Asian Winter Wedding Trends: Bridal Fashion and Styling Insights

When we think of Asian weddings, a lively and vibrant scene straight out of a Bollywood movie comes to mind, filled with zest, music, and an explosion of colours. Unlike Western weddings, Asian weddings are renowned for showcasing the latest trends, intricate embellishments, and a kaleidoscope of hues.

Given the numerous events that make up a wedding, both the bride, groom, and guests need to prepare a variety of outfits. While Arab and Western brides often prefer white, Asian brides typically opt for various shades of red and gold on their big day. Nowadays, we even see brides occasionally embracing white.

To shed light on the winter fashion and bridal trends within Asian communities, I reached out to Reshma Gangji from Libas and Farhat Khan from Ethnic.

“Asian fashion is currently showcasing a beautiful fusion of traditional and Western styles. While traditional dresses continue to dominate the bridal wear scene, gowns have increasingly become a popular trend. Western silhouettes are now enhanced with traditional embroideries,” explained Reshma, the owner of Libas, a boutique with multiple branches across India and Dubai.

Just a few months ago, we witnessed women making fashion statements with tulip trousers, flappers, and culottes. However, those trends have quickly faded into the background, making way for an entirely new winter sensation: sharara and gharara pants, which have taken the fashion scene by storm.

“You simply cannot ignore the gharara pants trend. They are seen everywhere in a variety of colours and styles, crafted from cotton, silk, and net fabrics,” Farhat Khan of Ethnic, an Abu Dhabi-based Pakistani designer, expressed.

When it comes to bridal dresses, we witness a plethora of lavish embellishments on silks and nets. However, designers have also introduced many new materials, providing brides with an abundance of choices.

When I asked Reshma about winter bridal wear, she mentioned, “Silk and lace fabrics are once again in the spotlight for traditional dressing. Lace is being used to add delicate touches of embroidery, replacing the conventional net fabric. Winter brides will feel warm and luxurious in silks.”

“The trending silhouettes feature voluminous skirts with peekaboo cuts. For those who opt for décolletage, having a lace wrap or shrug on hand during chilly moments is a wise choice. Placing lace inserts near your best features is a surefire way to make them stand out,” she further elaborated.

According to Farhat Khan, “In bridal wear, the focus is on the cuts. Personally, I adore jamawar and velvet fabrics. Both materials offer a regal look to the bride and keep her warm during winter celebrations.”

Asian weddings provide the perfect excuse for the bride’s relatives and friends to indulge in some shopping. With a multitude of events spanning almost a week, and sometimes even longer, it’s crucial to stock up on wardrobe essentials tailored specifically for winter weddings, such as shrugs and wraps.

When it comes to staying trendy yet weather-appropriate during the winter season, Farhat Khan advises, “While winters often bring forth warm colors, pastels are the current trend. Formal wear can be elevated with contrasting shawls. Dark or vibrant jamawar and velvet shawls can add glamour and complement pastel outfits.”

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THE RED CARPET

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Let’s not forget the red carpet allure. Libas, renowned for designing couture and evening wear for Bollywood celebrities, has mastered the art of creating red-carpet-worthy looks. “The same rules apply to brides and the red carpet, except that the red carpet allows for more adventurous choices. Think layers of silk, voluminous skirts, thigh-high slits, and deep necklines reminiscent of JLo. That’s the essence of this season’s couture dresses,” Reshma explained

Reshma also shared her advice on keeping warm without compromising style. “Pair your ensemble with a silk shrug or throw to stay cosy. If you prefer having your arms free, opt for a high slit instead of a deep neckline. The slit can create a stunning effect while minimizing the amount of exposed skin in the cold,” she detailed.

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THE DESIGNERS

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Libas, specializing in couture and bridal trousseaus, has been a prominent player for two decades. Led by Riyaz and Reshma Gangji, the brand creates contemporary and traditional outfits for both men and women. With seven stores in India and one in Dubai, Libas offers a wide range of couture lines that can be found in-store or viewed online on their website.

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Ethnic, founded by Farhat Khan in Abu Dhabi in 2010, has rapidly gained widespread recognition. This brand focuses not only on innovative designs but also pays great attention to the finishing details. With a commitment to uncompromising fabric quality, Ethnic has recently introduced its highly sought-after Arabic and Western wear collections in response to popular demand.

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