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Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding wasn’t just a union of two families; it was a global phenomenon. The streets of Mumbai transformed into a spectator gallery as thousands watched the lavish baraat procession carrying the groom from his palatial residence, Antilia, to the Jio World Convention Center.
Social media became a virtual guest list, exploding with updates from celebrities like Kim and Khloe Kardashian, their glamorous Indian attire hinting at a possible Keeping Up With the Kardashians episode. News outlets, from the prestigious New York Times to the BBC, sent representatives to capture the event, while tabloids dissected every detail with relentless fascination.
The Ambanis entrusted the monumental task to renowned designer Manish Malhotra, a name already synonymous with the family’s grand celebrations. Malhotra’s past creations for the Ambanis include dazzling fashion shows at Antilia and the unforgettable pre-wedding festivities for Isha Ambani, which even featured a show-stopping performance by Beyoncé. He also designed over 1,300 costumes for “Civilization to Nation,” a grand musical that marked the much-anticipated opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
“[Planning the wedding] has taken over a year of dedicated meetings, countless brainstorming sessions, and endless attention to detail,” Manish told Vanity Fair.
For the Ambani-Merchant wedding, Malhotra aimed to translate the Ambani matriarch, Nita Ambani’s vision of “essence of India”, he revealed. The theme was a masterful fusion of cultural heritage and modern elegance, designed to create immersive experiences that resonated deeply with Indian tradition while showcasing its grandeur on a global stage.
The bride, Radhika Merchant, became a captivating centerpiece adorned in a bespoke collection curated by Malhotra himself. Imagine a luxurious orange and rani pink lehenga, meticulously crafted with real gold zari embroidery, or a glamorous chainmail saree designed to turn heads at a post-wedding party.
Each outfit, Malhotra explains, was meticulously designed to reflect Radhika’s unique personality. Traditional elements were woven seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in breathtaking creations. Exquisite fabrics, intricate embellishments, and dramatic silhouettes all came together in a symphony of design, celebrating the bride’s grace and elegance with every step she took.