Big Fat Indian Weddings: A boon for the fashion industry
29 July 2024, Mumbai
Celebrity weddings in India are not just about extravagant ceremonies and A-list guests, they're also a massive driver for the fashion industry. This trend, that got a boost from social media and lavish events, has seen a rise in both Indian designers and global brands catering to the booming bridal wear market.
Indian designers take center stage
Traditionally, Indian weddings were a showcase for opulent ethnic wear. This trend continues, but with a twist. Designers like Rahul Mishra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Manish Malhotra have become household names, creating intricate bridal lehengas and wedding ensembles that blend heritage with modern aesthetics. Their success is evident in the long waiting lists and the significant rise in their businesses, driven largely by weddings.
Celebrity influence
High-profile weddings like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's in 2017, and more recently, Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani's pre-wedding festivities, have put Indian fashion in the spotlight. These events, splashed across social media and traditional media, serve as major advertisements for the designers chosen by the bride, groom, and their families.
While designers remain tight-lipped about exact costs, the price range can be staggering. For instance, bespoke lehengas by Manish Malhotra can range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs14 lakh, depending on the intricacy of the embroidery. Similarly, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla's creations start at Rs 3 lakh and can go up to Rs15 lakh per piece.
Global brands get a slice of the pie
While Indian designers reign supreme, global brands are not to be left out. The Ambani wedding celebrations showcased high fashion labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Roberto Cavalli alongside Indian designers. Even for non-celebrity weddings, the influence of global brands is undeniable, with brides and guests seeking a curated, uniform aesthetic.
A pan-India trend
The wedding fashion boom isn't limited to big cities. Statista, a European data firm, reports that prominent Tier II cities are witnessing significant growth in fashion spending, driven largely by weddings. This is attributed to rapid urbanization and growing prosperity in these regions.
The Indian fashion industry is on a steady growth path, projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. This is being pushed up by a growing affluent class, rising disposable income, and increasing e-commerce penetration. With celebrity weddings continuing to grab headlines and social media attention, Indian designers and global brands alike can expect to benefit from this booming market.
