The bride8217;s new clothes

Hop into any famous sari shop like Dulhan, Kasat... and you can only boggle at the sheer variety on display. Starting from the long-time ...

Hop into any famous sari shop like Dulhan, Kasat8230; and you can only boggle at the sheer variety on display. Starting from the long-time favourite Benarasi Shaloo, the range is endless. The heavy silk ones cost anything from Rs. 1,500 to 40,000 whereas the nylon variety is in the range of Rs. 400 to 500. Affordable, huh? Paithanis with pure silver zari cost about Rs. 3,000 to 40,000, whereas the sari with the artificial zari costs from Rs. 1,500 onwards. Same is the case with the Narayanpeths, Jeejamata and Rajmata silks. The Kanjeevarams have become more costly, because there has been a reduction in its production. The price range could be anything between Rs. 1,500 and 30,000 or more. Embroidered saris in silk are also in vogue these days. The cost depends on the extent of embroidery done and could cost anything between Rs. 2,000 and 24,000.

There are other varieties in saris that go into the making of the trousseau, like crepes and chamois satin. Kantha stitch saris and the Bengal Balucharis are a fashion statement today and can cost as much as Rs. 20,000 and more.

Of course, with time, there has been a reduction in the number of heavy saris that go into the trousseau, with some other ensembles making their way in. Although the sari remains popular, the salwar-kameez and lehenga-choli are catching up fast. There is the ghagra-choli, the sharara and the salwar-kameez. These have caught the imagination of the young generation and all types of fabric are being experimented on these lines. Since an exclusive Benarasi would cost as much as Rs. 35,000, a ghagra of the same fabric could have more attributes to it 8211; embroidery, sequins, a contemporary cut 8211; even while remaining in the same range.

Harjinder Singh Sarna, proprietor, Guru Nanak Textiles, Wonderland, Camp, displays a beautiful chaniya-choli set in peach tissue. Every inch of it covered with intricate zardozi. It weighs a whopping 10 kg. and costs around Rs. 15,000. 8220;We make heavier or lighter ones according to the budget.8221;

Although red still remains a favourite, maroon, gajri pink, magenta and even light turquoise find favour among many. Shades vary with the time of celebration. Marriages in the morning call for lighter shades and receptions demand darker shades. The idea is to wear what is designed for comfortable living, barring the three or four heavy saris that come in handy at ceremonies requiring such a turn-out.

In salwar suits, velvet gives a rich look and feel and there are some elegant zardozi-embroidered ones. The kameez itself is around Rs. 3,300. The dupatta and salwar could be of crepe with embellishments in silk or zari according to the customer8217;s tastes. 8220;For Rs. 50,000, one could have a good trousseau,8221; states Sarna.

Anindita8217;s, Clover Centre, Camp, also has good range in trousseaus. In fact, owner Alka Rana got married a month ago, and designed her outfits herself. She chose a two-toned cherry-coloured velvet kameez, with a cutwork dupatta covered with kundan, diamantes and embroidery. A straight cut with long slits is now in. Short cholis with ghagras are also being preferred by the daring few. A trousseau may include more than one lehenga set, to cater for different occasions like the mehendi. Lighter salwar suits for other occasions include imported lace, crepe silk, jamevar, georgette, silk banarasi and even cottons. The popular colours are chiku, copper, grey or pastels.

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Rana8217;s trousseau also reflects the latest trend of including Western outfits. It could be formal shirts with straight trousers or halter tops with long tube skirts. Imported nets or chamois silk designed into long jackets add a touch of elegance.

But for really classy, unique trousseaus, it is Sushila Gugle8217;s Elegancia, on Dhole Patil Road, the truly fashion-conscious bride homes in on. Gugle loves to outfit the bride and groom in matching colours or embroidery so that they complement each other. For example, if the bride is in bandhni silk, she designs a pheta for the groom in a similar fabric.

Gugle also remarks on the increasing number of brides opting for a few Western outfits in their otherwise traditional wardrobe. According to her, 8220;One of the latest styles is a blend of traditional with western 8211; a short kurta with straight trousers and a long scarf for a really graceful effect. The pants are generally of lycra, viscose or twill. Long skirts, too, especially tubes are much preferred.8221;

Sushila also has an unusual range of saris or dress materials in net that are more suitable for summer weddings. If you wish to be different from the usual and make a really smart fashion statement, this is the place to be in.