Table of contents for December 2019 - January 2020 in Brides Today

ANUBHAV SOOD A Delhi-based photographer, he was born and brought up in the small town of Kalimpong. Sood began his career in 2011 as an assistant to photographer Tarun Khiwal. He is now a freelancer who has shot for brands like Nicobar, Kishandas & Co., Pankaj & Nidhi, and various publications. In this issue, Sood photographs the best of floral fashion in ‘Natural Wonders’, pg 93. Vacation spot you keep going back to? Kalimpong. Now trips to home are primarily vacations since they happen only once or twice a year. CLOVER WOOTTON She is a British makeup and prosthetics artist currently living and working in Mumbai. Wootton was trained in Fine Arts, is also an accomplished horse-rider and, loves all animals—her makeup kit is completely cruelty-free. Here, she gives a…

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Nervous about hosting your first Christmas dinner as a new couple? If an elegant theme is what you are looking for, consider The Charcoal Project, a design concept store that retails curated furniture and curios. The brainchild of interior designer Sussanne Khan, we like the bar accessories, cake stands, platters, candlestands, and cocktail glasses. They are made of sterling silver and gold plating, wood, and leather, and the understated appeal is their hallmark. At Unit No. 1, D-Mall, Veera Desai Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai SEEWHERE TO BUYFOR DETAILS…

Dear Bride, Your wedding is a time for joy and celebration. One hopes that you will always prosper and have a full life ahead as you start a beautiful new phase of your life, so enjoy it. The clothes you choose should match that spirit. The colour you wear has to do with the seasons and harvest and fertility, so select pieces that are festive. Wedding clothing in India is not fast fashion, and the embroideries and styling are such that it will stand the test of time, both in aesthetics as well as the quality of work. You have in your trousseau a collection of clothes that have come down in tradition from at least 500 years ago. The zardozi work on them is rare to come by in…

1. RED ALERT A RICH RUBY HUE WITH ELABORATE GOLD EMBROIDERY IS PERFECT FOR THE WEDDING, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WANT TO STAND OUT WHILE KEEPING THAT YOUTHFUL EDGE. THE SHEER NET DUPATTA WITH ZARDOZI EMBROIDERED BORDER ADDS A PLAYFUL ELEMENT TO THE LOOK, AND A SMART DEEP V-NECK BLOUSE IS PERFECT TO FLAUNT A SMART CHOKER NECKLACE. 2. HOT STEPPER The wedding shoes are elevated with spectacular zardozi, dhaga, and chain stitch embroideries. We have crafted our version with extremely soft soles that are as comfortable as the modern-day ballet shoe. I think times when people wanted to totter around in high heels, especially during destination weddings are long gone. These let you dance in them, get married in them, and work very well with almost every style. 3. DROP…

EFFORTLESSLY YOURS Looking for jewellery that can easily be worn from lunch with friends to an evening out? Consider Amaris by Prerna Rajpal. Its selection of cocktail rings, stackable bracelets, and diamond and polki studs are lightweight and dainty, and priced under a lakh. ETERNAL APPEAL What is festive dressing without the richness of traditional jadau jewellery? We like the Kanika collection from RC Bafna. Its elegant neckpieces and rings, classic solitaire earrings, and pendant sets—all featuring polki complemented by emeralds, opals, and rubies—are sophisticated and timeless. GREEN GLAMOUR Radhika Chanana of Devi Designs celebrates emeralds in her wedding range for the year. Dramatic cocktail rings, cascading earrings, and heart-shaped danglers—each set with glistening Colombian emeralds—all make for trousseau-worthy candidates. CONTEMPORARY CHIC Accessorise your reception or cocktail outfit with De…

WELLNESS SECRETS Wedding season is here, and the key to looking and feeling your best during this busy time is to focus on staying healthy—emotionally and physically. Svarasya is a research-based wellness brand that uses ancient forms of selfcare to transform your body from the inside out. Their line consists of skincare, hair care, feminine care, and superfoods, all drawing from ancient Ayurveda, Oriental, and Egyptian sciences. Scent Of A Woman Zeroing in on her signature wedding fragrance is one of the most important beauty decisions a new bride must take. Our vote goes to the new L’Interdit by Givenchy, ₹7,575/80ml—its unique combination of floral mixed with woody notes blend perfectly with a winter wedding. INNER GLOW The days leading up to your wedding can be stressful, taking a toll…

It was love at first sight. Amber spotted me at a common friend’s wedding back in 2017 and says he fell in love right away. He walked up to me and insisted on taking a picture. Post the wedding, he kept asking me out for coffee but for nearly eight months, I refused. Finally, I met him for lunch and instantly liked his talkative, witty and funny manner. He just couldn’t wait. Within a month, Amber made sure he met my family. His efforts to woo them showed me what a beautiful human he was, and his good looks added to the charm! A year later, in May 2018, he proposed. It was during dinner with my parents. We had a beautiful daytime wedding. It started with our laavan phere…

PS: Do your research and pick a planner who shares your vision, to prevent any stress and heartache SHAADI SQUAD They may have been only three years into the business at the time, but that didn’t stop Shaadi Squad from flawlessly executing two of the most high-profile events of 2018—the Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli wedding, and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s engagement. Having worked on the sets of some of the biggest Bollywood movies, founders Tina Tharwani and Saurabh Malhotra know exactly what it takes to translate your vision into reality. Note: They don’t take on more than 10-12 weddings a year. GET IN TOUCH: Shaadisquad.com; hello@shaadisquad.com ABHINAV BHAGAT A Delhi-based NIFT graduate, Bhagat has successfully handled over 300 big-scale weddings in just over five years. From budget planning…

A A.P.C at farfetch.com Adawna at Mumbai (022 6695 7918) Aikeyah Couture at Ogaan Delhi (097119 91998) Mumbai (022 4973 7044) Ajay Kumar www.mrajaykumar.com Alex Monroe www.alexmonroe.com Amaris by Prerna Rajpal Delhi (011 4109 5655) AMBRUS Jewels Delhi (011 4019 5370) Anamika Khanna Delhi (011 6517 1010) Kolkata (033 2281 4425) Ananke at perniaspopupshop.com Anastasia Beverly Hills at Sephora, Delhi (0120 259 5261) Mumbai (022 4004 5180) Anavila www.anavila.com Ane at amazon.com Anmol Jewellers Mumbai (022 6133 3444) Aquazzura www.aquazzura.com Arpita Mehta Mumbai (075066 33202) ASHDEEN Delhi (099993 88442) Ayeshna Chawla Fine Jewels Delhi (097116 06707) B Balmain www.balmain.com Bareskin Leather Essentials @bareskin_leather_essentials BaubleBar www.baublebar.com Baume & Mercier at ethoswatches.com Becca Cosmetics at Sephora, Delhi (011 4151 8371) Mumbai (022 4004 5180) Benefit Cosmetics at Sephora, Delhi (011 4151 8371) Mumbai (022 4004 5180) Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers (085859 71971) Blaze…

FROM THE EDITOR AS WE ENTER A NEW DECADE, IT IS CLEAR THAT TODAY’S BRIDE IS FIRMLY OF THE MOMENT. The year 2020 signifies more than just a shift in time. It also marks a shift in attitude. While tradition and modernity have found a balance, what define this young woman are the choices she makes—thoughtful, deliberate, and considered. And this is particularly reflected in the clothes she selects. Which is why Ritu Kumar is the ideal guest editor for the combined issue of December 2019–January 2020. Her label has not only defined the Indian aesthetic for 50 years, but the designer herself has been at the forefront of change. “Today’s bride is sure of herself. She is who she is and she’s not going to be dictated to. I…

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When Thomas Goode, one of the oldest purveyors of luxury in Chinaware, silverware, glassware, and tableware partners with Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the pioneer of luxe Indian bridalwear, expect the trousseau world to be redefined. The Goode-Mukherjee collection is inspired by the dusty pink of Devonshire Pottery and features quintessential Sabyasachi motifs with a nod to the Bengal Tiger and coconut trees. This is not the first time Goode has payed homage to India. From the two Minton pottery ceramic elephants with Howdah as gatekeepers at their flagship stores to tableware for the royal families of Baroda, Jaipur, and Kota, it has had a long association with India. Heritage is sustainable, handed down from generations. This bespoke dinner service could be your legacy to be passed. Available at the mini-museum and boutique…

Velvet is one of the biggest trends this season. Pair it with a delicate mukaish dupatta. There’s a quiet confidence to our cover star Sobhita Dhulipala, as she strikes a languid pose by the pool, clad in a champagne-coloured lehenga by RI Ritu Kumar. We’re at The Roseate in Delhi on a sunny winter’s day, and there’s a small army of people buzzing around the 27-year-old, eager to get the perfect shot—which is not hard for Dhulipala to achieve. An Internet sensation, she is casually aware of her intriguing persona, her eyes exuding a sense of mystery, and an innate power that she draws from her lean, feminine physique. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but know you’re in the presence of a rising star. “I’D LIKE MY…

FLORAL FANTASY “Ruffles and flirty florals are the biggest trend for 2020, and we have married the two in beautiful pastel colours. Small foliage has been carefully embroidered onto the blouse and lehenga panels, and a bouquet of appliqué flowers on the neckline accentuate the face. These styles are fresh, pretty, and fashionable, and also an ode to the rich craftsmanship that we’re extremely proud of.”…

SHOW STOPPER A dramatic swipe of red is the easiest way to update your look. Whether you prefer romantic or glamorous. To make the colour pop better, dab some concealer on your lips before application. A PERFECT MATCH While nude lips will never go out of style, the perfect shade is the one with a slightly darker and warmer pigment than your natural colour. Always start from the center and work towards the edges. BOOSTER SHOT Coral—the colour that’s taken 2019 by storm—is very flattering to Indian skin tones. To help seal the look, here’s our tip: Blot your lips with a tissue, puff translucent powder through it, and finish with a final coat. HIGH DRAMA Define your lips with a darker outline this wedding season–think burgundy, wine, and deep…

An award-winning British makeup artist, Clover Wootton has been a long-time proponent of vegan formulas and brushes. For this month’s cover, she created an effortlessly stylish look for Bollywood actor Sobhita Dhulipala, using cruelty-free products. Wootton shares her tips on how to recreate this look and the secret to healthy skin with Brides Today. Brides Today: How does one replicate Dhulipala’s fuss-free hair and makeup? Clover Wootton: I wanted beachy waves for her hair so I broke it up into sections with my fingers to give it more texture and volume. Sobhita has beautiful eyes with thick lashes and full brows. Therefore, we kept the makeup natural and dewy with just a subtle tint on her cheeks and lips. BT: What should a bride do to keep her skin healthy…

PS: Fix a trial run a few months before the wedding, so you have time to fine-tune your look DANIEL BAUER A favourite both with celebrities and brides, Bauer uses the bride’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…

PS: Always ensure the menu is a reflection of your tastes and sensibilities and in sync with the mood of the wedding. FOOD, INC. CATERING BY YUM YUM TREE Founded by Varun Tuli, Food, Inc by Yum Yum Tree is considered one of the best caterers in India. From dinners to cocktails and receptions, the team does close to 150 events a year. They offer a diverse range of cuisines such as pan-Indian, Asian, and continental. www.foodinc.in; catering@theyumyumtree.in FOODLINK BY SANJAY VAZIRANI Sanjay Vazirani was the food hero at Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s lavish wedding at Lake Como, Italy, with his classic Sindhi and Konkani dishes. An alumnus of Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management, Singapore, Vazirani’s vision is to ensure every meal is one of a kind. Foodlink.in; sales@foodlink.in…

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…

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Rustic yet modern, designers Shivan & Narresh’s debut furniture collection pays homage to their love for prints. The Shivan & Narresh Homes X Bent Chair range is a modern take on interior essentials. And the design aesthetic is an extension of their Summer Resort ’19 collection, the Patu Series with Dravidian Gond art prints, as well as elements of Andhra’s Tholu Bommalata tradition (shadow puppetry). The collection features 13 pieces including sofas, chairs, and coffee tables in steam beech wood as well as rugs and pillowcases. Available at bentchair.com…

For my wedding, I had immersed myself in the details of my cake. From the design to the colours and the flavour, I was adamant the cake had to be a showstopper since, being a pastry chef, that was one of the most important parts for me. I made the gum paste butterflies myself and carried them to Jodhpur. The night before my wedding, I was in the pastry kitchen of the Umaid Bhavan Palace, baking a chocolate sponge with a dark chocolate ganache. But that was 2014. Brides, today, are bored of chocolate and vanilla and fruit cake. If your outfit is bespoke, then why not your cake, right? Even dessert tables mirror the theme of the wedding. Here’s where mithai comes in. Think a gajar ka halwa cake,…

“WHEN I STARTED MY JOURNEY AS A DESIGNER, THERE WAS NO INDIAN MUSE. There were only Maharanis in chiffon saris and yards of pearls. After Independence came the rise of the Miss India celebrity—My personal interest was to promote the textiles and crafts of India, and I used to send them with two suitcases full of bandhini and zardozi clothes. The girls were the showstoppers in their saris, amidst a sea of jeans and little black dresses. I remember, Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) wore a bright red sari with a bright red lipstick even at rehearsals in London, and she overshadowed everyone in the room. And Sushmita (Sen) was so good with the crafts; the jamdanis, zardozis, juttis, and parandis. Lara Dutta was an absolute beauty. And Priyanka (Chopra Jonas) shot…

Creative director: Yurreipem Arthur. Art director: Lolith TK. Jewellery editor: Moumita Sarkar. Jewellery stylist: Ankita Malhotra. The Sanskrit word ‘Navaratna’ means ‘nine gems’, and Navratna jewellery refers to pieces created using them. The nine gems are ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite, and cat’s eye. These stones are believed to be auspicious, and it is said that each one refers to a corresponding planet. RUBY Representing the sun, it is usually placed in the centre of the piece, surrounded by the other stones. Much like the sun, it is believed to reflect warmth, energy, power, and success. PEARL It symbolises the moon and ensures a peaceful mind, happiness, and prosperity. RED CORAL This represents Mars and is said to ward any bad luck or curse.…

So much of beauty is holistic—fragrance, texture, and healing properties make a ritual that much more compelling. Especially in a bride’s regimen. Essential oils (EO), often called a ‘fragrant pharmacy’, are extracts from certain flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, roots, and fruits, which offer perfect remedies that positively impact the body, mind, and emotions. One of the best uses of essential oil blends is in your haircare—a bride must make sure her hair is healthy, strong, and lustrous in time for the festivities. Colin G Hall, Paro’s resident aromatherapist, has created aromatic blends to help brides achieve gorgeous, nourished hair. A word of caution, though—all essential oils must be diluted into a carrier oil in order to be used, or they will be too potent for the skin and hair. These…

Plus, dressed in their best, friends of the bride and groom come together for a colourful celebration. And quirky accessories to keep you in high spirits.…

Time seems to slow down in the laidback Baku. Flanked by the Caspian Sea on one side and rolling hills on the other, the Azerbaijani capital is also known as the Paris of the East. It offers quaint architecture, scenic landscapes, and charming little nooks to shop from. Much like Paris, Baku has a fairytale air, making it a location fit for your destination wedding as well as an idyllic honeymoon. To start with, check into the elegant and spacious Four Seasons—a 19th-century French Beaux-Arts style luxury hotel, which sets the mood with its old-world charm. This is a perfect choice for couples who want to wind down after months of wedding-planning and high-octane festivities. For a more modern experience, head to the dramatic Fairmont Baku Flame Towers—its tallest tower…

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…