Two days after India Couture Week drew to a close, the couture conversation continued at The Taj Mahal Palace, New Delhi. As the exclusive magazine partner, Manifest got a first-hand glimpse into the wedding weekend madness as the fourth edition of FDCI Wedding Weekend brought together leading names in fashion, jewellery and luxury for two days of trousseau shopping, appointments and discovery.
If Couture Week is about the spectacle of the runway, Wedding Weekend offered a more intimate way to experience the collections. Housed in individual pavilions, designers presented their latest work in a setting where guests could examine the textiles, embroidery and detailing, meet their teams, book appointments and make selections for the celebrations ahead.
The timing added to the appeal. Several designers who had just presented at India Couture Week were back with their collections, allowing guests to move from seeing a look on the runway to experiencing it at close quarters. Around 45 designers came together for the fourth edition, spanning couture, occasion wear and the groom’s edit, with JJ Valaya, Falguni Shane Peacock, Rahul Mishra, Rohit Bal, Kunal Rawal, Jayanti Reddy, Aisha Rao, Roseroom by Isha Jajodia, House of Masaba, Rimzim Dadu, Arpita Mehta, Dolly J, Sulakshana Monga, Supria Munjal, Divani, Mishru, Not So Serious by Pallavi Mohan, Elisha Wadhwani, Disha Patil, Varun Nidhika, Gauri & Nainika, Amit GT Couture, Asha Gautam, Pawan Sachdevaa and Ashish N Soni, among the participating names.
The showcase extended beyond bridal couture. Shantnu Nikhil Couture, Pawan Sachdeva and Ashish N Soni brought their offerings for the groom, reflecting the growing attention being paid to occasion dressing for men.
Fine jewellery formed another significant part of the showcase, with Raj Mahtani Couture Jewels, Prakshi Fine Jewellery, Shree Jee Jewellers, Gems and Jewels Palace, Tibarumal Jewellery, AMARIS Fine Jewels, Amrapali Jewels, Hazoorilal by Sandeep Narang, Manish Malhotra High Jewellery, Jawahrii and Atul Jewellers among the participating names. The jewellery edit brought together statement pieces and more contemporary designs to complement the couture on display.
The offering also extended into beauty, gifting and wedding essentials, with Inara Rituals, The Joyful Enamalist, Saugaat by Bikanervala, Dyson, Suhani Gurnani and astrologer Ruchika adding to the mix of the wedding weekend energy.
At its heart, the weekend was about bringing the business of fashion closer to the business of weddings. Guests could engage directly with designers and brands, understand the making behind the pieces and move from browsing to appointments and, ultimately, purchases.
Speaking about the fourth edition, FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi said, “The business of fashion and couture is intrinsically linked to the business of weddings in India. With around 45 designers under one roof, FDCI Wedding Weekend brings together a diverse selection of couture, jewellery and occasion wear, offering something for every discerning taste.”
The fourth edition made good on that proposition. Following Couture Week after just two days, it gave the collections a second life beyond the runway, putting them directly in front of the people who would wear, commission and make them part of their celebrations.