Held from July 23-30 in New Delhi, India Couture Week (ICW) 2025 highlighted the dominance of bridal couture in Indian fashion, solidifying its status as the premier event for elaborate and meticulously crafted wedding wear.
Organized by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in partnership with Hyundai India and Reliance Brands, this week-long extravangaza featured 14 celebrated designers, all keenly focused on reimagining traditional Indian bridal aesthetics for the modern bride.
Designers masterfully blended heritage techniques with contemporary silhouettes. This included traditional embroideries like zardozi, aari, naqshi, dabka, and fareesha, applied to fresh cuts and drapes. The goal was to honor India's rich textile legacy while appealing to today's expressive and comfort-conscious brides.
Textural richness and embellishment were paramount as Designer Rahul Mishra presented intricate pointillist embroidery, while Suneet Varma went for maximal bling with Swarovski crystals and mirror work. Falguni Shane Peacock continued their signature maximalism with shimmering foil appliqué and intricate silk-thread embroidery, often paired with dramatic veils.
While lehengas remained central, designers explored variations. Jayanti Reddy showcased fish-cut lehengas with saree-style pleats, offering a fresh take. Tarun Tahiliani's ‘Quintessence" collection featured lightweight, flowing lehengas and concept sarees, even incorporating traditional techniques into jumpsuits and dresses for broader wearability. Corsetry also made a prominent appearance, reimagined with layering by designers like Rose Room by Isha Jajodia and Tarun Tahiliani.
Color palettes ranged from ethereal pastels and soft golds to rich jewel tones. Ivory, blush pink, and subtle metallics were seen alongside deep reds, sapphire, emerald, and coral, catering to diverse bridal preferences. Liz Paul continued her "multicolor bridal revolution" with vibrant palettes.
Beyond the aesthetics, an underlying industry shift towards thoughtful details and artisanal craftsmanship was evident. This focus on timeless pieces inherently promotes longevity and value, nodding to a form of sustainability.
Celebrity showstoppers brought the bridal narratives to life. Tamannaah Bhatia walked for Rahul Mishra, Janhvi Kapoor for Jayanti Reddy, and Sara Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor for Aisha Rao and Rimzim Dadu, respectively, amplifying the bridal focus.
Designers like Tarun Tahiliani, celebrating 30 years in fashion, continued to refine his "India Modern" aesthetic, balancing opulence with fluidity. Shantnu & Nikhil also contributed with their reimagined menswear, hinting at evolving styles for grooms.
