Lakme Salon collaborated with designer Nachiket Barve to present the Lakme Show Stopping Bride — a bridal line expanding on Lakme’s idea of Eternal Luminance, at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017 in Mumbai recently. Nachiket (inset) decoded his debut bridal line — Theia — for t2.

Tell us about your first ever bridal collection, Theia… 

Presenting a collection of bridal looks that comprises infinitely glamorous outfits and alluring hair and make-up by Lakme Salon, this showcase embodies a bride’s eternal luminance. I believe that every woman wants to look her best and bring out her inner goddess when she dresses for a festive occasion. Theia means ‘goddess’ or ‘divine’. The idea emerged from the Greco-Roman goddesses and their different attributes. I never design with only one stereotypical woman in mind; similarly this collection has something for everyone. There is a contemporary risque take on glamour on one side and a delicate ethereal look on the other.

You are known for your edgy designs with global aesthetics… how have you adapted yourself to do a bridal collection?

As a designer, clothes that are timely yet timeless have always excited me. I also believe in the value of things. These two attributes have been a common thread in this collection as well as my previous work. You will find pieces that are really lightweight and comfortable to wear yet dressy and elegant. The collection is full of separates as it really irks me when people use something once and just stash it into over-cramped closets. I want these pieces to be worn multiple ways beyond just twirling once in it for the shaadi Boomerang Insta post.
The other really important element that binds my oeuvre is craftsmanship. I have innovated with techniques to make embroidery really durable so it stays intact after multiple use. It is featherweight and dressy. The visual language also traverses the fine line between Indian and global aesthetics; you could wear a lehnga as it is or dress it up with a beautifully cut silk shirt and pearls. Furthermore, collaborating with Lakme Salon’s backstage experts has given me great support as the hair and make-up for my show turned out to be just simply stunning and fitting for a Nachiket Barve bride.

How have you incorporated Lakme Salon’s beauty statement into the collection?

I cater to a spectrum of women as does Lakme Salon. I have incorporated the luminous aspect of goddesses into this line. It is timeless, radiant and you will be able to see a synergy in the fashion and beauty.

So is this a one-off bridal line or are you looking to get into the bridal space full on?

My clients have been asking me to do festive clothes for them for years. This is a natural organic progression of my aesthetic to an exciting genre. You will see me doing my take on festive-wear that is a dialogue with women who want something unique.

Smita Roy Chowdhury
Pictures: Sandip Das