It sucked that we didn’t get invited to Manish Malhotra’s show. It was one of the 3 shows that took place off-site at Amazon India Couture Week, and for some reason, off-site = limited media entry. I overheard someone state matter-of-factly that only 30 Media Seats were available. Wow, that’s just great. But what about us bloggers, Manish? I thought our meeting earlier this year meant something to you.

I thought we explained what wedding blogs are to you, and you…you promised you wouldn’t forget! Is this how you repay us?! For the one hundred and eighty five seconds we took out of our busy lives to introduce the concept of wedding blogging to you?! *turns away dramatically*

Well, let bygones be bygones. Maybe next time we meet you’ll have a gift ready for me. You know, to make it up to me? A lehenga maybe. Well, alright alright. Don’t get angsty *rolls her eyes* Even a dupatta will do.

I need to praise your collection now. These brides na, won’t leave me alone even for 2 minutes to speak to MM. They want to see the pictures NOW. Off you go, M. I’ll see you next at the Vogue Wedding Show, darling. *air kiss* *air kiss*

SO. The show. Yes, it was nice, or atleast as nice as I can judge it to be by just looking at images. (fine, I’ll truly let it go now) This year’s collection was more classic, as Manish tried to create outfits that will last through years of fashion. The silhouettes were straight forward, mainly gowns and lehengas, and there was some wearable bridal fashion in there. But with plunging necklines and voluminous gowns, many pieces did look like they belonged on the red carpet instead of at a wedding.

Top Picks

I cannot possibly fake my way into appreciating the intricacies of outfits I’ve not seen in person, so I’m not going to try. In this post, I am just going to suggest to you Where To Wear them and how to style ’em.

Where to wear: Your wedding! This is the perfect bridal lehenga – yes, because of the colour and the embroidery. But it’s more than your typical red wedding lehenga. That luxurious fabric (is it silk?) differentiates it from being a cliched run-of-the-mill piece. Pair it with a simple jacket or corest, and a really light dupatta.

Where to wear: I simply loved this for a Reception, or if you’re having one of those fancy weddings that has a separate Cocktail night, this would look great on that evening as well. As for that plunging neckline, I’m sure you can ask them to customise the piece to “cover it up”.

Where to wear: Another stunning red outfit for a Reception or Cocktail evening. For those of you who are wondering if it’s “light” for a Reception – it’s not! Can you see the volume? It’s MASSIVE (check out the video below to see exactly how massive) and there’s plenty of exquisite gold embroidery.

It would look amazing with either gold, or polki jewellery. Just make sure you accessorize heavily around your neck. Word of caution: Don’t go for the heavy jewellery look if you’re wearing this to your Cocktail, though. Keep it simple on that day, since the dress speaks for itself.

Where to wear: Your Sangeet or Mehendi or any other pre-wedding event. The colours are beautiful, and the design is wonderful – what’s not to love?

The Remaining Women’s Collection

(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge images)

The Men’s Collection

(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge images)

Showstopper

Aishwarya Rai! Meri rai hai (pun intended) – that while she looked lovely, I wasn’t a big fan of the outfit.

Pictures courtesy: Anchal Seth, without whom this post would not have been possible!

This limited edition collection titled “The Empress Story” by Manish Malhotra will be available at his New Delhi and Mumbai stores this year, and will debut overseas at his soon to be launched London and Dubai stores in Spring 2016.

Would you wear one of these to your wedding functions?