Chic trumps tradition

Though television soaps are depicting Rajasthan as a place where little girls are married off in keeping with age-old traditional norms, the real picture is anything but that!
Young brides of the Pink City, far from donning lehengas and jewellery passed down to them by garndmoms, are getting themselves a super chic look on their D-Day. ���Earlier people would raise an eyebrow if a bride deviated from the norms and dressed differently.But now, even the elders allow some changes provided the look isn���t completely over the top,��� says socialite Apra Kuchchal.
The ravishing attire
The pretty red that is typical of the bridal look is now pass�� even in conservative Jaipur. ���Colours that were not considered sacred like blue and purple are quite ���in.��� We even see brides in strappy and backless cholis these days. Many use a net stole in place of a heavy dupatta. Even a fish cut lengha with a high slit is a hit,���
Kuchchal.
A fashion house owner in Jaipur says, ���The first thing that a girl asks is if we have something different. Young girls are rather bold these days and do not mind an outfit that has a revealing neckline or interesting cuts.��� So blouses with a knot at the back, halter necks, noodle straps and backless blouses are all in. ���The colours could be lavender, blue and green or even metallic. The emphasis is on indo-western look. Embroidery patterns too have asymmetrical designs. Contemporary fabrics like crepe, georgette, lycra and even jute are being used,��� he says.
And what���s more, brides are shopping for western outfits as part of their wedding trousseau. ���The best outfit to wear for a cocktail evening is a formal gown in colours like wine, burgundy or deep red. And you can���t go wrong with a short black dress,��� suggests a city based designer.
���There is a lot of fusion happening when it comes to dressing up for the cocktail party. Those who do not like something completely western go for a layered kurta with spaghetti straps or one with a halter neckline,��� adds Kuchchal.
The imaginative lingerie
A modern bride���s wardrobe would be incomplete without some super hot lingerie. ���You can be as imaginative as you want when it comes to lingerie. Pick up stuff in net and little bit of detailing like hand embroidery and lovely hand-sewn lace,��� suggests a city based stylist. Apart from the classic black and white, throw in some pretty colours. Investing in some gorgeous night gowns, negligees and robes is a good idea. ���Many to-be brides go to Delhi and Bombay to pick up the latest lingerie,��� adds Kuchchal.
The million dollar look
And when it comes to make-up, the girls want nothing but the best. ���We create a fresh look and steer clear from anything that looks overdone. Shiny skin is pass�� now. We create the subdued ���eggshell��� finish with a hint of shimmer. For the lips and the cheeks, shades of peach, strawberry and apricot are all hot colours,��� she says. The eyes are smoky and smouldering
Indeed, there is a lot of inspiration coming from Bollywood. ���Brides of the Pink City are now co-ordinating their looks with their outfit. Now the parlours no more give everyone the red lipstick and red cheeks,��� adds the make-up artist.
The hot accessory
Heavy jewellery has made way for trendy pieces that have diamonds and rubies encrusted in white gold or platinum. ���The loaded with gold look is pass��. For my sister���s wedding I chose an elegant diamond set which had a small necklace, big earrings and a little maang tika, that���s all. It looked very chic with her pink lehenga,��� says socialite Deepti Dadhich.
And when it comes to accessories, brides take their pick from diamond studded tiaras and beautiful clutches. Even footwear is no less a piece of jewellery as they come with elegant embroidery and multicolored stones.