Radhika Merchant’s recent wedding festivities to Anant Ambani were a whirlwind of glamor and tradition. Her impeccable fashion choices throughout the celebrations captured the hearts of millions, setting new trends for bridal wear. This article delves into the exquisite outfits Radhika donned for each event, along with the dazzling attire sported by the who’s who of Bollywood who graced the occasion.
The Sangeet of Radhika and Anant:
The pre-wedding sangeet ceremony embraced the theme of “Indian Regal Glam,” and Radhika embodied it perfectly. She opted for a custom-made masterpiece by designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The show-stopping outfit was a lehenga that drew inspiration from a chandelier. The light, multi-paneled skirt flowed in a cascade of pastel hues, shimmering with thousands of hand-embroidered Swarovski crystals. The intricate embroidery and the exquisite play of light created a truly mesmerizing effect. Radhika paired the lehenga with a choli (blouse) that accentuated her elegance and a delicate dupatta (scarf) that draped gracefully over her shoulders. The entire ensemble exuded a sense of modern luxury with a nod to traditional Indian craftsmanship.
Celebrity Style at the Sangeet
The sangeet ceremony was a star-studded affair, with celebrities bringing their A-game in terms of fashion. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the ever-stylish mother of the groom, turned heads in a shimmering golden lehenga by Falguni Shane Peacock. The intricate embroidery and voluminous skirt added a touch of grandeur to her look. Priyanka Chopra Jonas opted for a vibrant red lehenga by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, adorned with intricate gold work.
The Mameru Ceremony: A Touch of Sentimentality
The Mameru ceremony, a pre-wedding ritual specific to Gujarati families, held a special significance for Radhika. She opted for a custom-made lehenga by Manish Malhotra, a renowned designer known for his modern interpretations of traditional Indian wear. The vibrant rani pink lehenga was crafted using the Rai bandhej technique on Banaras brocade, a luxurious fabric known for its intricate weaving patterns. This choice paid homage to her Gujarati heritage and instilled a deep sense of sentimentality in the occasion. The gold taar zardosi embroidery, a meticulous technique involving tiny metal threads sewn onto the fabric, added a touch of opulence. A unique detail was the “Durga-sloka” embroidery incorporated into the borders of the lehenga.
The Haldi Ceremony: A Celebration in Yellow
For the haldi ceremony, a pre-wedding ritual that signifies purification and blessings, Radhika chose a custom Anamika Khanna lehenga-choli. The vibrant yellow color, considered auspicious in Indian culture, was a perfect fit for the joyous occasion. The lehenga was adorned with intricate floral motifs, a signature style of Anamika Khanna. The delicate embroidery and the flowy silhouette exuded a sense of grace and elegance. The highlight of the ensemble was the phool dupatta (flower scarf), a tradition followed by the Ambani brides – Isha Ambani Piramal and Shloka Mehta Ambani also wore similar floral dupattas during their weddings.
The Pre-Wedding Festivities: A Fusion of Modernity and Tradition
While details about Radhika’s outfits for the other pre-wedding festivities are scarce, glimpses from social media offer a taste of her sartorial choices. For her space-themed pre-wedding party, she donned a unique outfit that went viral. The dress, designed by Falguni Shane Peacock, featured a surprising combination of a flowing white skirt and armored golden accents. The juxtaposition of delicate fabric and bold metallic details created a futuristic yet ethereal look.
The Celeb Guest List: A Fashion Extravaganza
The pre-wedding festivities were a platform for celebrities to showcase their individual styles. Janhvi Kapoor opted for a pastel lehenga by Manish Malhotra, adorned with delicate floral embroidery. Shanaya Kapoor chose a vibrant lehenga in shades of pink and orange by lehenga queen Falguni Shane Peacock. Their youthful exuberance was reflected in their playful color choices and intricate designs.
For the more traditional Mehendi ceremony, celebrities like Shloka Mehta Ambani and Isha Ambani Piramal donned intricate henna designs on their hands and feet, following a long-standing Indian tradition.
A Look Forward: The Wedding and Beyond
With the sangeet setting the bar high, anticipation is building for Radhika’s wedding attire. Speculations suggest that she might opt for a more traditional red or gold lehenga, heavily embroidered with intricate designs and adorned with heirloom jewelry. However, considering her previous choices, there’s always a chance she might surprise everyone with a unique and unforgettable bridal look.
One thing is certain: Radhika Merchant’s wedding festivities have been a masterclass in Indian bridal fashion. Her sartorial choices have not only captured the spotlight but have also inspired countless brides-to-be. With her impeccable taste and willingness to experiment, Radhika has cemented her place as a fashion icon, and her wedding fashion legacy is sure to be remembered for years to come.
