Who Is An Anamika Khanna Bride?

To interview Anamika Khanna any other way than at her tranquil state, which is just as charming as it is rooted in true inner peace. The satin blowout, her signature white kurta pyjama, diamond rings worn on perfectly manicured fingers. “I did my own hair and makeup today. Does this outfit work for the shoot?” she chimes in with a smile. It’s a warm spring morning and we sit down next to her large garden, with the sound of cuckoo birds and parakeets punctuating our conversation.

The designer is presumably occupied with her opening show at the Lakmé Fashion Week, with only moments to spare in between meetings, fittings, and run-throughs. “The truth is I’m always working. This collection is really special,” she adds. “I’m always excited about mixing fabrics and experimenting with embellishment techniques, creating something timeless yet incredibly cool for the modern Indian woman.”

We start talking about her fashion superheroes, the style essentials she can’t do without, and how she loves Indian weddings. The conversation culminates in a list of everything she has on her current vision board.

In Conversation With Anamika Khanna

Manifest: You’ve often spoken about designing for the new-age bride. How would you describe her?

Anamika Khanna: The new-age bride is a woman of confidence, individuality, and self-expression. She is deeply connected to her roots but refuses to be confined by them. Whether that means wearing her grandmother’s heirloom jewellery with a modern silhouette or choosing an unconventional colour for her wedding outfit—she is fearless and unapologetically authentic. For her, a bridal look isn’t just about opulence—it’s about storytelling. Every detail, from fabric to embroidery, carries meaning, reflecting her personality, heritage, and aspirations. Most importantly, the new-age bride is not dressing for society’s expectations—she is dressing for herself.

M: What sets the Anamika Khanna bride apart?

AK: She doesn’t follow trends. What sets her apart is her effortless elegance—a quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly who she is. She embraces handwoven textiles, intricate embroideries, and avant-garde drapes, but never in a way that feels predictable. She redefines bridalwear on her own terms, choosing silhouettes that speak to her spirit rather than societal expectations. An Anamika Khanna bride is also a woman of contradictions—she is feminine yet powerful, classic yet rebellious, traditional yet unconventional. She might pair a heavily embroidered lehenga with a deconstructed cape or drape her sari with an unexpected edge. Every piece she wears is an extension of her personality—sophisticated, thoughtful, and effortlessly iconic. Above all, the Anamika Khanna bride carries her heritage not as a weight, but as a crown—wearing it with a quiet pride, a touch of modernity, and a spirit that is entirely her own.

M: What advice would you give to someone who is preparing for their wedding?

AK: Make it about you. In the whirlwind of planning, traditions, and expectations, it’s easy to get lost in the “shoulds”—what you should wear, how you should celebrate, what others expect of you. But your wedding is a deeply personal moment, a reflection of your love story, your dreams, and your identity. Don’t be afraid to make choices that feel authentic to you. When it comes to your bridal look, wear what makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. Whether it’s a classic red lehenga or a minimal ivory sari, let your outfit tell your story. Choose comfort just as much as couture—because confidence is the most stunning thing a bride can wear. And beyond fashion, take a moment to pause and truly feel. The emotions, the people, the fleeting moments of love and joy—these are the things that will stay with you long after the wedding is over. Above all, remember: this is your time. Own it. Enjoy it. And most importantly, be yourself.

M: What do you find most enchanting about Indian weddings? Are there any rituals or ceremonies that hold a special place in your heart? 

AK: It is a passage, a deeply sacred transition of life itself. Not just for the bride or groom, but also their families. An Indian wedding is not just a moment. It is eternity, captured in days. The beauty of an Anamika Khanna design is that it is never just about the garment—it is about the woman who wears it. My philosophy has always been to honour tradition while breaking it, to take the weight of heritage and make it feel as light as air, to create pieces that don’t just adorn a bride, but become an extension of her spirit.

You May Also Like: Khushi Kapoor Plays The Fashion Bride

M: You’ve always been known for pushing boundaries—whether it’s through experimenting with textiles or giving traditional drapes a contemporary twist. How can a bride make your designs truly her own?

AK: An Anamika Khanna bride doesn’t just wear an outfit—she curates a look. You can take a timeless embroidered lehenga and pair it with a structured blouse, drape a sari with a belt or a cape, or layer a classic silhouette with contemporary jewellery and unexpected textures. Bridalwear is no longer about rules—it’s about expression. At the heart of it all, fashion is an emotion, and a wedding is the most personal moment of all. The only thing that matters is how it makes you feel—powerful, graceful, and completely, unapologetically you. Here are my three golden rules for brides:

M: In a world where traditions are constantly evolving, how do you balance heritage with modernity?

AK: Balancing heritage with modernity in fashion is a nuanced art that keeps evolving. It involves reimagining traditional Indian garments through modern interpretations. Fusing age-old fabrics and craft techniques with contemporary designs, creating pieces that exude whimsy and romance.

This story appears in Manifest India’s Issue 02. Subscribe here for more stories like this.