It’s no longer about the nine-yard zari lined saris anymore. While the Kancheepuram variety has gone through a transition and a face-lift, an increasing number of brides are looking to cities in North India for trousseau.
“Youngsters prefer light, flowy fabric over traditional Kancheepuram silk. The fishtailed lehengas were in vogue for a while. But most brides find it uncomfortable, as they have to take pheras. Also, there is a misconception that traditional silk makes youngsters look like grandmothers. Nowadays, there are light silks available and even the embroidery and stones that are used on the saris are lighter. The latest is the kali ghaghra. Also, traditional reds and yellows have taken a backseat. It’s more of greens and blues now,” says Anju Poddar, a well-known designer from Mumbai.
Not just saris and lehengas, even jewellery and stones for embroidery are custom-made from the North. With people carrying heavy wallets, fashion gurus are only more than willing to suggest the best of designs. “Mostly for morning functions, brides go the traditional way. However, from the jewellery like the odiyannam to the earrings, brides prefer custom-made designs. Saris come to us for embroidery and we source jewellery from Mumbai and Delhi. Bridal designs will never change much,” says designer Sidney Sladen.