Colors, Colors, Colors!

BridalGal founder, Lilly Rivera giving a guest a pretty new makeover

About the Designers
Shyamal & Bhumika are a designer husband-wife duo that took the Indian fashion scene by storm at  Lakme Fashion Week in November 2006. Bhumika’s training at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and Shyamal’s research of Italian Design in Milan led them to create amazing bridal couture and pret collections. They are based in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, India and showcased their designs for the very first time in the United States this year. According to Shyamal, they are looking for opportunities to open up retail stores all over the United States, mainly where there are large South-Asian American populations, so American brides might have closer access very soon!

The Sari-Clad Bride editor, Farah, with Shyamal!

Shyamal’s Bridal Fashion Tips for Fall/Winter 2010

• Velvet is everywhere this season.
• Muted Indian colors such as beiges, icy blues, muted pinks, greens and yellows are a hit.
• Traditional bridal colors such as reds, rani pinks and mustards will always be in.

The Sari-Clad Bride team absolutely fell in love with Shyamal & Bhumika’s Indo-Mughal collection. When we asked Shyamal where the influence for this collection came from, he told us that he researched South Asian history (particularly the Mogul era) in order to come up with this collection. “I spoke with nobel families, went to museums and talked to curators”, explained SShyamal.

“But, my real inspiration is the modern girl/woman on the run”, said Shyamal. “A woman who is always juggling a lot.”

the perfect red bridal sari, from the “gaam collection”

The event was a total hit with brides-to be’s, mother of brides and fashion lovers alike, all rifling through the amazing collection. We found a particularly enthusiastic bride, Sonalee,  from Edison. New Jersey.  Sonalee is getting married on July 21st, 2010 and came to the event to shop for a Garba outfit for her Rajasthani wedding event.

“I’ve been following Shyamal & Bhumika for the past couple of years” gushed Sonalee. “I’ve been eying this lehenga-choli since the runway show!”

Bride-to-be, Sonalee with a gorgeous Lehenga Choli

The Sari-Clad Bride team with some of their favorites from the collections

If you missed last night, you can catch the trunk show this Saturday, April 24th, 2010 at Shaadi Studio’s midtown location in New York City.

ShaadiStudio
336 West 37th Street, Suite 600
New York, NY
1pm – 5pm

the gorgeous Shilpa Shetty as a real-life Bollywood bride!

Gorgeous Shilpa Shetty who’s known for her perfect body and Big Boss fame finally tied the knot with long-time beau, business tycoon, Raj Kundra! After seeing Shilpa in so many bridal avatars in her movies, we were super excited to finally see her as a a real-life Bollywood bride!

Engagement

Shilpa and Raj held a small, private engagement on October 24th, 2009 at Raj’s home in Mumbai, India. Shilpa wore a stunningly simple pink and red chiffon sari designed by notorious Bollywood fashion designer, Manish Malhotra, with a gorgeous kundan set from Anmol Jewelers. Her engagement ring is reportedly worth over 5 million dollars and is bigger than the 14ct ring she was seen sporting before her engagement!

Shilpa and Raj finally make it official!

Shilpa and Raj’s wedding card made quite a splash as it was designed by famed Delhi-based designer and supposedly cost the couple Rs 500 per card.

Love the crest!

The perfect royal theme!

Mehndi Ceremony

Shilpa and Raj’s Mehndi ceremony took place on the morning of Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Bawa villa. Shilpa and Raj picked a Hawaiian theme and Shilpa wore a bright pink swavorski-encrusted kaftan (designed by Tarun Tahiliani) to match the theme. Popular Mehndi Artist, Veena did the mehndi for both bridal parties.

Raj and Shilpa posing with their Mehndi Artist, Veena

Actress and gorgeous sister of the bride, Shamita Shetty

The bride-to-be gearing up for her big day with a beautiful mehndi design

Sangeet Ceremony

The Sangeet was also held at the Bawa Villa on Saturday, November 21st, in the evening.  Shilpa wore a stunning gold anarkali outfit designed by Tarun Tahiliani for her sangeet. The Sangeet is heard to have been an absolute blast with dances choreographed by Bollywood choreographer, Ganesh Hedge. The Shetty family performed a skit in which they imitated the Kundra family and danced to the song ‘Aahun, Aahun’ from the movie Love Aaj and Shilpa and Raj danced to a romantic number, ‘Teri Ore’ from Singh is Kingh (which is Shilpa’s ex-boyfriend, Akshay Kumar’s movie!).

Shilpa on the way to the Sangeet

showing off her beautiful mehndi

Wedding

The wedding ceremony took place at Shilpa’s friend and business partner’s home in Khandala (outside of Mumbai) on Sunday, November 22, 2009 and only close family and friends were invited. Shilpa and Raj combined both of their South Indian and Punjabi roots in terms of the wedding rituals. Raj arrived at the wedding on a silver horse-drawn charriot in traditional Punjabi style, with a lively baarath. Respecting Shila Shetty’s Bunt community heritage, they were married in  traditional Mangalorean style. The wedding menu included a delectable buffet of Hyderabadi and Awadhi dishes from Mumbai’s Foodlink restaurant.

The couple left no stone unturned in terms of their wedding outfits. Shilpa wore a  Tarun Tahiliani creation–a traditional burgundy and red brocade sari encrusted by Swavorsky jewels and a kamarbandh with rubies and Swarovski crystals. She added a Punjabi touch to her wedding day look by wearing ‘churaas’ (bangles). Shilpa’s jeweler also reports that Shilpa designed her own mangalsutra! Raj wore a maroon sherwani with gold zari work designed by Nikhil and Shantanu, carried a sword by his side and a string of pearls cascaded from his turban, depicting a perfect Punjabi groom behind the sehra.

the groom on his chariott

the bharaathi's (groom's wedding party) with the magnificent chariott

Shamita and her mother mother awaiting the groom

the blushing bride giggling away

newlyweds

we love the blouse and gajras!

the ravishing bride

she looked as beautiful as everyone expected

Reception

After a traditional wedding, it was time for a more westernized reception! Shilpa and Raj hosted a sophisticated event on Tuesday, November 24th at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. Shilpa wore a  crystal-encrusted gold lehenga-style gown (designed by Tarun Tahiliani) and Raj wore a black sherwani (designed by Nikhil and Shantanu) for the reception.

introducing...Mr. and Mrs. Kundra!

wedded bliss

a very happy Bollywood bride

Shilpa's makeup was perfect!

Courtesy of David Schwartz Photography

For Desi brides-to-be that are going to don a beautiful white wedding dress on the day of their wedding, The Sari-Clad Bride recommends adding a mantilla veil to accent and complete the look with a South Asian flare.  Traditional mantilla veils originated in the late sixteenth century in the warmer regions of Spain and are used throughout the Latin American community as well.  As such, this veil is a very ornamental and is often times made of lace.  Similar to ornate dupattas that South Asian brides adore, the mantilla veil provides brides with a similar look of elegance with the perfect detailing.

Check out the stunning photos of a friend of The Sari-Clad Bride: Sara!

Courtesy of David Schwartz Photography

Inspirational Tip: If you’re wearing a lighter-colored or pastel sari for your wedding, consider adding a Mantilla veil for a unique look.

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Designer Tarun Tahiliani’s ‘The Painterly Vision’ was the grand finale of this Lakme’s latest season. Tahiliani’s collection wowed onlookers with the spectacular draping and extraordinarily chic and complex color palette that ranged from saffrons velvety blacks to cornsilk blues. Unique touches such as a brocade belt on a sari, an exquisite pave blouse and a slightly shaded sherwani makes this veteran designer’s newest collection a standout choice for ‘haute couture’ brides everywhere. See the collection after the jump.

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Trends to watch out for:

• Military-style sherwanis for men
• Heavily embroidered sari borders
• Belted saris
• Floor-length Anarkalis
• Layers

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Popular Bollywood designer, Vikram Phadnis definitely knows how to please the masses. Models sashayed down the ramp in billowy ghagras, brightly-colored and netted dupattas, sherwani-inspired blouses,  splendidly gold dhotis (for men) and transparent half-sari in every color in and off the rainbow. But, Beauty Queen Sushmita Sen stole the show in her ‘dulhan’ avatar.  Phadnis sent Sush down the runway  in a resplendent gold and green lehenga choli with sindoor and a dupatta demurely draped on the Bollywood beauty’s head.  Phadnis’ collection is definitely every bride (and groom’s) dream! See the collection after the jump..

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Bollywood’s most popular designer, Manish Malhotra, presented a glitzy bridal collection for his Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the end of the second day of Lakme Fashion Week on September 19th, 2009. Malhotra’s collection told the story of a jilted bride, represented by his powerful designs. The collection gave off a magical vibe with its majestic color palette of white, champagne, grey, red, olive, cream, brown, old rose and cream. His brides were adorned in mermaid ghagras, ruffled churidar-kurtas and netted saris while his grooms wore panelled kurtas, bundgala jackets and regal sherwanis with pathiala salwars. Malhotra didn’t discriminate against any part of South Asia; borrowing cultural garbs from Pakistan to Rajisthan. See the collection after the jump..

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Trends to watch out for:

• Anarkali shapes for men
• Layered skirts
• Ruffled churidaars
• Layered anarkali kurtas
• Short kurtas for men
• Pathiala pants for men
• Empire waistline

- ruffles

Be prepared to get inspired by breathtaking ensembles and dazzling accessories for your own spring/summer bridal ideas!

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Anita Dongre extracted the rich culture of her hometown, Jaipur, for her ‘Timeless’ Spring/Summer 2010 collection entitled”Jaipur My Jaipur”, on September 18th, 2009. Dongre’s collection was truly a modern take on Rajasthani garb. She used lush colors such as red, regal blue, grey and black and left no stone unturned in adorning her beautiful costumes made of brocades, georgettes, raw silk, satin and velvet with gota, zari, sequins, beads and crystals. Her models swished down the ramp in their bandhani skirts, kurtas, shararas, half-saris, jodhpuris and ghaghras. Dongre’s collection was one of  The Sari-Clad Bride’s personal favorites! See the collection after the jump.

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Trends to watch out for:

• Dhotis
• Puffy sleeves
• Sequins (still going strong)
• Floor-lenght kurtas
• Half Saris
• Harem pants

Be prepared to get inspired by breathtaking ensembles and dazzling accessories for your own spring/summer bridal ideas!

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Anand Kabra’s collection, ‘Kumari’, is a tale of the two faces of a woman–one of a ‘goddess,’ the other of a ‘temptress’. The major theme of the collection was asymmetry which you could see in the skewed hemlines, shoulders, buttons, etc. The color palette of ivory, white, turmeric pewter, ash and sindoor red was easily a background for bridal wear. Kabra used beautiful ethnic motifs to display an (almost) ready-to-wear collection. See the collection after the jump.

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Trends to watch out for:

• Assymetrical lines
• Floor-length kurtas
• Layered skirts

Be prepared to get inspired by breathtaking ensembles and dazzling accessories for your own spring/summer bridal ideas!

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Ahmedabad designers Bhumika and Shyamal Shodhan unveiled  a magnificently Indo-Mughal themed affair as their Spring/Summer 2010 bridal collection on September 18, 2009. Perfect for a royal-themed wedding, the color scheme is superbly rich thus making it  perfect for a fall or winter wedding! Working off of a rich color palette of burgundy, chocolate, orange, green, brown, midnight blue and stark black hues, the designers infused velvet, velour, and brocade fabrics with zardozi, chikan, gota, marodi and aardi work. The collection consists of opulent ghaghra cholis, silken saris and stunning kurtas–jewel-encrusted cummerbands and all.

Amazing eye-candy as well as inspiration for a  regal and luscious wedding-day wardrobe. See the collection after the jump.

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Trends to watch out for:

• Churidaar Kurta
• Transparent Churidaar leggings
• Contrasting Dupatta
• Dotted Sequins

Be prepared to get inspired by breathtaking ensembles and dazzling accessories for your own spring/summer bridal ideas!

Showstopper Samera Reddy

Neeta and Niksha Lulla–the fabulous Indian mother-daughter designer duo (on behalf of Gitanjali Lifestyle) opened up the Spring/Summer 2010 season on September 18th, 2009 with a delicious beige, dull gold and silver collection in collaboration with the Giantti jewelry line. Showstopper and Bollywood actress Samera Reddy was a vision in a ‘dramatic beige stitched jersey dhoti skirt and a crystal encrusted barely there choli’. The collection was infused with crystals, gota, cutwork and chikan embroidery. See the collection after the jump.

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

courtesy of Lakme Fashion Week

Designer Neeta Lulla with showstopper Samera Reddy

Trends to watch for:

• Flowy Anarkalis
  
• Elegant floor-length Kurtas
• See-through Churidaars
• Dhoti-style Saris
• Maxi-styles
  
• Crystal borders
• Flared pants