It’s said an outfit is like second skin; and when it comes to the wedding context that could well be the haath phool. It fits like a glove quite literally, and does the talking before your kadas, cocktails rings and bracelets!
Set on the back of the palm and extending to the wrist to combine a bracelet with the finger ring via chains, the haath phool—believed to have its origins in the Mughal era—is just the kick-starter to your wedding appearance. Brides have been sporting this adornment for a while now, with traditional kundan-polki centrepiece pattens, pearl strands, and more.
The haath phool is no longer just confined to lehengas and heavy saris, and is now grabbing attention at pre-wedding soirees, cocktail and sufi nights, dinner parties, destination wedding appearances, parties and high-end events. Alia Bhatt rocked a dainty design Tangerine Bio Jewelery at Cannes this year with her skirt and corset ensemble.
And they go perfectly with Western outfits, too! Case in point, pop queen Rihanna who teamed her haath phool with intricate floral leaf motifs by Manish Malhotra with a chartreuse-yellow set from Mugler, at her Fenty Beauty pop-up in Mumbai, a few months ago.
Today, you have a whole world of cool haath phool designs that can be teamed with different silhouettes. Like Bhumi Pednekar went bohemian with her haath phool that she paired with an an ajrakh cape and dhoti set that featured dangling coins and shells.
Meant for the sculptural, fashion-forward hand harnesses; great for the contemporary bride, sisters Kaabia and Sasha Grewal's, Outhouse Jewellery haath phools focus on futuristic, edgy, and avant-garde aesthetics inspired by architectural lines and nature. In 22kt gold or luxury rose gold, this is drama that meets Swarovski crystals, cushion-cut tanzanite, lustrous fresh-water pearls and custom resin tusk charms.
For the girl who likes to go experimental, these contemporary haath phools are a must buy. The cool bohemian designs include sharp geometric patterns, lotuses and tribal elements, in 925 sterling silver with oxidized finishes.
A must see? The sterling silver Kaju Katli Palm Cuff, an edgier version of the hand ornament, in kundan setting, which is a playful nod to the geometric angles of the iconic Indian mithai.
Desi maximalism to the core here! Mortantra has a gorgeous selection of vintage-inspired haath phools from polki multicolor gold-plated jadau kundan haath phools with moon, elephant and floral that motifs that will stand out as the statement piece at mehendi or sangeet ceremonies.
Suhani Pittie's haath phools are akin to sculptural piece of contemporary art with geometric shapes, beaten metal and foliage motifs like leaves and vines making for quite a statement. Scene-stealers, for sure!
Dazzling array of dazzling, traditional kundan, polki, pearl and moissanite stones bridal haath phools that pair well with whites and pearl lehengas.
Making the case for sustainability, Tangerine Bio Jewelry's haath phools use 100% recycled natural elements such as spices, reclaimed seeds, spices and natural scraps, which are then handcrafted and plated in 22kt gold.