LET IT SHINE
LET IT SHINE
Matsya founder & designer, Utkarsh Ahuja talks to Poorvi Singhal about the latest in wedding couture, what’s making a comeback and colours that will carry you through this season.
Bridal fashion is ever evolving. There are seasons when the classic red look is on every bride’s Pinterest board, and others where a vintage aesthetic reigns supreme. And then, a celebrity walks down the aisle in a pastel lehenga—the next thing you know, every bride wants to twirl in shades of peach, rose and amber too. That is, until the next new trend captures the collective imagination.
Regardless of the direction you go ahead with, the look you eventually choose should resonate with who you really are, feels Utkarsh Ahuja, couturier and founder of Matysa. “This is one day where all eyes are on you; it’s your best chance to let your personality shine through,” he suggests. Over the past decade, Ahuja’s label has not only dressed countless brides, but also championed styles that are as inventive as they are rooted in tradition. Edited excerpts from our conversation with the bridal trendsetter:
Bridal Asia (BA): What are some of the key bridal trends you’ve been noticing right now?
Utkarsh Ahuja (UA): Brides these days are not just buying a wedding lehenga, they’re leaning into an aesthetic. They are investing in a wholesome look that works in sync with the florals and decor, their jewellery, and sits within the moodboard of their wedding. They are thinking ahead about what the wedding photos should look like, and what outfits would photograph the best.
BA: A vintage sensibility seems to be making a comeback. How would you suggest brides work with this ‘old is gold’ look?
UA: Tissue is one fabric that has an old-world elegance to it. Zardozi also adds an antiquated charm to a look. From our latest collection, the ice blue flamingo lehenga checks all the boxes. Finally, some small details can pay off significantly: your accessories, pastel flowers in your hair and a long train.
BA: Mocha mousse is the Pantone colour of the year. Your collection too has several pieces in this trending shade. Any favourites?
UA: We have a Banarasi sari in mocha mousse that fades into a deeper shade of brown. It features dull sequin and mirror work beautifully scattered for a starry night effect. We pair it with a dupatta that doubles up as a veil. Another top pick is the toasted gold lehenga from our newest edit that comes with mirror and zari embroidery. The understated grandeur makes it perfect for the modern bride. I’d recommend adding a visual break with jewellery featuring pastel pink or amber gemstones, as opposed to traditional polki. You can also add a pop of colour with our newest launch—bridal bouquets, for your walk down the aisle.
BA: What are some swaps you would recommend for the new-age bride?
UA: Trade in the kalidar skirt for a landscape-embroidered lehenga featuring floral, animal and nature – inspired motifs. Or ditch the lehenga altogether for an ensemble just as graceful–our Wild and Royal Masai gowns with a voluptuous skirt and intricate dori work. Colour-wise, I’d say play with whites, ivories, tones of champagne, they are really having a moment right now.
