Highlights of Asian Bride Live 2016 London

Asian Bride is one of the most popular and well-known wedding magazines in the UK.

On 19th and 20th November 2016, the Asian Bride Live 2016 show touched down in London’s Kensington.

With over 250 of the most experienced wedding vendors and three catwalks per day, the show was an absolute must to attend.

The catwalk saw designs from Soltee by Sulakshana Monga, Tehxeeb London, Kajal’s Couture, Karma London, Impressions, RDC London by Rashid Malik, Bidaai London, Malika, Mongas, Asian Bridal Haute Couture and Sionnah by Aariya London.

Exaggerating a move toward Westernised fashion and fusion weddings, it was particularly nice to see non-Asian models on the catwalk.

Modern weddings seem to be moving toward Westernised designs, but designers, brides and grooms are still very much wanting a slight traditional touch.

DESIblitz presents some detailing about standout designers and their collections at Asian Bride Live below.

Soltee by Sulakshana Monga

Opening the show with an explosion of femininity, Sulakshana Monga bought out some pastel A-line lehengas with small flower detailing and understated glitz.

Adding that bridal touch, the collection experimented with shades of red and models wore tikkas.

Tehxeeb London

Having a more westernised approach to the catwalk, Tehxeeb added a traditional touch with having the models cover their heads and red detailing, instead of complete red outfits. Clothing was dripping in golden embroidery, using velvets and sparkle.

We managed to catch up with boss lady, Amty. She said: “We do very contemporary and fusion mix.”

On what trends soon-to-be brides can look forward to, she said: “Beautiful colours… strong deep reds and a lot of beautiful fabrics like brocades,” are the ones to look for.

Amty also informed us that many brides are looking for that traditional touch. She said: “When you have so many different days, you can explore so many different things.”

Karma London

One of our favourites from the catwalk displayed gorgeous form-fitting fishtail gowns. The beading and draped shawl overlays oozed 1920s glam.

Using a very serene colour palette, the lehengas and gowns were creams, mid blues and greens. On top of this, the mesh detail and hints of lace made them look mermaid chic.

We met the designer at her exhibition stand who told us that the collection was mainly: “To combine both the west and the east together.”

Also, it is important to her to target the brides who may be ‘stuck in between that Western culture and traditional culture’.

Impressions

Perfect for engaged couples, Impressions created both men’s and women’s outfits that matched one another.

The collection definitely left an impression on us with their stunning use of velvet, royal purples and blues and not to forget the trains on the skirts. Statement pieces were the jacket overlays and contrasting colours.

Bidaai London

Bidaai London designs were rich in panels of traditional teardrop shaped embroidery, velvets and mesh. A nice modern day twist were the funky shapes of the hems, for example, zig zags.

Behzat, the designer, told us that she has been in the game for 8 years. She described her collection as having: “An indo-west style in it, so it’s not your traditional bride.”

Also, it is a priority at Bidaai London to design something that the bride wants, that fits her budget as well.

Sionnah by Aariya London

Aariya London gave a truly beautiful finale of the show with four mini collections. Their velvet, off-the-shoulder tops, silver floral embroidery and understated patterns were a massive crowd hit.

Other featured garments had cut out shoulders, fluorescent colours, ombré pastels and wide necklines. Their sophisticated men’s blazers and sherwanis were well received with very excited reaction from female guests!

Trends from the catwalk, and voiced to us by exhibitors, were velvet clothing and using floral embroidery. Designers used pastel or contrasting colours, rather than the traditional reds. A-line skirts were also predominantly seen.

A clothing exhibitor that cannot go missed was The Albino Peacock. The director and stylist has travelled halfway across the world, with her husband, in order to find new trends and modern twists for her couture line.

Not only are you working with a lovely, and creative woman, but outfits can be made to how you specifically want them.

For a natural glam, brides can look to Aphrodite’s for their wedding makeup. The enigmatic Mandy’s motto is ‘Cake is meant to be eaten’. She is all for reinstating natural beauty and leaving brides from being slathered in makeup.

Mandy uses all cruelty-free makeup and a range of brands, her favourite being Urban Decay.

Tuk tuks are in wedding fashion and are becoming increasingly popular. We met Mr Steve, from TukShop, who has worked with the likes of the Royal family and the cast of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel! His tuk-tuks can also be converted for catering.

Another funky twist on classic tuk-tuks was The Rickshaw Wallah, who have a selfie camera inside theirs and pictures can be printed from guests on your special day!

Finding that contemporary weddings are on the rise and couples are straying from tradition, Doves & Peacocks work side-by-side with clients to create innovative and stunning seating plans, menus, invitations and much more to match your theme!

Overall, the day was wonderful. Prospective brides and grooms were specifically interested to find something ‘modern and unique’ for their weddings.

With the new trends of bringing Asian weddings into the 21st century but still keeping a traditional undertone, the designers and exhibitors were right on board.

For more information on future Asian Bride Live events, please visit their website here.