Entertainment, Fashion

Wedding Trends By Shantanu and Nikhil

Wedding season is around the corner and couples are scouting for that perfect out… What’s in and what’s out this season? What should the bride and groom be looking at? Designers Shantanu and Nikhil in conversation with Sinduri Vuppala give us a glimpse of the latest trends on the horizon and talk about their two-decade journey in the fashion world.

You have completed over 20 years in the industry, how would you describe your journey so far?

Over the last few years, we have restlessly toiled around the idea of a new world, a world more progressive and inclusive, a world without any biases and boundaries. In this past decade on our journey, we have paved the way to reach a newer and bigger audience, making us more accessible, and thereby fulfilling our dream to see our brand on every global Indian. With the phenomena of the corporatization of fashion, it has given a free rein to designers to explore more and reach out to their audience in multiple ways.

We experienced intense emotions in 2020 when Maison Shantanu Nikhil marked 20 years as a brand. In addition, as the world recoiled to a new definition of normal, we brought in the 20th year with a new chapter in our journey – S&N by Shantanu Nikhil, a celebratory narrative where Indian heritage is enlivened by millennial spunk. By launching the Bridge-to-Luxury brand, we show our commitment to serving our customers better than ever.

Your recent collection ‘Nomad’ was all about streetwear fashion, what collection are you currently working on and what’s next?

2022 was a big year for us where we experimented with our own wide range of aesthetics. In March, we showcased Nomad, which was our anti-trend take on street couture. In October, we showcased Capella, which was a revisit to a Shantanu Nikhil bride and depicted the opulence an S&N bride holds. This season we are working towards an elaborate range, which stems from Capella aesthetics with inspiration from European architecture.

How do you manage to keep reinventing yourselves as a brand and as designers?

The deep-rooted emotion of being ‘Anti-trend’ within our brand gives us a sense of elasticity to continuously reinvent. Being trend-centric is market-driven, but our view is that being anti-trend is about pushing the market. We believe that disruption and innovation are the only two pillars that we as a brand stand on- from revolutionizing the millennial ceremonial wardrobe and to now carving out a new repertoire- S&N by Shantanu & Nikhil; we continue to put constant effort to stay ahead of ourselves and showcase brand resiliency.

What are the three bridal trends to watch out for this 2023?

Opulence with Immaculate embroideries and rich fabrics, all decadence and rich hues of teals, blues and emeralds with deep metallic.

What are the top trends for the grooms this season?

Today’s grooms are daring in their choices as they move away from the obvious darker colours associated with men’s clothing and toward pastel colours that were traditionally associated with women. Layered & transformative ensembles that go from a regal look to a more relaxed one are popular grooms wear. For instance, styling the Sherwani with a dupatta and a Kamar-bandh over an embellished drape kurta for the wedding processions and later switching to just the kurta for an eased-out after-party is something that grooms are looking at right now. Men aren’t far behind in donning jewels underneath their ensemble these days, and we feel like the trend is here to stay. The choice of opulent gems and brooches worn by millennial grooms reflects their willingness to take chances.

Important tips to plan an entire wedding trousseau?

The bridal trousseau is such a sentimental item that, when used again, evokes so many memories. It should be filled with pieces that you can go back to and relive your memories in. Remember the importance of classics and pay close attention to the details. The classics you purchase today will become family heirlooms in the future.

What are the common mistakes people make while picking their wedding outfits?

People need to cater to their own likes and dislikes without letting the trends with Wedding outfit stay forever, and they should be something they can value throughout.

What is a definite no-no and must-have in a bridal wardrobe this season?

Every bride must have a decadent gown, which can be worn on numerous occasions with slight styling tweaks. Men should delve more into signature Bandhgala and kurta, and the accessories around them.

Rapid fire-

The perfect outfit/ style for a pre-wedding ceremony?

Fitted gowns for women and draped sherwani for men.

The popular colours this season?

European pastels with metallic tonality.

Fabrics and materials that are trending?

Innovations in woollen and silk blends especially for menswear. Huge upsurge in the Indian loom industry considering the technology we have now.

Finally, how to pick the right jewellery to complete the ensemble

Compliment the tonality of the ensemble with jewellery.

Which fashion trend do you think is overused or passé?

Less is more. Upcoming seasons will be all about grander couture. India and couture were always a maximalist story, and the upcoming season will be a testimony to that.

If you could, what would you change about the fashion industry?

The way designers showcase at fashion week. We feel there should be a more experimental outlook on the ramp and commercialization should be kept at par. The ramp is where, we as designers can show the world what we do best, and it should be treated that way.

December 28, 2022

Sinduri Vuppala

Stars Light Up Diwali with Love

Intro: Diwali is more than lamps and fireworks it’s about rituals, relationships, and creating cherished memories. Celebrities, too, embrace this spirit in their own ways, blending cultural traditions with modern celebrations. From heartfelt pujas to guilt-free feasts, here’s how stars like Adivi Sesh, Neha Shetty, and Avika Gor celebrate Diwali and what it truly means to them. Celebrity Quotes: Adivi Sesh: “I love the festive spirit that flows from Navaratri to Dussehra and then Diwali. At home, we perform Lakshmi Puja, and while I avoid crackers because of our pets, I enjoy watching the colourful sky. No festival is complete without sweets and spreading joy.” Neha Shetty: “Diwali is not just about lighting lamps, it’s about illuminating our hearts with hope, kindness, and courage. For me, parties, festive food, and time with close ones make this celebration special every year.” Avika Gor: “For me, Diwali is about spreading love, kindness, and warmth. I celebrate responsibly, visiting family and friends, exchanging hugs, and sharing sweets. The true spirit of Diwali lies in joy and togetherness.”

Entertainment

Rishab Shetty Returns with Kantara Chapter 1

Kannada star Rishab Shetty, who captured nationwide attention with his 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is back with his much-awaited prequel, Kantara Chapter 1. At a recent press meet in Mumbai, he opened up about his journey from working as a driver and office boy in the city to becoming a pan-India actor and filmmaker. Speaking with honesty and gratitude, Rishab reflected on cinema’s power to transform lives and shared insights into the making of his ambitious new film.Your journey from driver in Mumbai to leading the Kantara Chapter 1 is inspiring. How do you look back on it?For me, Mumbai is very special. Back in 2008, I worked as an office assistant in a production house in Andheri West, and also as a producer’s driver. While eating vada pav on the road near that office, I never imagined I would come this far. Cinema has given me so much love, respect, and blessings far beyond what I could dream of. I’m incredibly grateful. Everyone is talking about how your village came together for the Kantara Chapter 1 event. Tell us about that. Everyone in my village, in Kundapura’s Keradi, was part of the filmmaking process. It felt like the entire place had turned into a film village. The whole town became a studio. I’m deeply grateful to my villagers, the crew, my wife Pragathi, professors, cultural dancers, their families, and even the seniors who guided us. This film was built on collective effort. The prequel is set centuries ago. How did you bring that world to life?It was one of the toughest challenges. We had no direct references for the 4th–5th century. Everything production, costumes, sets, was built from reading, listening, and imagining. We were very particular about the look, the backdrop, the characters’ behaviour, and even the language. The goal

Fashion

Latest Festive Fashion Trends In India

Intro: The smell of marigold flowers, the glow of diyas, the happy noise of families coming together. India’s festive season is here again, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up. Clothes are not just clothes during festivals; they are part of the celebration itself. This year’s festive fashion is a mix of tradition and modern style. From sarees to lehengas, from bold jewellery to subtle embroidery, here’s what is trending in 2025. 1. Sarees with a twist The saree is timeless. But this year, designers are giving it new life. Pre-draped sarees, gown-style sarees, and double-pallu drapes are everywhere. Designer Anamika Khanna is renowned for her dramatic draping styles, which add movement and glamour. Stars like Deepika Padukone and Kiara Advani have been wearing sarees with bold pleats, sculpted borders, and fresh silhouettes. It’s the same saree we love but reimagined for today. 2. Mix and Match Festive Separates Gone are the days of sticking to one complete set of a lehenga or a sari. Now people are mixing and matching. Heavy skirts are paired with light blouses or embroidered jackets, often accompanied by plain shararas. 3. Colours that surprise Traditional festivals’ colours like red, maroon, and gold are still there, but 2025 is experimenting. Soft tones like sage green, dusty mauve, teal, and ochre are shining this year. At Diwali parties, many celebs wore gold tissue sarees that looked festive yet classy. For Navaratri, green became the star colour, especially on the day dedicated to Goddess Skanda Mata. 4. Craft Revival and Sustainable Touch This year, old crafts are making a comeback in new and innovative ways. Hand embroidery, block prints, and vintage fabrics are being reused to create stunning outfits. Designer Mayyur Girotra even created a lehenga from five old brocade sarees, proving that fashion can

Entertainment

The Ultimate Guide To A Family-Friendly Halloween

Halloween is more than just a day for candy and costumes. It’s a celebration of community, creativity and a touch of spooky fun. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, families everywhere are looking for ways to make this holiday special. If you are searching for ideas, Dhanush Kumar brings you some memorable and family-friendly Halloween ideas. Transforming your home into a haunted haven is a fantastic way to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. Carving pumpkins is a family tradition. Lay out old newspapers, grab some carving tools, and let your family’s creativity shine. For younger children, painting pumpkins is a safer and equally fun alternative. Use warm, orange string lights to create a festive glow. Cast eerie shadows with paper cutouts of bats and spiders on windows. A simple ghost made from a white sheet and a balloon, or a string of paper bats, can add a lot of character without much effort. Choosing a costume is often the highlight of Halloween. Encourage a group of themed costumes for a fantastic family look. Go as a family of superheroes, a collection of farm animals, or characters from your favourite movie. Repurpose old clothes and craft supplies. A cardboard box can become a robot, and a green t-shirt with some design can transform into a friendly frog. The best costumes are often the ones that you make together. While trick-or-treat is a must, there are many activities to enjoy, such as: Monster Movie Marathon: Curl up on the couch with popcorn and a selection of age-appropriate spooky films. Classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, or Hocus Pocus are always great choices. Spooky Story Time: Gather around a fire pit or in a dimly lit room and share not-too-scary ghost stories. Themed Treats: Bake and decorate