2024 - Wedding Asia

THE KASHI NARRATIVE

The sheer brilliance of the Banarsi fabric, the huge design vocabulary, the dazzling colours and the detailed workmanship is legendary and feted by the who’s who of the world. Leading textile label Ekaya reintroduces this ever-evolving artsy narrative of one of the world’s oldest cities, Varanasi, to connoisseurs of fine tastes. Over the years, various creative collaborations have helped Ekaya expand its oeuvre, even taking the rich textile tradition to Paris, to design chic French wedding gowns. Palak Shah, the fourth generation of the family running the over 70-year-old textile manufacturing unit based in Varanasi, talks to Wedding Asia:

THE CONCEPT OF MATCHMAKING IN ITSELF HAS EVOLVED

Sima Taparia of Netflix hit Indian Matchmaking talks to Wedding Asia

TIMELESS LEGACIES

When it comes to renowned jewellery ateliers, beauty is easily found. Discerning collectors should look out for elegance, fine craftsmanship, aristocratic luxe, reliability and authenticity. The jewellery designers profiled here have wowed global connoisseurs for over a hundred years. The breath-taking pieces embrace the aura of an unknown, beautiful world. What not to love and lust for? By Richa Goyal Sikri.

TRADITIONAL MODERN

Designer Sanjukta Dutta has brought the Makhela Chador to the national stage and has been working closely with Assam weavers. Excerpts from tete-e-tete:

TRENDS WA

Using the yesteryears as the compass, Indian Wedding titans are weaving pivotal memories into their latest collections.

UNIQUE GIFTS FOR THE WEDDING COUPLE

Move away from the usual flowers or cash. Go in for indulgent pampering ideas for wedding gifts

“DESIGN IS CHANGING, BUT STYLE ENDURES”: JJ VALAYA

The couture king and master of ornamentation talks about his latest Ottoman collection, his Hollywood collaboration, bridal wear and the digital move.

The evolution of haute couture

The confluence of traditional textiles, embroideries and weaves with contemporary western silhouettes has helped Indian couture and bridal wear evolve an entirely new design and aesthetics language, where a brocade or embroidered sari or lehenga pairs beautifully with a jacket.