SCULPTED TO PERFECTION
SCULPTED TO PERFECTION
Structure meets sexy at the new age occasionwear atelier essé. Co-founders Sahib Dang & Sunayana
Sahni Malhotra walk Poorvi Singhal through their on-trend looks perfect for the after party & beyond
A wedding wardrobe isn’t all lehengas and saris. With cocktail soirees, after parties and pre-wedding brunches, the bride and her crew need a dedicated helping of chic, contemporary looks too. That’s where essé, brainchild of designer duo Sahib Dang and Sunayana Sahni Malhotra, steps in. Resting at the intersection of structure, surface embellishments, and intricate detailing, this is your go-to for uber cool occasionwear. Championing superior tailoring and imaginative textures, the brand plays with form to reinvent classics, appealing to today’s modern style mavens.
“Our main focus has been timelessness. We want our clothes to be styled beyond the wedding day. We design our pieces like collectibles that can be treasured, reworn and remembered,” says Dang. Their aesthetic is as striking as it is versatile. While the modern bride (and bridesmaid) is conscious of consumption, she is also looking to steal the spotlight. Run-of-the-mill just won’t do. “Brides want to experiment, but without compromising on elegance. They are no longer dressing to fit a mould, and want looks that are an extension of their own personality,” adds Sahni Malhotra.
So if you are someone looking to get that cocktail chic dress code just right, the designer duo break down their five greatest hits for Bridal Asia.
SANGEET SOIREE
One of their bestsellers is the 3D knit sari-dress. It is a sculpted, calf-skimming, hand embellished dress in their signature knit embroidery on one side, and features a fluid, leather-coated chiffon drape on the other. “It blurs the lines between structure and softness, offering a modern take on the sari that’s both bold and timeless,” says Dang.
Wear it to: Dance till you drop at the sangeet.
DRAMATIC DRAPE
Essé’s signature draped dresses in tones of ivory, sand, and blush are modern classics, effortless and made to dress up or down depending on the occasion. Elevate it with accessories, perhaps in pop hues for a playful take on colour blocking.
Wear it to: A beach wedding with heirloom jewels.
FITTED TO PERFECTION
Corsets are having a moment right now, and essé’s structured lightweight versions with gota detailing and metallic embroideries can be paired with a sari, a skirt or layered over a shirt and tailored pants. “It’s the kind of piece that bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary very effortlessly,” says Sahni Malhotra.
Wear it to: Your own mehendi with a printed kalidar lehenga.
MATCHY-MATCHY
For brides who enjoy styled separates, the label offers draped trousers with a matching vest featuring appliqué and cutwork details.
Wear it to: Your after party as a set, and then throw on an oversized shirt over the draped pants for the honeymoon right after.
JACKET UP
For those who prefer form and function, essé’s embroidered jackets are the perfect androgynous twist to a lehenga. They can be just as easily repurposed to go with denims after the wedding. “It adds structure and edge to any basic look,” says Dang, “and is also a functional alternative to traditional shawls during winter weddings.” No need to steal your boyfriend’s blazer.
Wear it to: The reception with a monotone cocktail sari.
