit in helping with the COVID-19 relief efforts with a monetary contribution to De’haat Foundation. Founded by Vrundan Bawankar in 2018, the foundation was started to support single mothers in villages and provide quality education to their children. It is now looking after dailywage workers in Maharashtra. The funds from Kay Beauty will go towards food and sanitary materials for families living in villages around Bhandara district. DREAM TEAM Skeyndor, the Spanish skincare brand has collaborated with French salon chain, Jean-Claude Biguine—their home-care products will be available for purchase at the salon’s outlets. You can also choose from an advanced menu of Skeyndor facials, done in-house by Jean Claude Biguine’s facialists. Popular with celebrities like Penelope…

You’ve taken every precaution to ensure a flawless and radiant complexion on your wedding day. But what about the skin on the rest of your body? An equally rigorous beauty routine is a must for silky legs and firm arms. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a midriff-baring lehenga or island-hopping in a bikini on your honeymoon, radiant skin is a must. DRY BRUSHING is an effective way to increase blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage, giving you a natural glow from within. Although this method won’t eradicate cellulite, it can help reduce the appearance of dimples. “Cellulite occurs when fat and fluid bulge through the connective tissue that binds muscles to the skin. As we age and skin loses its elasticity, these bulges become more prominent. Dry brushing increases circulation…

Plus, ornate hair accessories, statement jewellery, and modern gowns for the bride; and Manish Malhotra celebrates 30 years in Bollywood…

“My sister was my personal cheerleader, my confidant, and my emotional pillar through this hectic weekend. I would have surely had a nervous breakdown without her by my side” Pretty as a picture I debated over where to propose—at the hostel in London where we met or while diving underwater were just some of the options. I finally settled on Lake Como. It is easily the most picturesque place we have been to. My proposal, on a boat, left us teary-eyed. Planning makes perfect As a bride, I really wanted to ace the décor and made moodboards and presentations for all the functions. A vibrant palette For the engagement, we kept things minimalistic with white and green décor elements in sync with the venue—the DLF Golf Club. We had the…

“Walking down the aisle to be married to the love of my life was a truly unique experience. I could feel all the love that filled the room as I was embarking on this new journey.” Old meets new Our love story began a little after we graduated high school and culminated in a romantic proposal in a Chicago hotel in 2017. I travelled to India just before the wedding to shop for my outfits and was so inspired. I knew I wanted the festivities to be traditional with a modern twist. All things Indian While the menu for the sangeet at Chicago’s Bridgeport Art Center was like a food walk through the streets of India, the tastes and flavours at the reception were similar to my mum’s cooking. Other…

The last thing you want as your wedding gift is something you don’t need or can’t use. A great solution to this problem is to opt for a wedding registry. It lets you pre-decide what you want and share the list with your guests. And it makes life easier for them as well—all they need to do is go to the website, pick a gift, and either buy or contribute towards it. The final selections will be delivered to the address of your choice. Here are three free e-registries that you can consider. WISHTRY.IN This platform allows you to add products from any website. Share your list with friends and family over e-mail and phone or they can search for your name on the website and browse through your selection.…

Daniel Bauer A favourite both with celebrities and brides, Bauer uses a girl’s vision of her look on her special day as his compass. He has also worked with big beauty brands and leading fashion magazines as well as at fashion weeks, both in India and abroad. GET IN TOUCH: Artistfactoryindia.co.in; bookings@artistfactoryindia.co.in Aakriti Kochar Aakriti Kochar’s biggest strength is her ability to create a variety of fuss-free looks. She focuses on keeping the aesthetic natural and subtle. Aakritikochar.com; aakritikochar@gmail.com Anu Kaushik Legendary makeup artist and hair stylist Anu Kaushik has a knack for decoding a client’s personal style, ensuring her brides look like the best version of themselves. Anukaushik.com; akmakeover@gmail.com Ambika Pillai Pillai has been in the business for more than three decades and her clientele includes Sonam Kapoor K…

Abhinav Bhagat A Delhi-based NIFT graduate, Bhagat has successfully handled over 300 big-scale weddings in just over five years. From budget planning to entertainment, his team will create the perfect setting for you. An additional bonus? They also host private events. Abhinavbhagatevents.com; @abhinavbhagatevents Andevi For Ananya Berry, founder of Andevi, wedding design goes beyond traditional décor—she turns it into an art, with large paper-mâché flowers and creative backdrops. Andevi.in; andeviweddingdesign@gmail.com Altair By Janki Desai A bespoke event design company based in Mumbai, with operations all over India, Altair specialises in weddings and luxury brand events. It will be your A-team if you’re obsessed with modern installations. jankidesai23@gmail.com; +91 98200 03665 Atisuto Events Founded by Sabah Shaikh, Atisuto specialises in bespoke vintage décor and their design aesthetic is minimal and rustic.…

A Shriniwasan, Mehendi Artist You will be hard-pressed to find anyone in Delhi who hasn’t heard of mehendi artist A Shriniwasan. His designs have been favoured by Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and Juhi Chawla. All you need to tell him is the type of design and any specific element you need incorporated, and he will create something original just for you. Shriniwasanmehendi.com; shriniwasanmehendi@gmail.com Deepa Sharma, Mehendi Artist A renowned celebrity artist, she was the woman behind Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's wedding henna. Not only does she create beautiful patterns for weddings, she is also famous for her lace glove designs. Deepasmehendi.com; deepa@deepasmehendi.com Dolly Jain, Sari Draper Dolly Jain has been synonymous with sari draping in India for almost 15 years. In the recent past, she has draped wedding saris for…

If it’s red carpet glamour, it has to be Chopard. And it can’t get more glitzy than the Cannes Film Festival. The family-run watch-making and jewellery brand has been the official jeweller of the gala for more than two decades, during which it has been showcasing its ‘Red Carpet Collection’. The dazzling pieces correspond to the number of years the Festival has been held and are worn by leading movie stars and other celebrities from across the globe. This year’s theme is inspired by nature, something that Caroline Scheufele, the brand’s co-president and artistic director, is deeply passionate about. While the Cannes Film Festival has been cancelled as Europe, like the rest of the world, battles the Coronavirus pandemic, Chopard has released a preview of a few pieces from the…

The best love stories are born out of great friendships. They come with humour and wit. A certain intimacy that makes for a great interview. Which is why the story of Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is one of my favourites. Here is an outtake of our conversation with them: Brides Today: Richa, what do you like most about Ali? Richa Chadha: That he is very kind. Ali Fazal: (laughs) RC: Are you not kind? AF: Are you serious? RC: I would not marry an unkind man. AF: No, no, no. I mean, that’s actually a very kind thing to say. I was thinking (of) something wacky (Both laugh). BT: Tell us what you like most about Richa? AF: I think she’s very uninhibited and says what she feels as…

Plus stunning timeless polki jewels for every occasion…

Keeping her hair healthy and beautiful for her big day is usually on top of a bride’s checklist. And the prep starts early: Regular oiling, hair spas, massages, and the works. While all of this is great, you need a plan B—clip-in extensions. India’s leading hairstylists Sapna Bhavnani and Clarabelle Saldanha tell you how you can use extensions to create the perfect look. WHAT ARE THEY? Clip-in extensions are exactly what their name suggests: Extensions that can be clipped in. They are made of real or synthetic hair and are a great tool to add instant thickness, length, and volume. MATERIAL Natural extensions are always a better option but are more expensive. "Unlike synthetic, these can be heat styled, cut, and coloured to your preference. They also hold styles for…

THREE QUESTIONS WITH LISA 1. WHAT’S THE ONE PIECE OF BEAUTY ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES ON THEIR WEDDING DAY? FEEL EVERY EMOTION, TRUST EVERYTHING YOU DO, AND LIVE EVERY MOMENT TO THE FULLEST. 2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR MAKEUP BRIDAL MAKEUP LOOK. MY WEDDING WAS A CLOSE-KNIT AFFAIR WITH ONLY A FEW OF OUR CLOSEST FRIENDS. I DID MY OWN HAIR AND MAKEUP AND KEPT THINGS VERY NATURAL. I DABBED CONCEALER UNDER MY EYES AND AREAS THAT NEEDED IT; APPLIED MASCARA ON MY TOP AND BOTTOM LASHES; CONTOURED MY EYES TO GIVE THEM DEPTH, AND APPLIED A MOISTURISING LIP BALM. 3. A CLASSIC BEAUTY TREND THAT YOU THINK WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. BEAUTIFUL SKIN.…

it's the last few weeks until your big day, and the excitement (and hectic schedule) is at its peak. It’s natural to panic and wonder if you will meet your wedding fitness goals—but resist the urge to start a new diet or exercise plan. Instead, keep things simple. Rujuta Diwekar, celebrity nutritionist, exercise science expert, and author of The 12-week Fitness Project, details three simple steps that you can follow to achieve your best body yet. RULE #1:add ghee to diet Banish the guilt and add one teaspoon of ghee to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From ancient texts to homegrown wisdom and the Cleveland Clinic, everyone is singing its glories. Ghee works wonders—it keeps your joints supple and skin glowing. It helps you de-stress, improves sleep, and helps with…

A ROYAL DRAPE Add a unique touch to your trousseau by including a mekhela chador from Assam. This traditional handloom dress is made from Muga silk and was gifted to visitors to the royal court during the Ahom Dynasty. Designer Sanjukta Dutta is giving this garment a beautiful, contemporary interpretation with her label Sanjukta’s Studio. Dutta celebrates the weave with delightful motifs like peacocks, butterflies, and flowers, and each sari takes between 25 to 45 days to hand-weave. Inquiries at +91 9864092704 DRESS TO IMPRESS Looking for glamorous and sophisticated outfits to take you through a cocktail party, reception, or destination wedding? Consider Maya Culture by designer Maya Gurjer. Her gowns and lehengas are contemporary and stylish with embroidery in dabka, zardosi, and beadwork. Each design has only three pieces,…

“My bridesmaids chose contemporary designs—a fabric print; one that looked like hand jewellery; and Arabic motifs, to give their mehendi a modern twist.” Easy does it We met in March 2019, at a common friend’s farewell party—little did we know that we were being set up. We’ve had a beautiful journey to this point—a few friendly dinners, work photoshoots, and then finally a fairytale evening in Jaipur filled with rose petals, a chariot ride, and a proposal on one knee. Keep it simple Kay and I wanted an intimate wedding. We were our own wedding planners and the ceremonies blended his Tamil and my Marwari heritage. Riot of colours We chose the traditional yellow-orange marigold décor for the mehendi, while the colours for the cocktail were blue and white. The…

Saltt Catering With over 25 years of culinary expertise, Saltt Catering offers a range of Indian cuisines—Goan, Hyderabadi, Kashmiri, and Gujarati—as well as international delicacies. Director Samir Gogai provides vegan and gluten-free options, alongside savoury Mughlai meals. GET IN TOUCH: @salttcatering; +91 9810210265 Creative Cuisines Inc Creative Cuisines Inc, founded by Virendra Handa, has been serving at weddings since 2006, and does at least 100 events a year. Their staff can fulfill every whim–Indian food with a twist, collaborations with international names such as Ladurée Paris, unconventional ideas like an avocado bar, or even a cheese fondue station. Creativecuisinesinc.com; handa@creativecuisinesinc.com Diva Catering Diva Catering, helmed by chef Ritu Dalmia, creates a specially curated menu for 12-15 weddings every year with pan-Indian, Italian, and Asian buffets, and sit-down menus. One of…

Pataaree Rich fabric and lace are combined to create a range of ornate brocade trunks, boxes, and vanity cases. Other giveaways include cloth hand fans, makeup and jewellery boxes, shoulder bags, sunglass cases, potlis, coin purses, and hand mirrors. GET IN TOUCH: @Pataaree Ikaasa They are known for their cashmere scarves that feature embroidered motifs—including your guests’ names or initials—in a range of colours. Ideal for winter weddings. +91 97110 42124; Ikaasastudio@gmail.com Mai-T India The company is a one-stop solution for artisanal teas made with real flowers, fruits, and herbs. Take your pick from house specials such as Kashmiri Kawa Green Tea, Rose Mint Green Tea, Jasmine Blossom Green Tea, and Earl Grey Green Tea. +91 98188 91877 Stiers Favors Choose from a host of bath products and accessories, such…

FREE SPIRITED Designer Saroj Jalan’s Spring 2020 line fuses heritage and art with contemporary details. Her latest collection, Banji, is an ode to the gypsies of India. Choose from embroidered coats, fitted churidars, and panelled skirts in rich, dusty tones to create a layered look. Available at the Saroj Jalan flagship at 68, Block C, Bangur Avenue, Kolkata all eyes A statement necklace is perfect to add a dramatic touch to your bridal look. And you can’t go wrong with creations from the Astra Collection by ORRA Bridal Jewellery. Set in 18K gold and bejewelled with diamonds, their pieces remind us of a star-studded night sky. Choose from double-layered ones with pendants, low chokers, or classic rani haars, and you’re sure to make heads turn. orra.co.in HAPPY DAYS Brighten up…

Ali! Allez vous!? So weird to write to you a letter when I can just call you…seems aptin view of this 21 days lockdown though. May we both emerge fromthis like butterflies from a cocoon. I keep saying it’s a miracle we met, because what are the odds?What are the odds of finding someone with whom you can discussliterature, cinema, poetry, food, music…? Someone who enjoysgoing on a run in the sultry LA afternoon and bargaining withpeddlers at Chor Bazaar! You, my love, are the last of the Mohicans, as the cultured manambles to his extinction, I am so glad I found you. Found you withyour intact spine and balls of steel! That too in our business. We’re inequal measure reclusive and crazy extroverted—a healthy concoctionfor any artist. Oh, speaking…

DRAW ATTENTION TO YOUR JEWELLERY BY KEEPING YOUR MAKEUP MINIMAL. COMPLETE YOUR LOOK BY WEARING YOUR HAIR IN AN OTT STYLE. WHY WEAR JUST ONE WHEN YOU CAN LAYER AND CREATE A MORE DRAMATIC LOOK WITH TWO NATHS? REMEMBER TO CHOOSE NOSE RINGS IN DIFFERENT SIZES FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT. All jewellery, prices upon request. See Where to Buy for details. Model: Dayana Erappa at Runway Lifestyle. Hair and makeup: Kajee Rai and Karan Rai at Runway Lifestyle. Fashion assistant: Juhi Taneja. Production: Nishtha Bhatia. MAKE A STATEMENT BY WEARING MULTIPLE NATHS IN YOUR HAIR. CLIP SMALL-SIZED ONES ALONG YOUR HAIRLINE, FOR A FRESH LOOK.…

1 Activate your senses When you curl up with a book or make some chai, try to slow down and enjoy the exercise. Suzy Reading, a chartered psychologist based in the United Kingdom and author of Self Care for Tough Times says, “The simplest way to build the mindfulness muscle is by using our senses. Be on the lookout for a scent you are familiar with, and love. As you do this, try and activate your other senses of sight, touch, taste, and notice how this changes your mood. The more you do this, the more mindful you become and the upward spiral of positivity grows.” 2 Come back to your breath Nothing can bring you back into the present moment quite like your breath, particularly when you are feeling…

Brides Today speaks to Gabriel Georgiou, hairstylist to stars such as Drew Barrymore, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt, on his journey and how to get hair healthy in time for your wedding Brides Today: What inspired you to become a hairstylist? Gabriel Georgiou: I always loved the arts and was drawn to creative fields such as painting, dancing, acting, sculpting, and photography. My brother chose hairdressing and I followed in his footsteps. I was attracted to what I saw on the runways during fashion weeks and in magazines, and films. BT: How can a bride achieve her healthiest hair in time for her wedding? GG: It’s a combination of factors—good nutrition, hydration, and low stress levels. A lot of people just use shampoo, which keeps the cuticles…

As you approach your wedding day, you need to be ready to be at the centre of countless cameras and attention. And which bride doesn’t want to look stunning in her wedding photographs and on Instagram? With this goal in mind, we give you the lowdown on how to get your body in the best possible shape for your wedding. STEP BACK LUNGES Lunges work the entire lower body, focusing on strengthening and toning the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and gluteal muscles. Start with feet shoulder-width apart. Using one leg, step back and land on the ball of your foot, keeping the heel off of the ground. Create a 90-degree angle with your legs. Push off with your right foot and come back to standing. Repeat on other side. ROWER SIT-UPS…

Dr Jamuna Pai, celebrity dermatologist, recommends these simple DIY masks that could help you banish those pesky skin problems. PIGMENTATION Achieving even-toned skin is not impossible. These masks are a start—they help brighten your skin and reduce pigmentation. Ingredients: Two tablespoons gram flour Pinch of turmeric One tablespoon milk > Mix to make a smooth paste. Apply it evenly on your face, scrub lightly, and allow it to dry. Wash off with cold water. > This mask has anti-bacterial, moisturising, exfoliating, and clarifying properties. Its regular use will help rejuvenate tired skin. Turmeric contains curcumin, which evens out pigmentation. Gram flour is an excellent exfoliator and it also helps reduce oiliness, thanks to the zinc it contains. UNEVEN SKIN TEXTURE Regular exfoliation is key to maintaining smooth skin. Use this…

“BRIDES, TODAY, ARE SO SURE OF THEMSELVES. MY JOB IS TO HELP THEM ENABLE THEIR DREAM. I BELIEVE ONE SHOULD WEAR WHAT ONE LIKES.” “JANHVI (KAPOOR) IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME BECAUSE SRIDEVI REMAINS VERY SPECIAL TO ME. THIS COVER SHOOT BROUGHT BACK MANY MEMORIES OF THE MOVIE SONGS SHOT IN SWITZERLAND.” It was the dawn of the new decade—the 1990s—and Bollywood was ready for change. And Manish Malhotra rode that wave as a game-changing costume designer. His bold approach reshaped Indian cinema’s fashion landscape. He reinvented bridalwear in unusual colours, and saris with modern drapes; plus, with Rangeela, he brought in a bold, new aesthetic. As the designer completes three decades in the industry, it’s clear that his influence on both the Indian girl and international red carpets has…

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Bar Wizard An icon of the Indian bartending industry, an expert mixologist, and flair bartender, Sandeep Verma has over 30 years of experience. Bar Wizard is a one-stop shop for all your cocktail planning needs. sandy.verma@barwizard.in @cheersbysandy Barmobile Barmobile, the first-of-its-kind portable bar service in India, with their customisable bar setup, are always prepared for all your cocktail requirements, whether it’s an intimate gathering by the pool, or a lavish star-studded affair in sprawling scapes. barmobileindia@gmail.com @barmobile Drinq Drinq is a full-service Bartending Boutique, which adds zing to your celebrations with fully-loaded, personalised bar set-ups and exciting drinks with a twist. dhaval@drinq.co.in @drinqindia Elixir Coterie Elixir Coterie is not only a bartending service, it takes care of your party entertainment—with flairologists and engaging games to match the vibe of your…

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