The Wedding Collective (TWC), scheduled to take place from 23-25 August at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, Mumbai, is all about immersive, highly-curated experiences. One of these is Ahmedabad-based Jaina Lalbhai’s The Artisan Audit. Lalbhai—known for her popular shows that bring in labels from across the country. With her her keen eye for design, she brings to TWC a special edit focused on celebrating the brilliance of the Indian artisan. We asked her to share more:
What led you to collaborate with TWC? Why did you think this was the right platform?
The Right Side, headed by Priya Tanna, approached me with the exciting opportunity of curating a segment for TWC. Naturally, this presented me with a great opportunity to not only showcase my skills as a curator, but also get recognition for my unique aesthetic sensibilities. It's a gratifying acknowledgement that my taste and expertise are valued, and it has been a thrilling experience to curate a section fot the IT wedding show of India.
Can you tell us what to expect?
TWC brings together all one could possibly wish for when planning a wedding. It not only gives the guests access to the top-notch Indian designers, but also offers beautiful alternatives for gifting and jewellery. It’s a wonderful platform to connect with various vendors one would need access to while planning a wedding. Besides, it’s carefully curated and beautifully put together. What's not to love?!
How did you shortlist the brands for The Artisan Audit?
The direction I took while curating the space given to me was to spotlight designers who excel in celebrating specific crafts, textiles, embroideries, or aesthetics. It’s a nod to the abundant talent that exists in our country, which I believe is so uniquely placed globally. No other country has this myriad tapestry of talent and crafts that co-exist harmoniously to give us the most beautiful creations. Each brand that I have placed in this pavilion is an homage to the crafts and textiles of India. Hence, we chose the name The Artisan Audit as a befitting identity for this pavilion.
Can you take us through each brand's USP?
We have tried to do a well-rounded curation that adequately represents the different crafts of India.
Oh Fab is renowned for its Banarasi lehengas and sarees, each piece a testament to timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship.
Nandini Agarwal of Lucknow does chikankari and crafts ensembles and sarees with the finest hand embroidery.
Aseem Kapoor’s beadwork and relaxed silhouettes redefine Indian wear.
Mimamsaa ‘s signature lies in its use of rich tissue silks, known for their luxurious texture and elegant drape. They define effortless dressing by revisiting classic Indian silhouettes.
Divya Sheth is dedicated to reviving the timeless art of kalamkari and intricate gota-patti, collaborating closely with master craftsmen and artists to ensure authenticity and excellence in every piece.
Still by Tejal indulges its patrons with marodi embroidery done on silks and vibrant bandhej fabric.
Pooja & Keyur are the undeniable masters of aari embroidery. They bring ease into Indian wear with their effortless silhouettes and the use of bandhej, patola and silks.
We also have vintage kutchi bags and batwas by Bejeweled. Each piece is a one-off and is crafted using antique kutchi patches.
What is your one piece of advice for brides looking to shop for their trousseau?
While brides usually prefer to dress as per the latest trends, a trousseau is something that is supposed to last you way beyond your first few years of marriage. I’ve been married for 15 years, and I still go back to some lovely saris my mom added as a part of my trousseau. The key lies in choosing pieces that stand the test of time. Consider investing in a beautiful patola, a bandhej abha adorned with marodi work, a Parsi gaara, a Banarasi saree, or a Mocha Kaam lehenga. These timeless treasures will not only serve as wardrobe staples, but also adapt seamlessly to evolving fashion preferences over the years. Always prioritise quality over quantity. Investing in well-crafted pieces will allow you to cherish them for years to come.
Your curation is also for those not getting married. Can you tell us more?
Absolutely! The designers we have put together craft gorgeous ensembles that are perfect for anyone attending a wedding, any formal affair, family-dos, a side bride or just someone who loves to own beautiful pieces. The outfits are effortless, timeless and wearable. It’s basically great for any woman who loves to shop.
