Amazon India Couture Week 2015 kicked off on Wednesday. The first show was Sabyasachi’s, and you may have noticed no post was put up about his show. That’s because it wasn’t really for brides – the shock! the horror! :p And it was, well, not our taste. At all.

You can imagine, then, that I approached Day 2 of AICW with low expectations. Of course, Couture Week is not equal to Bridal Fashion Week, but considering this is India, Couture should equal Bridal!

I sat down for Rahul Mishra’s show, not expecting to find any bridal options. But considering he is known to be a master craftsman of embroidered marvels, I was still looking forward to a mesmerising show. As I read through the press kit, I realised this collection was meant for the new-age bride. I jumped, ever so slightly, on my seat – and a little glimmer of hope started to make its way into my heart. Maybe I’ll find a few outfits I can recommend to brides?

Have you guessed yet?

Yes, Rahul Mishra didn’t disappoint. 

Top Picks

I cannot sing enough praises for this beauty. This is my absolute favourite anarkali of 2015, heck, it’s probably the prettiest pale pink anarkali in the world right now! It’s elegant, it’s incredibly beautiful, and the model looked like a dream while she walked down the runway. LOOK AT THAT EMBROIDERY! Have you ever seen a more beautifully done peacock motif? *falls to the ground with a thud* I’m in love! I seriously want to know how much it costs and buy it. I’m sure it will cost an arm and a leg, but, but, but – ME WANTS!

Where to wear: Keep it as a part of your trousseau, and wear it to literally any wedding event you’re attending as a guest. It will be ideal for a slightly more formal event, such as Sangeet or Reception. I’d also wear it to one of those brunch or dinner parties you’ll be attending as a newlywed.

Towards the end of the show, two gold lehengas glimmered down the runway. As they twinkled past my seat, I couldn’t help but imagine how beautiful they would look on a bride as she walked towards her groom on her wedding day. I like the second one more than the first, especially in pictures, but on the runway – both looked equally amazing. And yes, please ignore what the models are wearing on top. Put on a choli, instead, and add a dupatta to the look.

Where to wear: At your Wedding, or even your Reception

Remaining Collection

I know I’ve picked out a really small number for my favourites list, but for this show – I still loved so many other ensembles as well. Just because these didn’t make it to my favourites, doesn’t mean they weren’t great. In fact, the entire show was incredible, and I think you brides will probably find atleast a few more pieces to love from the rest of the collection. Happy browsing!

(Click on each image to zoom in, and read commentary)

Loved this ivory beauty

Benarsi silk sari paired with chander jacket made for a fabulous combination

This Benarsi silk lehenga reminded us of Sanjay Garg’s previous collection. Looks like this style is here to stay!

Such an incredibly fantastic embroidered jacket

Another jacket sari that had pretty hues

A pretty jacket lehenga

What’s with all the Indian love to bomber jackets?

Parrot and peacock motifs were embroidered onto a lot of garments

Sober and exquisite lehenga

I want this.

Photography by Kirti Virmani for thedelhibride

There were jackets paired with saris, intricate hand embroidery, motifs of peacocks and parrots, and lehengas paired with bomber jackets (when are we getting over these?) Fabrics ranged from chanderi to organza and silks, and despite having so much going on, the collection still felt serene. It was perfectly described in the press kit, with two words that I’m going to end this post on –

Detailed Simplicity.

Which is your favourite from this show?