Trends and fashion this wedding season
By Limana Solaiman Mridha
With the entertainment media constantly parading perfectly groomed individuals in front of our eyes, this generation is driven to try and achieve that look of perfection through vigorous regimens and trimmings. It is no exception in the case of brides, and bridegrooms, who fret and stress to look their best for the special occasion.
Brides nowadays are more aware of fashion trends and seek expert opinion on how to present themselves on the wedding day. Customization to bring about uniqueness to a bridal trousseau is also on the rise, and beauty consultations months before the actual events are also gaining popularity.
Makeup artist and beautician Afroza Parveen, who owns beauty studio RED, says: As soon as the wedding date is set, the bride-to-be should sit with a makeup artist and decide on her looks for the programmes. Since multiple celebrations have become the norm, the bride has options to present herself differently on each occasion. She can relax once this (makeup plan) is out of the way. And since modern-day brides are more involved in the wedding preparations, having made this major decision, they can move ahead with other planning. The second thing every bride should focus on is her diet, and it is good to set about it in a planned way three months prior to the ceremony, which will help retain the bridal glow. Lastly, a bride should start attending grooming sessions for at least three months to work on bringing out her best features.
While talking about the latest trends in current bridal makeup, Afroza says: It changes every year. Every wedding season we, the makeup artists, decide to do something new. Sometimes, we do experimental makeup on models and have photo shoots, and then get fashion magazines to help us spread our ideas to the public. Brides nowadays usually opt for the natural glowing look, but there are many who want to showcase their inner diva and choose heavy makeup. I try to understand what the bride wants for herself, and then cater to her desire.
Hairstyle is also an important element that brings together a made-up look, be it traditional, modern or fusion of the old and new. Colour of the makeup usually complements the outfit, and I try to avoid hues that will make a bride look edgy or harsh. I always prefer a soft and sophisticated look on brides. Recently, I have done up brides who carry off floor length gowns, which are a fusion of a lehenga and an elegant western gown. For these modern women, we go for experimental hairstyles and sometimes, especially this season, I have completed the bridal look without kajal (kohl) or eyeliner, added Afroza, who trained as a makeup artist from the MAC institution in Bangalore, India and uses high-end cosmetics on her clients.
When it comes to the all important wedding sari, we usually believe that a customized design would cost an arm and a leg, but fashion designer Shahrukh Amin allays that notion.
Shahrukh, who own Almira boutique, says: We have set ideas that a customized bridal trousseau must be very expensive, but it is not costly at all. Many of my complete bridal outfits start at Tk 25,000 only. Given that people are willing to spend more than Tk 100,000 on a single wedding attire, I would say that is quite affordable.
On trends and colours, the designer says: I prefer subtle and classy elegance. Accessories and makeup can glam up a simple red sari to bring about the perfect look for a bride. We even co-ordinate a brides attire with the grooms choice of colour and style. This season, we tried to bring back ethnic fashions and tradition, since they never go out of style. Solid colours are also big this season, and contrasts have taken a back seat. Gold, red, maroon, orange, fuchsia and a blend of silver and gold thread work have been incorporated to create dramatic outfits. The glowing, glittery and shiny is in, and matt is yesterdays news!
Shahrukh works with materials such as banarasi, katan, muslin, chiffon and crepe silks.
For my curvier clients, I usually suggest body-hugging materials such as crepe silk and chiffon. For taller women, it is easier for them to carry off the traditional banarasi with poise, he said.
As to what colours to wear for the various wedding functions, Shahrukh says: Pastels shades such as peach, baby pink, mint green, subtle powder blue look great for engagement ceremonies; for darker complexion, emerald green or rust orange is a great option.
For holud (turmeric) ceremony, any shade of yellow looks great, and orange, too. I think mustard yellow brings out the bridal glow. For mehendi (henna) nights, anything green with a bit of contrast, with firoza (turquoise) or royal blue can be considered. Red is always great for weddings. But if the bride wants to portray something different from the spectrum, we suggest she goes with orange, maroon or fuchsia. For receptions (post-wedding), off-white exudes elegance and other colour options may be royal blue, gold or firoza, he added.
In the grooms case, Shahrukh says: Some men opt to break with the tradition of playing safe and go for a bold fashion statement by wearing colours like brick red, while others sport elegant steel grey or gold attire. Usually, when everything is well planned, the grooms outfit complements what the bride chooses to wear. Some men prefer tuxedos made of velvet, while others wear long qurtis, topped with ornate sleeveless jackets and some go for simple black or white suits.
When it comes to shoes and accessories, they should match the outfits, as well as offer comfort and ease of movement.
The main thing to keep in mind, according to both Afroza and Shahrukh, is that a bride should plan ahead and decide on the look to go for. That will help her relieve some of the stress, which not only diminishes the bridal glow but takes away something from the happy occasion.
photos: courtesy
