Known for exploring royal Indian handcrafts, archaic embroidery, and techniques in her unconventional designs, designer Vani Vats is presently excited about her grand debut at the Lakme Fashion Week, organised in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), which is scheduled to take place on October 14th, 2023, in New Delhi. With timeless and versatile silhouettes celebrating the spirit of weddings, ‘Piroi’ draws inspiration from the intricate beauty of jewellery for the contemporary Indian bride and artfully symbolises the need and beauty of companionship.

Ahead of her first-ever Lakme Fashion Week show, Vani Vats sits down with GlobalSpa to share her design philosophies, expand upon the inspiration behind ‘Piroi’, and discuss the upcoming trends in the world of bridal couture.

You are showcasing at Lakme Fashion Week for the first time. What’s on your mind as you gear up for your debut?

Vani Vats: I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week. It feels like a dream come true for our brand, and this marks a significant milestone on our journey. We look forward to many more shows and achievements in the future. This collection is truly special to me because it has allowed me to explore my design style even further. It draws inspiration from the contemporary bride and her commitment to the institution of marriage. With timeless and versatile pieces celebrating the spirit of weddings, we are looking forward to unveiling Piroi on the runway.

What inspired your collection ‘Piroi’, and what does it represent for the modern Indian bride?

Vani Vats: In crafting my debut collection, Piroi, for Lakmé Fashion Week, I had a distinct vision in mind. I aimed for something truly distinctive, poised to turn heads and spark inspiration. Drawing inspiration from the intricate beauty of jewellery, I set out to design a collection that would resonate with contemporary brides. My concept revolved around the symbolism of stringing all the beads onto a single thread, delving into the intricacies of relationships and paralleling the profound significance of marriage in our lives.

Your collection celebrates individuality within marriages as well as the beauty of companionship. How have you represented this duality in your designs?

Vani Vats: The ‘Piroi’ collection explores marriage and relationships, reflecting modern brides’ evolving perspectives. It symbolises the contribution of each individual to the depth of marriage, showcasing love, trust, and companionship. The designs blend mirrors and pearls, merging two lives harmoniously. Emphasising individuality within marriage, it uses fabrics like georgette and silk organza and a palette of colours. ‘Piroi’ offers timeless, versatile pieces for various occasions, symbolising the strength of a lasting marriage.

Any new techniques or skills that you’ve experimented with, especially for this collection?

Vani Vats: In this collection, we have used the Piroi technique, a traditional technique of stringing beads together that is typically used in jewellery, and we have applied it to the embroidery in our garments. Crafted with love, the designs seamlessly blend mirrors and pearls, symbolising the harmony of two souls while also celebrating individuality within a marriage. Pearls and mirrors are major elements of our latest collection.

According to you, which bridal couture and festive wear trends will rule this season?

Vani Vats: We’ve observed a shift among brides, moving away from traditional colours like reds, pinks, and magentas and embracing pastel shades. Pearls have always been in trend but recently, brides are opting for them for their wedding functions.

Fashion holds different meanings for different people. How do you view it?

Vani Vats: To me, fashion means constant innovation, the creation of something new every day, and ever-changing trends. This dynamism is what fuels our passion, keeps us alive, and infuses vitality into the world of fashion.

How do you envision the future of bridal fashion, and how does Vvani by Vani Vats contribute to shaping this future?

Vani Vats: Our goal is to adorn individuals and enhance their beauty, playing a part in shaping the joy of every bride and making her special day even more remarkable. We aspire to create outfits that will be remembered and cherished, even two decades down the road. This is the essence of our brand’s vision, and we are making sure we follow it with every collection we launch.