The designer gives us an insight into what the bridal trousseau would look like in 2024, wedding trends and so much more…
Whether it’s by reviving the genre of fashion show music or bringing in a revolution in menswear dressing in India, Kunal Rawal has carved a niche in the Indian fashion landscape. The designer is responsible for some of the most iconic celebrity groom looks from recent years, including Shahid Kapoor and Varun Dhawan.
“I believe there has been a significant shift in menswear couture. Historically, womenswear has dominated the couture spotlight, with menswear seen as merely complementary. Today, perceptions have transformed,” says Kunal, “We’ve dispelled generational notions about how men should dress, providing a platform for men to express their desires and unique personalities through their attire. Men are finally embracing couture and occasion wear, choosing outfits that resonate with their individuality. It’s both inspiring and exciting to witness this evolution and be a part of it.”
When it comes to dressing for your wedding, Kunal is of the firm opinion that your individual style should shine through. “Matching isn’t always necessary to make an impact. Instead, you can complement each other while staying true to your unique aesthetics. The KR groom would opt for micro motifs—a new trend and signature of our brand—and functional silhouettes suitable for various occasions, using lightweight fabrics that ensure comfort. The KR bride, on the other hand, embraces the unconventional, playing with androgyny, highlighting our textures and embroideries in saris, and boldly trying something new.”
This is why he envisions personalisation and experimentation being some of the top trends of the wedding season. “Functional couture is topping the trend charts. Brides, grooms, and wedding guests want their outfits to multitask, effortlessly transitioning from a sangeet to a mehendi, a red carpet event to a festive occasion. Vintage pieces are also making a strong comeback—classics are being reimagined to align with today’s aesthetics, making them both relevant and invaluable.” He adds, “Men and women are pushing boundaries with experimental colours. We’ve introduced shades like mushroom, butter chicken, wine, and moss, and the response has been heartening. Unique silhouettes and comfort-forward fits are also very popular, reflecting the shift towards a style that is both distinctive and wearable.”
The bridal trousseau, too, is going to go through a transformation. “We are in an era where less is more, and brides are embracing this philosophy wholeheartedly. They seek quality over quantity, curating signature pieces in couture, everyday fashion, jewellery, and accessories,” says Kunal, “Brides today are discerning, with specific preferences that reflect their unique aesthetic. They value personalisation and customised pieces that hold special significance as they enter a new chapter of life. Limited edition items that exude exclusive luxury are highly sought after. Wedding showcases like the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend provide the perfect opportunity for brides to select unique and exclusive items that will make their trousseau truly shine.”
Kunal Rawal is going to showcase at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend. It’s an invite-only event which will be held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, on August 3-4, 2024. For an invitation, register here or reach out at fmww@rpsg.in
Salva Mubarak is the Digital Editor of Manifest. In her free time, she likes to read murder mysteries, discover new KitKat flavours, and rank movie makeovers (not necessarily in that order). View Profile
