SL Middle East’s Fashion Editor Shares Her Indian Wedding Looks
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Kajal and her now husband, Niraj had an incredible vision for their day and the details were important. Because Indian attire is so elaborate and vibrant, it gave me an opportunity to be creative. Whilst I love South Asian fashion, as well as Indian and Pakistani designers, I’m always on the hunt for brands and contemporary designers that align with my personal style. Over the years, I’ve developed relationships with some because a lot of the outfits have to be made to order.
Packing for a destination wedding can be quite the task, as traditional clothing is usually very heavy. Additionally, Indian clothes tends to be expensive. My approach is to invest in pieces I love, and that can be mixed and matched with what I already own.
The haldi ceremony is all about colour, so I opted for a bright, printed lehenga set from a Mumbai-based label, Saaksha & Kinni. It makes cool separates that combine traditional styles with a modern touch. This outfit was one I’d purchased a while back and had worn only once before, so it was the perfect time to rewear it. Because it was a daytime event, I didn’t want to overwhelm myself with elaborate jewellery, so I opted for a silver choker from Amrapali instead.
I’m definitely a minimalist who enjoys playing around with more masculine pieces – like an oversized shirt or a blazer – and this played into my sangeet outfit. The sangeet, which took place at the Garden Lichtenstein Museum, is an occasion to dress up for. I wore a grey and gold silk lehenga skirt from Ekaya Banaras and originally planned on wearing it with a white shirt – but the look wasn’t entirely what I’d envisioned, so I had to shop my own wardrobe. I came across my white oversized blazer from Theory – which, when layered over the skirt, worked perfectly. Traditionally, a lehenga is worn with a matching blouse, but I opted for a bralette from Galvan and finished my look with statement jewellery from Anu Merton and the gold mini Jodie from Bottega Veneta. To really honour the ‘Golden Kiss’ theme, I tied my hair in a sleek bun and applied gold leaf to the centre part instead of wearing any hair jewellery.
For the main wedding day, which took place at the Belvedere Palace, I wore a set from Aikeyah – a brand that I often turn to for traditional outfits. The brand ticks every box; the pieces are simple yet detailed in their layering and the monotone embroidery makes them easy to style with both gold and silver accessories. I opted for a pre-draped sari that came with an additional dupatta drape. I purchased the set in ivory with an organza drape and added gold sequins. Organza is a fabric that adds volume, so where the outfit was supposed to be worn across one shoulder along the body, I chose to wear it off my shoulders like a stole – I think it looked a little more regal. My jewellery was a mother of pearl set from Preeti Mohan jewels, that I had picked up in Delhi, and I wore my Bottega bag with my favourite gold Aquazzura heels.
The final event was a Viennese Ball held at the Spanish Riding School. It was a stunning historical monument that was converted into a grand ballroom, and the theme was black-tie and evening gowns. A gown isn’t something that I’d typically wear, so I looked at the contemporary Indian designers I love. I have a black draped skirt set from Aikeyah that comes with a bralette and organza overshirt – but I had my heart set on wearing trousers. I mixed and matched the upper body components with some trousers from REIK Studio, a brand that really resonates with my personal style. The trousers have an attached drape that sweeps the floor – making it a little more dramatic. I wore the overshirt off my shoulders and pulled up the sleeves for added volume. For jewellery, I wore a statement set of polki (uncut diamond) style bangles from various brands including Anayah Jewellery and borrowed a necklace and studs from my mum. I carried my Alaïa heart shaped bag.
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