A wedding is already a stress-inducing affair as it is, every bride desires for her special day to go as seemingly perfectly as possible. Wedding outfits surmount a huge part of the entire wedding ordeal. So, why not make your wedding attire an affair to last a lifetime, instead of letting them be the saving grace of your wardrobe after the wedding is done? Wondering how? Let’s answer that for you.
The entire country is brimming with local artisans who have mastered the art of intricate handwoven handlooms. The striking yet charming allure of handwoven fabrics is certainly inexplicable. The intricacy seeped into each bead woven to the fabric by hand, is something to cherish for lifelong. So, why not get your outfits custom-made with these labyrinthine convolutions?
After the wedding is over, you can use those beautifully handcrafted dresses for other occasions. Not only that, but you would also be supporting plenty of local artisans while celebrating the roots of your culture in an innovative manner. Now that’s what we deem as the right way for going vocal for local.
Embroidery work is the heart of handwoven Indian fabrics. Here are a few of the embroidery techniques you can choose from, for your perfect wedding outfits.
Zari
Decked up with the intricate threadwork of gold and silver threads, Zari embroidery encompasses rich motifs translating into artful garments. Although traditionally used on silk fabrics, modern-day zari work is rust-free and can easily escalate the grace of fabrics like chiffon and georgette. The embroidery is not very heavy and can be worn for a longer duration of time easily, making it a perfect option for summer brides-to-be.
Chikankari
Originating from the Lucknowi traditional diaspora, Chikankari is a type of embroidery that has been stealing the limelight lately. This embroidery work perfected with precision is what class and royal appeal are embodied by. Floral designs such as bootis and paisleys can be deemed as a direct influence of Persian aesthetics. To elevate your bridal outfits with chikankari work, you can request the artist implement other elements to the fabric as well, such as cut dana, sequences, beads etc.
Phulkari
As the name says it all, phulkari, or flower work, is a traditional Punjabi embroidery technique that has always been used on dupattas and suits alike. However, brides these days are adorning phulkari as the choice of embroidery pattern on their lehengas. Luxurious silken threads are used for this embroidery technique where the embroidery is done on the wrong side of the fabrics so that the design comes out pronounced and enhanced on the right side.
Cut Dana
Adorned with stones and beads, Cut Dana embroidery is done raw material that has been cut in specific shapes and manners in order to reflect light. The most common of the designs are usually barrel-like and tubular shapes that are often mixed and matched to achieve desired patterns on the fabrics. When paired with other kinds of intricate embroidery techniques and complimentary colours, Cut Dana embroidery can be an idyllic choice to achieve that royal bridal look.
Appliqué
In this type of embroidery work, a designer patch or piece of cloth is sewn on top of the garment or the fabric of the dress. Originating from French fashion roots, this art form is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Indian brides these days. The patches sewn individually give the garment a 3D look, elevating the outfit, quite literally.
Now that you’ve gotten an idea about some of the top embroidery techniques you can choose from, it is time to configure the brands that offer bridal hand-crafted dresses, that too custom-made.
Although the niche experiences fewer options for the intersectionality of these two sectors, there’s one really talented artist that has dedicated her brand to supporting local artisans along with the upliftment of local handicraft formats. And that artist, drum roll, please! Is, Anita Dongre. She is renowned nationwide for building a bridalwear empire on the premises of purpose.
She has undoubtedly captured the essence of the culmination of consciousness and couture. “Whether it’s in New York or a village in Gujarat, economic independence gives women a voice”, these are the words bespoken by the designer herself. As of now, she has empowered 100 SEWA workers, liberating them with their craft skills.
When you use hand-sewn fabrics that are an embodiment of India’s enriching culture, you not only celebrate it in an intimate way but also support local artisans who have been taking forward these art forms through generations of hard work and cohesion. In this era of conscientiousness, using anyway to give back to society becomes absolutely essential. And if you’re choosing that route as well, we applaud you! There are many other types of fabric art forms that are mastered by hand. If you’re looking for more such techniques, don’t forget to research the art forms that tickle your fancy and you would like to choose for your wedding outfits.
