Benarasi is her forte and contemporising it for the younger generation without compromising the traditional touches is her passion. Designer Pinki Sinha’s latest launch is a collection of Benarasi lehngas in a vibrant colour palette ranging from warm saffron and classic reds to the regal green and purple, apt for the spring wedding season and perfectly fits the ongoing Bolly trend of subtle and minimal wedding looks.
Designed with traditional motifs in variations of silver and gold zari, the collection has a piece for every occasion of an Indian wedding, starting from the cocktail night of the engagement day to the reception. The traditional weave paired with modern tops and drapes makes it appealing for the younger generation to add this classic wedding favourite to their wardrobes. Actress Susmita Chatterjee adds her elegance and charm to each look as she dons them exclusively for The Telegraph:
The evergreen floral patterns meet a soothing saffron in this lehnga set of an off-shoulder brocade top and broad-border skirt, paired with a sheer organza dupatta with a golden border. Ideal for any morning function or sundowners.
Designed elaborately and intricately with Mughal motifs and meenakari detailing, this purple lehnga is all about redefining the regal vibe as evening wear. The contemporarily draped blouse, the hair worn open and minimal accessorising elevate the regal charm of the attire.
If you have a red Benarasi in mind for your destination wedding look yet do not want the traditional sari, this crimson red lehnga with columns of leaf motif woven in silver zari, complemented by a brocade corset blouse and a sheer dupatta, is a gorgeous look where tradition marries trendy
A vibrant look for a cocktail party night, the black-and-gold Benarasi lehnga is an absolute show-stealer. The meenakari work in red, fuchsia and orange breaks the monotony in design by adding a vibrant touch to the look.
Opt for a complete traditional look in this satrangi lehnga, designed flamboyantly with a dominating coral shade, for the wedding day. Woven with intricate floral, geometric and paisley motifs, this stellar outfit, woven over 320 weaving hours, is a signature piece of the collection.
Mughal motifs woven in gold on regal green make it look vivacious and ideal for the Mehndi function or the Sangeet evening. It is paired with a matching brocade off-shoulder blouse.
Accessorising a Benarasi lehnga can be so much fun! Here are some tips by designer Pinki Sinha:
Style in a versatile way by ditching the blouse and instead opting for corsets, capes, one-shoulder tops, silk shirts or solid bodysuits to make a distinct statement.
Think vintage jewellery for these pieces. A layered necklace, oversized nath or stacks of bangles will rock the look!
From peep-toes to sneakers, from solid to bling clutches, style it glam and comfortable.
DESIGNER SPEAK:
“The collection breathes luxury and royalty and is timeless. The luscious katan silks, the woven zari designs on the resham and the colourful meenakari designs make the collection and nothing can beat the grandeur of these Benarasi lehngas. Nowadays, every bride possesses one Benarasi lehnga for either Mehndi, Haldi or pre-postwedding celebrations. Whether you are a bride or a bridesmaid, it’s a perfect choice for pre-wedding and wedding festivities. My biggest touchpoint in this collection was to retain the grandeur of a lehnga and yet make it light in weight to pull off that all-day and all-night celebration with ease. Every piece is versatile and you can make it your own by teaming up tops differently. These lehngas are a nextstep style statement and I would say flaunt it unapologetically,” said Pinki Sinha.