Glamorous blouses, voluminous skirts – find out what else is vogue as ace designer Seema Gujral predicts bridal fashion trends for Aza. Psst! The eponymous label is planning to cater to grooms, too!
Structures, cuts, shades, techniques, fabric, fit – these are just a few, but crucial aspects, that make for a happy bride. And, one of the few Indian designers capable of putting that pleased smile on a bride’s face by delivering luxuriously balanced designs is Seema Gujral. With the season for big, fat Indian weddings upon us, the ace designer forecasts bridal trends for the year and elucidates on the importance of sustainability in fashion. Also, as if in answer to the prayers of countless grooms, she lets us in on the brand’s plans to launch a menswear line in the near future! Read on…
Q: Would you say there has been a shift in the Indian brides’ fashion preferences in the backdrop of the pandemic?
A: “Personally, I feel there hasn’t been too much of a shift from a fashion point-of-view. Pandemic or not, the bride will still remain ‘the bride’. The scale and scope of festivities may have toned down, but it’s still the bride’s big day. She still wants to appear as the glamorous girl she is.”
Q: Please forecast a few bridal trends for the upcoming wedding season…
A: “I think non-fussy, ‘comfortable glamour’ will be in vogue. The silhouettes for the season are sleek, well-cut glamorous blouses and voluminous skirts, which are most flattering on Indian shapes. In our latest collection, Noori, we have used intricate, traditional embroideries and combined them with cutting-edge, modern patterns for the contemporary bride. The couture range, actually, has a more abstract and geometric stance on patterns to complement present-day preferences."
“The focus will also be on the fitting of each ensemble, so the wearer enjoys the glamour as well as wearability of each piece. Sequins, Swarovski, beads and mirror work in softer colours as well as in deep tones will be popular. The colour palette will include timeless elegant shades of soft sea green, mauve, and peach for the day, moving on to gold and midnight hues for the night.”
Q: Eleven years since your first flagship store and 27 years in the fashion arena later, how would describe your journey…
A: “In the fewest words, it has been thoroughly stimulating, exciting, fulfilling, challenging and gratifying.
Q: How would you describe the new-age Seema Gujral bride?
A: “I feel the new-age bride isn’t afraid to push the traditional envelope, especially when it comes to fashion. She enjoys combining the traditional with the modern. She identifies herself as a stylish and glamorous individual, someone who is absolutely comfortable in her own skin.”
Q: How is your brand incorporating or upholding sustainability in its operations or creations?
A: “Sustainability has been an integral part of our brand operations, for a while now. From using filament-based fabrics to recycled polyester nets and embroidery materials – we always try to incorporate eco-consciousness in our creations. It is like a continuous ‘work in progress’ for us.”
Q: What is it that draws you to design only for women – is it the scope for creativity?
A: “Actually, we are hoping to start our own menswear line in the near future. In fact, to start with, we are hoping to create a menswear line that talks to our women’s-wear range.”
Q: What, according to you, is your fashion legacy?
A: “Sophisticated clothing at an affordable price point.”
“Post 2020, the scale and scope of wedding festivities may have toned down, but it’s still the bride’s big day. She still wants to appear as the glamorous girl she is.”
“From using filament-based fabrics to recycled polyester nets and embroidery materials – we always try to incorporate eco-consciousness in our creations.”
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