Stylist Picks: 7 Bridal Designers From Mumbai To Check Out ASAP

Bridal-wear = Over-the-top Embroidery + Big Designer Minus Value For Money. That's usually the market we all know, when it comes to shopping for our weddings. Buying on a budget or looking at newer talent or investing in original work - doesn’t necessarily come into focus. But really, you should know, that as a bride, you must want something with an unconventional look, something more personalised, more you rather than a Godfather of a designer that every bride is queuing up for.

So we asked Nisha Kundnani of Bridélan, a luxury personal shopper and styling consultant who has worked extensively in Bollywood, to list her 7 favourite new lehenga designers for brides. Do note that while these designers are not entirely budget-budget (aka peanuts), they sure know how to stay original and beautiful in much less than a big designer price tag. The point is, if you want to look great on your wedding day, why pay for a knockoff when you can get original work - in less!

Nadine Dhody Label 

The thing about Nadine's clothes is that they are romantic - she’s employed fabrics like tulle, georgette, chiffons, Lucknowi chikan and lace and so the entire collection is dainty and delicate. The collection is so affordable and is priced between Rs 25,000 and 85,000. It is an ideal match for a girl who wants to look glamorous but not go over-the-top with embroidery or sequins. Nadine Dhody’s label NADINE is exclusively available at Bandra 190.

Ensemble Design Studio

Ensemble is India’s first multi-designer store. They’ve been in the business for thirty years and working with pioneering designers, their in-house label being nothing but perfection. It’s also for the young at heart - and they customise embroidery etc according to your budget. You love a 1 lakh lehenga but want it cheaper - they'll cut down embroidery on the blouse or on the bottom and make it fit in your budget. Slim lehengas, tone-on-tone embroideries, vibrant colours – you get it all, each buy easy on the pocket as compared to the leading designers. Check Ensemble’s biggest flagship store at Kalaghoda in Mumbai’s Lion’s Gate area for the widest range of this label. They will not disappoint. Go here for details.

Nachiket Barve

He has been around on the Indian fashion map for nearly a decade. Given his popularity for chic dresses and flowy tunics, not many know that Nachiket also accepts private appointments with brides for custom lehengas in gottapatti and zardozi embroideries. His lehengas are value for money, great quality and very durable. Go here for details.

Akansha Gajaria

A protégée of Manish Malhotra, Akansha’s specialty is sexy and glamorous. She can make just about anything you want. Which is not to say that she knocks-off Manish or any other designer. Akansha may be a new designer on the block and she may have come from under Manish’s shadow but she’s a girl with her own mind. What’s more, she’s dependable – a quality all brides cherish. Also stocks at London’s chic store Aashni & Co. Her biggest strength - her use of  hand-dyed batik on raw silk and mirror-work. Go here for details.

Little Black Bow

A new designer, she had us at the name of her label! Although there are no bows in her collection, there are enough Indian lehengas with graceful details to make you go ‘oooh and aah.’ Tulle, lace, prints and bead work. When two best friends Annora and Boojoin hands, they know exactly what young girls want. Fix up an appointment in their studio and try their vintage whimsical bridal wear - they are very delicate and easy on the pocket. Details here.

Natasha J

A talent discovered at Design One in Mumbai, this little gem from Wadala Mumbai is, well, a little gem! You know it’s a good label you have discovered when you feel like zooming out of your Pinterest’s secret board and out onto the streets to actually buy her collection! Block prints with quirky zardozi motifs, lehengas paired with boxy crop tops. The vibe is easy-breezy and has a different look and feel from this list. Go here for details.

Jayanti Reddy 

The age-old technique of tie & dye found new meaning in Hyderabad-based designer Jayanti Reddy’s creations. The designer holds a business degree and launched her eponymous label four years ago and she works with natural fabrics, such as weaves and ikats. She loves experimenting with earthy colours, the deep dark hues are her biggest strength and adds understated style. Jayanti also creates potlis, batuas and bags for weddings on bulk orders. Buy her collection at: Mumbai Ensemble. You can even e-mail her at jayantireddy14@gmail.com or call on +91 91601 14870.

Nisha Kundnani heads Bridélan, a luxury personal shopping and styling consultancy for brides. Check out her insanely popular Instagram account to get a glimpse of her work. 

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