Designer Nachiket Barve collaborated with Lakme Salon’s backstage experts to showcase the modern Indian bride inspired by the sheer timeless beauty of Greco-Roman goddesses — with Saiyami Kher as the show stopper, as he brought alive the theme of Eternal Luminance at the fourth day of Lakme Fashion Week’s winter-festive season.
“My collection Theia imbued the sensibilities of the modern Indian bride, from contemporary and feminine silhouettes, to delicate embroidery and metallic detailing.
“Every piece of this collection celebrated the divine mix of bold and ethereal that made a goddess [and a bride] a force to be reckoned with. From music to poetry to the greatest works of art, the Goddesses of Greco-Roman mythology immortalise the diversity of femininity and beauty,” said Barve.
Asked for tips that every bride should opt for while choosing the perfect wedding outfit, Barve said: “There are three things; firstly, don’t go too fashionable with the main function outfit. Secondly, be sensible. Just because your neighbour got a flat in [Rs10 million, or Dh], doesn’t mean you need to do the same. So the outfit that you are wearing should be reasonable and sensible. And thirdly, it can’t be bigger than your wedding.”
Kher of Mirziya fame, who looked stunning in a deep indigo, layered and scalloped lehanga-choli with wreath embroidery and a sparkling dupatta, seconded the designer.
“I wish more designers talk like this as affordability for an average normal girl is very important. I just feel that everything he has spoken so far in regards to storing stuff in houses is convenient. I am in complete agreement,” said Kher.
Make-up and hair is a very important aspect of any bridal look, and Barve thanked Lakme Salon’s backstage experts for making show-stopper brides look luminous and timeless.
Showcasing his first-ever festive bridal wear collection at LFW, Barve’s inspirations were the legendary Greek and Roman goddesses — Aphrodite, Hera, Gaia, Artemis and Athena.
The designer worked with Roman drapes such as the toga, and then brought in panelled skirts, bias cuts and capes worn over sultry creations.
The colour palette began with deep indigo, burgundy, black and then moved to haute colours like paprika, mustard, splashes of gold, bronze and pewter.
The embroidery was traditional with appliques, cutwork, beading, as well as traditional Aegean tie-dye, along with Aari and Zardosi work with the Greek fonts embroidered on the bodices of the garments.
Keeping the travel plans of a bride in mind, Barve ensured that the textures resisted wrinkling but were light and easy to care for.