Across the wedding shopping market there is a new Benarasi narrative that has hit the right chord with the brides and wedding shoppers. For my trousseau, I also didn’t shy away from adding heritage weaves in form of jackets, ethnic skirts and more. Preserving the sanctity of the age old handlooms and lending the craft a contemporary appeal is the new way forward for this fashion plot. I have collaborated with label Asha Gautam to showcase a destination wedding ready outfit that has both home-grown craftsmanship and opulence that any woman needs in her life. Also, I am listing out ways to wear a lightweight benarasi lehenga to all wedding occasions this season.

#1 Give importance to colour combinations
A lot of people don’t wear benarasi or have apprehensions with the fabric for they feel that it does not romance their age. This is where you must lay emphasis on the colour combinations that you choose. For bright summer weddings avoid jewel tones or take them in combinations with pastel shades.

#2 Originality In Dupatta 
Don’t ditch the benarasi dupatta for a net dupatta unless you just don’t want to carry the weaves with you. After creating a couple of combinations, I have realized that nothing looks as regal than a pure benarasi dupatta on a lehenga.

#3 Wear statement jewellery
You must have read and heard this word ‘statement’ but all I intend to say is that pick pieces that you think will stand out and not blend in. These can be small jewelry pieces, statement maang tika or a raani haar. Deck up your weaves with baubles just how you would deck up any other wedding outfit.

#5 Details
The kind of weaves on your benarasi skirt also work with different body types. Pick patterns that you know will work with your structure. For say an all over woven design on the skirt will help you not look super fuller especially if you are broad. Also, opt for oodles of latkans, lehenga accessories to your outfit to make it look more playful.

#6 Pair New Makeup Trends
I did metallic lipstick and I am so happy with the way it turned out in these photos. With these handlooms, you too can try new makeup trends that will add the vision of ‘India-modern’ to out look!

This stunning outfit is from the house of Asha Gautam, Defence Colony. The beautiful jewellery is by Tanya Anand, Paisleypop.