From every celebrity’s insta-perfect wedding to movies that portray weddings in all its glory, bridal fashion has come a long way thanks to the digital-savvy world. Brides in India are bombarded with choices when it comes to bridal outfits, from the veterans like Sabyasachi to budding home-grown designers, brides are now aware and make informed choices.
According to BrandonGaille.com, the average clothing budget for a wedding in India is $375,500. Wearing an exclusive sari for the event can cost as much as $110,000. Up to 80% of a designer’s business in India comes from bridal couture.
Surat has been the epicentre of textiles; earlier popularized by Tanchoi brothers with Tanchoi Benarasi sarees and zari sarees to later being taken over by power looms that dressed the whole of India. With the changing times, fashion aficionados are moving on from power loom textiles to handlooms whereas brides are wanting to choose from a multitude of options without having to travel out of the city. With an influx of multi-designer stores in Surat, one doesn’t need to step out of the city for the excuse of shopping.
So, if you are a Bride-to-be or if you know a bride, read on to find out the 10 best bridal stores in Surat
1. ASAR- Graceful Lifestyle
Asar is one of the leading multi-designer stores in Surat with labels like Papa don’t Preach by Shubhika, Shulakshana Monga, Punit Balana and Sougat Paul.
Punit Balana’s latest collection “The Royal Bagh” presented at the Lakme Fashion Week SS 2020 has delicate Dori work and zardozi. The base fabrics were mulmul and cotton in hues of classic blue(Pantone colour,2020) and pastel pink. The collection has a lot of options for intimate functions.
For the Brides who love bling and saturated colours, check out Papa Don’t Preach. The Roar Pantsuit from the collection ‘Perks of being a wallflower’ is the ideal ensemble for an outdoor Mehendi. The Jacket embellished with shoulder detailing can be paired with neon denim waistcoat and tailored dhoti pants.
Shop the latest collection by Punit Balana and Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika at Asar.
2. KAJAL’S COUTURE
A combination of traditional and contemporary is taking over the fashion charts. Brides are experimenting with different kinds of sleeves and necklines for their wedding ensembles. Gone are the days when basics did the needful. 2020 is the time for some drama. Lantern sleeves and plunging necklines are the ‘IT’ styles for your bridal trousseau.
Kajal’s couture brings the current trend with a touch of vintage to its bridal collection. Known to be one of the leading Bridal Designer in Surat, Ms Kajal Chaliwala is trained under renowned designer Neeta Lulla. Her collection changes every 45 days and is up to date with the latest trends.
You know where to get designer attention in Surat then, don’t you?
3. LABEL RITU KUMAR
Winter to spring, Label Ritu Kumar has the power to transcend season, time and trend. Giving the world a head’s up towards sustainability Label Ritu Kumar in collaboration with textile developers Lenzing Ecovero introduced a collection with a mix of ethnic prints used on modern-cut maxi dresses and kaftans in Lakme Fashion Week SS/2020. It is the perfect choice for a millennial bride who wants to be environmentally conscious yet own a designer lehenga.
Ditch those Pastel Palazzo’s for your haldi ceremony and opt for a Mustard Dhoti-Jumpsuit ensemble with crochet work and minimal print.
Bring “Badtameez Dil” glamour in your cocktail night by flaunting your curves in this Black saree with monotone sequin work which gives it a glamorous appeal.
4. ASOPALAV
If you are a Fashionista and a Bollywood lover, you might be looking for that very ensemble that was worn by your favourite celebrity. Be it Priyanka Chopra’s wedding lehenga in red by Sabyasachi or Alia Bhatt’s black Shyamal and Bhumika lehenga, Asopalav brings a collection full of Bollywood inspired ensembles.
Norms have changed; brides are no longer restricted to the red colour spectrum. Colours which were considered inauspicious are now being embraced by brides. Asopalav provides a lot of options for brides opting for charcoal black to an oyster white.
5.SAANJA
Saanja is a premium multi-designer store with over 60+ designers in Surat. It has both established and upcoming designers including SVA by Sonam and Paras Modi, Aneesh Agarwal, Dolly J besides many others. With a focus to bring the best of the country and trends to Surat city, Saanja was one of the first multi-designer stores that opened the avenues for shopping in Surat.
When it comes to the amalgamation of prints and colours, SVA does it the best. The latest collection has abstract patterns of geometric prints and fluid florals along with bold stripes in shades of blue and pink to add drama.
Be it Lehenga, Sari, or even a stylish dress, Purple is the colour of royalty that adds sophistication to any ensemble. Brides looking for an outfit in mauve, orchid, and eggplant for the wedding day, do check out Jayati Reddy’s winter/festive collection available at Saanja.
6. MANISH RESHAMWALA-Fashion Studio
The Bridal lehenga is one of the most significant purchases on the bride’s wedding shopping list. If you are looking for a conventional lehenga, Manish Reshamwala’s custom Bridal couture is infused with traditional and age-old craftworks including Katha and abhla embroidery. The designer sticks to the Indian roots while giving his collection a contemporary style.
Witness traditionalism at its best, as Gujarati Panetar gets a twist of embellished monotone white lehenga choli and red bandhani.
7. AMRUT-The Fashion Icon
Nothing speaks confidence and glamour better than “RED”, and Amrut has a varied collection of Red bridal lehengas. From Blood Red, Crimson Red, to hot pink and baby pink, find lehengas in raw silk and velvet with intricate embellishments of sequins and zardozi work.
Sister of the bride, take notes! Pastels are a trendsetter, and Amrut delivers in abundance. Compliment the bride with these pastels ensembles with detailed crystal work and floral motifs. Bustiers and flared sleeved blouses paired with minimalist lehengas are showstoppers.
8.MONSOON
Monsoon, the newly opened multi-designer store in Surat, showcased high-end couture, pret and contemporary collection from renowned and emerging designers like Kiran Uttam Ghosh, Shorshe, Petticoat Lane, Debyani, Purvi Doshi, Anurag Gupta, Drape Story and Punit Balana. To add to the freshness of the collection, Monsoon updates its collection every 45 days with new designers.
Surat – You aren’t behind in the designer game.
Imaginative Drapes and Sculptural shapes are the USP of Kiran Uttam Ghosh and this salmon coloured drape maxi kaftan Saree is all you need for festive occasions.
9. AJILIYAA
Whether you’re a bridesmaid or not, everyone deserves a little ‘something new’ for the festivities and occasions. To cater to your desires of that something new is the multi-designer-store Ajiliyaa.
An emerald green velvet ensemble paired with a black balloon sleeved crop top and dhoti embellished in pearls is your perfect pick-me-up for occasions like Mehndi and Sangeet.
Shop the latest collection of renowned designers like Shivan and Narresh, Label Sian, Ishan Shravika and Reda by Mansha at Ajiliyaa in Surat.
10. G3
G3 first opened its gate to Surat’s fashion-forward coterie in 1985 in Surat. Today G3 has a humongous showroom at Ghod Dod Road displaying over 100+ brands. Better known for their designer sarees, shopping at G3 guarantees variety in every budget.
Sarees have finally become ‘cool’ even for Millenials with its new style of draping techniques. Drape it with jeans or wear it with a shirt, create your own unique style for pooja or a cocktail party.
This grey and copper silk saree with zari is an ideal one for a cocktail night.
Brides in Surat, the city is filled with multi-designers store as well as up and coming designers, keep this list handy the next time you go shop!
