Are You Ready To Step Into The Era Of Bespoke Floral Accessories?

We’re still not over Radhika Merchant’s floral jewellery and ‘tagar jal’ dupatta and, as it turns out, neither is the rest of the world…

Jan 22, 2025
  • Radhika Merchant haldi

    There has been no dearth of stunning looks from the Ambani family during the seemingly never-ending pre-wedding festivities of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani. Whether it’sIsha Ambani’s custom Schiaparelli sari(a first-ever by the couture house) orNita Ambani’s traditional Hyderabadi Khada Dupatta, the Ambanis have given us fashion moments that will go down in history for being iconic.

    Speaking of iconic style moments by the Ambanis, the newest entrant to the clan Radhika is not far behind. The gorgeous bride-to-be is a clear trendsetter, as evidenced by her haldi ceremony look.

    Radhika Merchant haldi
    Image credit: Instagram/Rhea Kapoor

    Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the to-be-bride wore a yellow Anamika Khanna ensemble. While the vibrant lehenga and her radiant skin were breathtaking on their own, her floral accessories stole the spotlight.

    The piéce de résistance was the floraldupattacrafted entirely using tagar kalis. The ‘phoolon ki chadar’ styledupattawas an instant hit and elevated the pared-down haldi look to stratospheric levels. Radhika wore matching floral jewellery, designed by Shristi Kapur, founder of Floral Art.

    Radhika Merchant haldi
    Image credit: Instagram/Rhea Kapoor

    Floral Art has been behind some of the most beautiful floral accessories seen on celebrity brides like Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and now Radhika Merchant. “Brides are looking for a refreshing change from the heavy, traditional bridal jewellery worn at other functions,” says Shrishti, “We are seeing more & more brides every year opt for floral jewellery for their haldi or mehndi function. It has helped us push the envelope by creating floralkaleeras, floral umbrellas & evendupattas.”

    Radhika Merchant haldi
    Image credit: Instagram/Rhea Kapoor

    The floral accessories designer has been trained in Ikebana, the Japanese art form of floral arrangements, and predicts bespoke accessories made using flowers will be reimagined in different ways this wedding season. Shrishti predicts the floraldupattabeing all the rage with brides and the customised jewellery taking off too.

    “The ‘Kaan Chain’ hanging from her ear to the top of her hair will be another element that we expect the brides to ask for. Besides that, floral kadas should be another staple.”

    What do you think of the floral takeover?

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    For Manifest to become one of Cambridge Dictionary's most viewed words of 2024 — 1,30,000 hits and counting — it means some of us must have Googled it at least once. I know, I hit that search button over and over again
    because each time I looked at it, I saw a new meaning.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Putting together a homegrown title at a time when the demise of print has been long announced may seem surprising...
    ...but it has long been a dream of mine to give India a magazine it deserves. A magazine that is the country.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    And nothing, absolutely nothing, represents India more than our weddings.It is a time when families are brought together. Traditions come alive as they are adapted to each couple's beliefs. And lives are joined in a way that the romantic in me still enjoys.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    The fact that it comes with band, baaja and baraat — what's not to love?And that is the reason our first issue celebrates:
    THE NEW BRIDE.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    If you look at
    'Curate Beautiful, Create Happy'individually, they are powerful but when you put them together, they become a promise. While each section is dedicated to a word, I hope you will see this as your first of many handbooks for happiness.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Curate
    Where we give you a fast-paced look into everything you should wish list when you start to think about marriage. What to buy and how to dress, along with modern mithai and the homegrown fragrance makers to bookmark. Make special note of the feature on alta.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Beautiful
    It has everything you need to make your wedding special. From the big comeback of red and pink in bridal wear to how the cool kids are wearing corsets to the celebration, there is only one way to get ready for a wedding —with enjoyment.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Create
    This section is a building block, a step to a better life. A place where we have all the answers. Or at least the beginning of a great conversation.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    Happy
    This needs very little description. It has travel with a special focus on incredible India, and a collection of wedding albums, sourced randomly, but collected with abundance because happiness has no limits.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media

    This first issue has a lot more, including a carefully edited address book of everything you need to make your wedding perfectly 'gramworthy! But it doesn't stop there. Each issue will be different because each one of you is unique.
    Because we manifested this difference, now we will celebrate you.

    - Avarna Jain,
    Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media