A wedding opens the most beautiful chapter in a woman's life, and choosing the right trousseau is very important. My motto has always been 'Then, Now and Always'.
By: Sangeeta Assomull, CEO, Marigold Group
Posted on: September 10, 2010
A trousseau, made by the bride with the help of close friends, sisters, aunts and the omnipresent loving mother, is a reflection of the bride’s dreams, desires and hopes. Now is the time to convert those precious dreams into your treasure trousseau, which consists of beautiful pieces of jewellery, exquisite saris, fabulous furs and amazing home accessories – all that you have grown up seeing and have quietly registered in your memory bank.
For me, it was always about ‘long lasting’ luxury. I took my vows in a sacha zari lehenga made by Sushil Bhai - The Indian Textiles at The Taj Mahal, by the legendary Piarimia, from an exquisite sari - a masterpiece that I knew I would wear at all those special family occasions much later too. I paired this with handmade shoes by Manolo Blahnik which I wore for years and years. I also had many other exotic shoes designed by him which I wore for years and years.
Indian brides have a much larger variety of choice now, right from Indian-born traditional brands to sophisticated and subtle international luxury brands. It is definitely a tough choice to make! I have some suggestions for brides-to-be, which I hope help, or at least streamline all those feverish ideas going on in your minds!
While the wedding lehenga should always be custom-made and designed purely keeping you in mind, my suggestions would be you work with one of the leaders in the couture fields, such as Suneet Verma, JJ Vallaya, Rohit Bal and Tarun Tahiliani.
No bridal trousseau would be complete with out Judith Leiber minaudieres. You can collect the classics or Novelty pieces, as each one of them is a timeless luxury. One of the special novelty pieces, a must have for every bride, is the Red Rose. Judith Leiber clutches are heirlooms, exquisite handbags, which can be paired with ethnic couture or evening gowns.
Indian brides traditionally inherit or have bestowed upon them beautiful jewellery. My all time favourite was an Indian jadha piece from the Bharany’s, rare heirloom jewellery from the collectables. In my trousseau, I also had modern pieces from Adlar and Cartier.
Moving on to home accessories and décor, Christofle is the best for cutlery and table ware, or as they call it, ‘the silver’. Their collections are made with graceful straight lines, and all the pieces have a neat and subtle look. I adore the fine China pieces by Bernad and Linoges, which I had included in my trousseau too. Elegant and charming crystal flutes by Baccarat make a sophisticated statement during a special dinner.
Frette is a good pick for linen and soft furnishings. They have a lot of variety to suit your taste and to match the overall décor of your new home. From light-coloured safe options to colourful and vibrant designs, there is ample to select from!
Try Fornasetti furniture for your new home. They have quirky, one of its kind home furniture and accessories. Little funny additions by Fornasetti can give a nice break to all that glamour and sophistication. You’ll immediately burst out in a grin whenever you spot that little stool or the magazine holder with the smiling sun. As for the walls, decorate them with prized Picasso lithographs. Lovers and connoisseurs of art will vouch for this suggestion!
Now where will you fit in all that precious stuff and take it to your new home? Without doubt, the Louis Vuitton trunks. Nothing is better than those brown LV monogrammed trunks with their long heritage. Never out of style, they will be with you forever, much like your new husband!
Now that you are packed up and ready for the most beautiful (and sometimes stressful) phase of your life, start it with a truly romantic honeymoon at the Soneva Gili and Six Senses resorts. Their Maldives properties are absolutely dreamy with plenty of privacy – no better way to truly begin your blissful marital life!
Sangeeta Assomull initiated The Marigold Group in India after working with various luxury brands in London. The group represents Judith Leiber and Fornasetti, among other brands, in India. The Marigold Fine Art Gallery houses works by Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and the likes. When not busy striking deals for her venture, Sangeeta likes to play golf, bridge and ski.
Post your comment