In Conversation with Monica and Karishma of Jade!

Mumbai-based label JADE by Monica and Karishma was launched in November 2008, and ever since, has become synonymous with discreet luxury and timeless elegance. The designers are best known to create heirloom pieces for the modern bride.

As they gear up for their first stint at the Aashni + Co Wedding Show 2017, we catch them in an exclusive conversation.

Q: Tell us the reason for your stress on timeless elegance and heirloom bridal wear.

A woman’s wedding day is more than just another grand occasion; it is a landmark in her life and to so many others who adore her. Everything for this day is looked into in great detail and it is important not only to feel great and look amazing on that day, but to be able to look back at the day and have no regrets about having chosen something for that day.

Making the memories of the day priceless and immortal is what JADE aims at. While keeping up with trends and keeping styles and designs up to date it is very crucial to keep the traditional importance of colors and motifs in mind, which is where the magic comes from. Connecting with every bride to understand what is of importance to her so that she can look and feel stunning for every day after her wedding day is the reason we stress on the timelessness of our ensembles.

Q: What are your suggested bridal looks for the cocktail, sangeet, pheras and reception?

For the cocktail, opt for gowns with delicate and intricate thread work in brighter colours — these are not too heavy and the look is very elegant and festive. Also having more work on the outfit eliminates the need for heavy jewelry. Earrings and some hair accessories will add the desired bridal effect to the ensemble.

The outfit for the sangeet has to be super trendy and extremely comfortable. Our dhoti-pants set with a detachable skirt and crop-top style choli in contrasting colors with some bling is sure to make the bride look and feel groovy.

For the pheras, opting for a traditional lehenga choli is a good idea. Champagne, lighter golds and pinks look regal and feminine as dothe classic reds and maroons.

If the reception is scheduled immediately after the wedding, choose a lighter choli with less work with a cape over the existing lehenga.

A lehenga saree is another great option for a reception outfit; it’s a traditional and elegant look without too much of a hassle. Wearing a long jacket over a lehenga is also something a lot of brides choose. Midnight blues, marsala, and pinks with antique gold and silver work are becoming popular with modern brides.

Q: Which pieces should every bridal trousseau have?

Traditionally the bridal trousseau contained heirloom sarees and jewelry, but it’s not limited to that anymore. Today a bridal trousseau should have ensembles that are versatile.

Jackets that can be worn over lehengas or pants are a must-have. An embroidered or embellished cape style top would make a really valuable part of the trousseau. Besides these, Indo-western outfits that are traditional but comfortable to wear are a good addition.

Q: What are the key bridal trends for 2017?

Wedding outfits in brighter, bolder colors like classic reds, maroon and champagne gold are definitely the highlight of the upcoming year.

Breaking the traditional ideas of what auspicious colors are and what should not be worn for a wedding is changing fast. Champagne tones, lighter shades of pink and olive green are being chosen by many brides for the pheras.

Capes, over light cholis is being preferred by brides for their cocktail and sangeet. Wrap-style embroidered tops over lehengas that can be worn with other bottoms like dhoti-pants will also become a must-have in 2017.

Q: Which trends are passé and should be avoided by brides?

The choice of colors is fast drifting away from what was believed to be the only choice for a wedding ensemble. Bolder color choices are the way to go, but matching and color coordinating everything should definitely be avoided. Jewelry should complement your wedding outfit, and not take away all the focus from your wedding joda.

Q: How would you describe the Jade bride?

The JADE bride is an independent woman who’s ambitious, effervescent, and wears courage and wit on her sleeve. Life is a beautiful journey for this new-age bride, and she believes in doing things in her own unique way. An art and fashion connoisseur, she’s deeply connected with her strong Indian roots and values age-old traditions. Her admiration for vintage heirloom and heritage beautifully translates in her bridal ensembles.

Q: This is the first time you’re exhibiting at the A+Co Wedding Show. Tell us about the collection you’ll be showcasing.

We will be showcasing our latest bridal couture collection, Videha’s Siya that is inspired by the eternal love story of Ram and Sita. The collection has been uniquely crafted in heirloom fabrics that capture the true essence of cultural values and heritage weaves. The collection ranges from eclectic gowns, capes and versatile jacket to heirloom lehengas that can be handed from one generation to the other.

We personally love the fashion in London, and look forward to keeping track of the street style during our visit. Monica will also be present at the trunk show to give her discerning fashion tips.

Catch an array of striking fashion designs at the forthcoming AASHNI + CO Wedding Show, taking place on Sunday, 8th January 2017 at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London. Tickets to the event are priced at £30.00. For more information, please visit: www.wslondon.com