The spectacle that is the grand Indian wedding dominated global headlines last year, fuelled by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s marathon nuptials that had our collective social media feeds in a chokehold. And while the scale of the typical wedding can span the gamut, from an intimate ceremony on a white sandy beach to a mammoth production at a five-star venue, what doesn’t change is the attention to detail and cultural personalisation that goes into every element of the big day.
Honouring this rich legacy, the Vogue Wedding Atelier presented by HSBC makes its debut in India this August, an invite-only experience bringing together the country’s leading bridal couture designers and high jewellery brands, along with experts and bespoke luxury services all under one roof. Slated to take place from 8–10 August, the showcase will be held at the historic Taj Palace in New Delhi.
Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, whose designs are beloved by celebrities from Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt to Kim and Khloe Kardashian, will be creating an immersive experience that gives invitees a peek inside his creative process. “I’ve always believed that bridal fashion is about emotions, traditions, and personal expression, and that’s exactly what we’re bringing. You’ll see pieces that embody the essence of wedding couture: from exquisitely detailed lehengas to refined sherwanis, exclusive creations made just for the Vogue Wedding Atelier, showcasing the finest craftsmanship and a deeply personal touch,” says Malhotra. And that’s not all; his high jewellery collection for both men and women, including tiered necklaces, intricate brooches and collar pins, will also find space in the showcase.
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Fresh from his emotional and deeply personal Paris Couture Week show—one that brought the audience to tears and set off a cascade of reels and commentary around the world—fashion maverick Gaurav Gupta has a grand ambition for his Vogue Wedding Atelier showcase. “Brides will experience the vision behind our couture—sculptural drapes, intricate embroideries, and a contemporary take on Indian bridalwear. They can also expect newer art nouveau-inspired embroideries, bringing a fresh dimension to our signature aesthetic, alongside some of our bestselling concept saris and gowns,” says Gupta.
The beloved designer duo synonymous with reviving and contemporising embroidery techniques, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla will also mark their presence at the Vogue Wedding Atelier. Invitees can expect one-of-a-kind couture experiments that dig deep into India’s textile heritage, but find new expressions for the modern bride.
Following up his epic 25th anniversary show in Mumbai, which had Christy Turlington make her Indian runway debut, Sabyasachi Mukherjee will be joining the festivities. He will be presenting a special edit of high jewellery, a creative venture that the cerebral couturier is particularly passionate about.
A historic milestone that marks this landmark showcase is the debut of Elie Saab’s RTW bridal collection in India. The Lebanese haute couture maison, now in its 46th year, is a bridal and celebrity favourite, its signature ballgowns and floral appliqué capes finding favour with red carpet regulars from Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce to Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor. At the Vogue Wedding Atelier, the maison will present an India-inspired edit, with a never-before-seen rani-pink gown and veil that draws from the country’s iconic contribution to the world of colour.
Sunita Shekhawat, the meenakari maestro of India, will be showcasing her timeless masterpieces, but as Shekhawat herself says, “As much as I enjoy crafting jewellery, it’s a joy to meet people who understand luxury craftsmanship and Indian aesthetics. This year is special, as we are marking a calendar year with our museum.” Joining her on the slate is Ahmedabad-based couture label, Shyamal & Bhumika. “We are very excited to be a part of the Vogue Wedding Atelier this year, this platform beautifully brings together the finest in wedding design and style, and we’re thrilled to engage with brides and grooms who appreciate timeless craftsmanship, opulence and bespoke artistry.”
For the discerning bride, the Vogue Wedding Atelier presented by HSBC will also showcase special collections from designers like Ritika Mirchandani, Aisha Rao and more, along with the best in high jewellery from legacy brands like Khanna Jewellers, Rare Heritage, Mehta & Sons X Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels to name a few. A sari pavilion, specially curated to celebrate the country’s incredible culture of handcrafted textiles from different regions, will feature labels like Dareeab by Sonia K Mahajan, Kanakavalli, Naina Jain and Patola by Nirmal Salvi.
To request an invite to the Vogue Wedding Atelier presented by HSBC, register here
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This story was originally published by Vogue India.
