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Ten Hot Trends in South Asian Bridal Fashion for Spring & Summer 2017

Wedding Season is here and as both a hopeless romantic and fashion fanatic no doubt this means it’s the most wonderful time of the year. What we’re loving seeing on runways this year is all the cross-over in both Eastern and Western Bridal Fashion trends.  Brides can definitely have a lot more fun mixing and matching designs and fusing traditional and modern styles for their wedding look this season.  In days past, many a Desi bride would pack up and jump on a plane to India or Pakistan for their bridal trousseau — but save that airfare for the honeymoon. With all the talented Canadian designers creating trend-setting bridal collections and custom bridal gowns, brides need travel no further than a quick Uber trip across the city or even easier, just a few clicks away online and shop the hottest looks from Canadian designers right here at home.

50 Shades of Pink

Girly girls rejoice. I’ve been on board with this even when it wasn’t on trend, and now our colour moment is here. Across the globe, pink is a hit. From the lightest, barely there blushes at Marchesa to Sabrina Dahan embroidered florals and ombré dessert-like layers at Christian Siriano, the Pantone-approved colour is major for weddings this year.  Mandira Wirk showcased several pink hues during Amazon India Fashion Week. Some of my favourite pink looks came from Indian-American designer Naeem Khan.  Our own Canadian designers Narces and Catherine Langlois have several beautiful blush gowns in a variety of styles to suit the pretty palette.

Deep Plunge

Think J-Lo a la 2000 Grammys — yep we’re talking deep. While the sexy, open back trend is still hot,  plunging necklines are all the rage this season. For the bride that wants to wear the trend but show a little more modesty Canadian designer Mani Jassal has you covered — well, as much as you’d like to be ;).  Her Rajkumari bronze blouse has a gorgeous deep plunge that can be customized from a discreet dip to a knockout cleavage baring plunge for the daring bride.  Mikael D took the plunge with his showstopper gown during Toronto Women’s Fashion Week.  The plunge is “big” ladies so get that Hollywood tape and go for it!

Off The Shoulder

Strapless gowns, step aside. A new silhouette is headed to top spot. From sari and lengha blouses to wedding gowns, the off -the-shoulder look is one of the most prominent designs on runways this season. Spilling over from street style, bridal designers are playing with the shoulder baring style  with cut-outs, open necklines and falling straps. Mani Jassal has several blouse designs with both full off the shoulder and falling strap styles.

Bold Blouses

From sheer to ornate embroidered blouses, the runways are seeing a lot of experimentation this year when it comes to sari and lengha tops. We’re also seeing an unusual design combination – sharp shirts and flowing lenghas. Single shoulder baring looks are back too. Brides are sporting Grecian-inspired one-shoulder blouses as well as bold and structured long and short jackets, paired with saris or lenghas.

  OUT with the OTT Bling

Bridal wear is moving away from over the top bling.  Gaudy bauble is a thing of the past and we are seeing a return to elegance and subtle grace. The modern bride wants to relax, enjoy and even have some fun on her Big Day (imagine that). Instead of being weighed down by a 40 pound outfit she wants to be comfortable and is opting for lighter fabrics. And with the rise of destination South Asian weddings the easy breezy look is definitely apropos for the beach bride. Some of the leading designers are bringing “lightness” to their bridal lines using cuts, couching and fine thread work.

Pastels are the new Reds

South Asian brides aren’t seeing red these days. Many are going green as they open up to non-traditional colours. English tea party tones in particular are popping up in many designer collections.  Creams, blushes, powder blue and mint green are big favourites.  Gaurav Gupta’s latest collection featured a series of pale blues and greens.  And Tarun Tahilaini showcased his bridal collection in beige, pink, salmon and ivory. Mani Jassal’s aptly named ‘Udaipur Tea Party‘ 2016 collection has a variety of choice in this pale palette — ahead of the trend, the young Canadian designer knew they would come for a cuppa soon enough.

The Cape Comeback

While capes appeared here and there over the past couple of seasons on the runway and in street style, they are officially having their moment in the bridal world. Capes are everywhere for Spring 2017.  Mani Jassal has the superhero look perfected. From the Maya red net cape made of hand sewn french lace to the Nazanin cream net cape with mirror and beaded details, you can literally feel like Wonder Woman on your Big Day as a caped crusader.

Coachella Vibes

Lace has always been a bridal mainstay, but for Spring 2017, there seems to be a profusion of it. And we’re moving away from that prim, old-school silhouette to a more laid-back, boho chic aesthetic. We can’t help but think Coachella with the new lace look. Narces has an off-the-shoulder lace bridal jumpsuit that has us in absolute awe this season. Again, Mani Jassal brings the California desert vibe to bridal fashion with her Azahra nude net lace top and matching full length circle skirt lined with satin and matching Azahra veil.

Ruffled Romance

Ruffled ball gowns were a big trend last year during Paris Couture Week.  Gaurav Gupta has given them an Indian twist by using ruffles in his sari gowns.  Stephan Caras showcased lots of romantic ruffles in his latest collection during Toronto Women’s Fashion Week. Bold and beautiful, the elaborate ruffle trend is here to stay.

Falling for Fringe

Fringe and tassels are the talk of bridal town.  From the runways in India with Gaurav Gupta’s Scape Song collection through to Mani Jassal’s Shakira look and Mikael D’s fringed frocks during Toronto Women’s Fashion Week, this trend is big for brides this season. If full fringe isn’t your speed, tone down the look and incorporate it into your wedding accessories instead with some tassle earrings.