Malaika Arora Redefines Wedding Style in our Banarasi Lehenga

As we glide towards the Indian wedding season, the gorgeous Malaika Arora shows us how to opt for a style-forward bridal wardrobe.

If the last two decades have taught us anything, it is that Malaika Arora is a modern-day tastemaker— a true Indian diva who has opted for some of the most memorable ensembles on the star-studded wedding circuit. Whether she steps out of the Ambani wedding party or charms the paparazzi after a Diwali rendezvous, the mega-star consistently serves up some of the most inspiring looks with ease. The actor always opts for stand-out silhouettes for traditional festivities and weddings, ranging from fashion-forward cocktail sarees to heavily embroidered kurta sets. For a recent shoot with HT City Lifestyle, the Bollywood actor took a daring departure from the conventional bridal aesthetic by wearing our black hand-embroidered Zardozi Banarasi lehenga, proving once again her ability to redefine trends.

While traditionalist brides still choose to wear red on the wedding day, some are making the bolder choice by going all out. The classic image of a bride adorned with fresh flowers and traditional jewellery is evolving. Modern brides are more confident and self-aware, expressing their individuality through their choices. Malaika Arora's recent bridal shoot boldly challenges the traditional connotations of black, empowering modern brides to embrace their individuality and redefine bridal aesthetics.

For the bride who likes to be a little extra bold with her wedding moodboard, let our select pieces from collection Rivaayat serve as the starting point for inspiration.

Purple reigns for bridal elegance

Indian couture is now offering a fresh perspective in design, allowing brides to choose from a wide range of hues that were often overlooked in the past for wedding-day outfits. Shades of aubergine and purple, when paired with precious gemstones, uncut diamonds, or polki, are an absolute must-have for brides looking for variation and versatility. If you want to make a statement as a bride in a bright, bold hue that's not restricted to red, choose our deep purple Banarasi lehenga, handcrafted in pure Katan silk, this majestic Banarasi lehenga feels like a breath of fresh air. With its kalidar skirt and choli-cut blouse, it strikes the perfect chord of balance between traditional and modern.

Not your regular bridal blues 

Brides often worry they won’t be able to achieve the conventional bridal look if they opt for unconventional colours, styles, or patterns. However, recent reports from style experts suggest that the Indian couture industry today has successfully harmonised modern and traditional aesthetics, so there is more to offer the contemporary bride than before. It all boils down to the right styling and being authentic. If you’re eyeing our handloom blue brocade Banarasi lehenga but don’t know how to style it for your wedding day, here’s our advice. You can either make a statement with massive gemstones strung together with an assortment of uncut polkis and South Sea pearls or opt for a cherished family heirloom to complement the timeless classics with the contemporary colour palette. 

Green is the new red

Emerald green has undeniably taken centre stage at this year's most glamorous weddings, and there’s no denying that the Indian brides-to-be are already pasting their moodboard with images of big, bold splotches of emerald green— both in jewellery and clothing. While many brides are tempted to incorporate a variety of contrasting colours and intricate details, we advocate for the power of simplicity. The more you keep yourself uncluttered, the more you are likely to stand out. Take, for instance, our deep green, hand-embroidered Zardozi Banarasi lehenga, complemented by a dazzling jadau necklace adorned with polki diamonds and emeralds. This combination promises to make a statement that surpasses the traditional red bridal look.

An ivory affair

While Western brides effortlessly embrace the ethereal allure of white, ecru, and ivory, their Indian counterparts often shy away from these muted hues. Yet, understated elegance can be a captivating bridal vision, and Alia Bhatt's summer 2022 wedding serves as a perfect example. Breaking free from tradition, the young star opted for a timeless ivory-embroidered saree, proving that sometimes less is truly more. 

Traditional brides are changing drastically. Indian brides are increasingly venturing beyond the traditional bridal colour palette, exploring a wider range of hues. Our handloom white Mughal Jaal Pure Katan Silk Banarasi lehenga, adorned with intricate gota work and Zardozi dupatta, embodies this modern approach. To truly showcase the lehenga's exquisite craftsmanship, we suggest a minimalist aesthetic. Although jewellery holds great significance for brides, we highly recommend minimal accessories to let the exquisite craft of zardozi and gota work be the highlight. Also remember, nothing should overpower the bride’s confidence; hence, it’s best to stick with sumptuous pearls and elegant gemstones.

Sunset yellows for the big day

There’s a reason yellow reigns supreme on special occasions. Irrespective of style or time of year, it’s a hue that unfailingly delivers a dose of radiant sophistication. While it's a popular pick for pre-wedding festivities like haldi and sangeet, incorporating it into the main wedding day look requires a deft touch. Instead of going for an all-yellow look, we suggest you add a hint of red or maroon to keep things balanced and interesting. Or, if you love the allure of monochromatic looks, try our pure Katan silk Banarasi lehenga. This one, when paired with a bold Meenakari choker or traditional polki necklace with emerald accents and matching earrings, truly makes for an unforgettable bridal look.   

Author - Haiqa Siddiqui