Indian Fusion Wedding Dress with Latkan Photoshoot

Just before lockdowns began in 2020 I created an Indian Fusion wedding dress for a photoshoot with a London team of suppliers. We wanted to create inspiration for the many mixed culture weddings being planned in the UK. I showcased my fusion wedding dress design skills with an ensemble of ivory silk top, skirt and trousers with Indian trims and styling.

We used the phrase ‘An Indian Summer’ as our starting point. Just as Autumn begins in England a last burst of fine weather is known as ‘An Indian Summer’. We used summer colours to compliment a fusion English/Indian styled shoot. We were hosted by the beautiful Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich which was dressed by Mimi-Fleur in hot pinks and oranges including traditional Indian Mala garlands.

It is wonderful to be able to honour two different cultures by taking traditional elements from both bride and groom’s traditions to create something new and very personal. I loved working with Fleur Challis Photography who’s unobtrusive methods captured all the unique details and the beautiful colours.

We were lucky enough to have this shoot featured, and on the front cover too, in the March/April edition of Your London Wedding. It was also blogged in 2021 on The English Wedding Blog.

Fusion Bride Separates

I designed a thoroughly modern mix and match ensemble for our Western bride with touches of India as a nod to her future husband. I layered silk satin, embroidered organza and Asian trims to create this Indian fusion wedding dress look. I love creating ensembles with elements that can be added and removed, so my brides can change their look through the day.

top and trousers in ivory crepe silk with beaded belt

I designed wrap over trousers in silk crepe that moves beautifully. When walking the split up the sides can waft open and reveal the metallic ribbons I sewed on the inside hems. I also made a tiered skirt in embroidered silk organza. The skirt can worn on top of the trousers so the trousers will be a surprise for the evening party.

red and gold braid fusion wedding detail

ivory silk wedding trousers on mannequin

My favourite part of the my design for this shoot is the top which is simple and modern with an Asian twist. The top has a plain loose fitting front with a boat neckline. It finishes on the waistline revealing the ornate gold and pearl belt worn underneath. I designed an elegant low, draped back with a nod to the fusion look by adding traditional Indian blouse tassels (latkan). My favourite part of the whole look were the organza balloon sleeves, trimmed with more Indian trim to echo the gold and pearl belt. And because you just can’t hold me back I also made another pair of sleeves, this time coming from the shoulder and finished with wide buttoned cuffs.

To recreate this look: think about layering elements that contrast sheer and opaque, using a neutral base to highlight bright or metallic trims and being sexy in a modern and culturally appropriate way.”

Hair make-up and accessories for a Fusion Bride

Another incredible bespoke maker provided ornate wedding capes, trimmed in gold and colourful petals to transform the modern look into something truly bridal.

The bride’s hair was dressed in two different styles to compliment the daytime and evening looks with pearl ornaments and jewellery also designed by Felicity Westmacott. Both the bride and her maid of honour (wearing a lace top and yellow skirt from matchimony) had their make-up done in soft colours to really bring out their best features. It’s nice to change your hair and make-up for the evening part of the party if your MUA/stylist can stay.

The handsome groom, Piyush, wore a summer linen suit in a neutral stone colour. He also changed his tie and waistcoat to compliment his new wife’s more relaxed evening look. And our gorgeous bridal model, Evie, brought along her very friendly and relaxed dog, who let us dress them up in tassels and pose for photos as part of the shoot!

embroidered wedding skirt with balloon sleeves on the banks of the thames

Styling the Shoot

The shoot was organised by Sam, ‘The Wedding Owl’ who used her wide contacts to bring together the fusion wedding look. Sam also runs, e-lope, collaboratively with other members of the shoot team, organising mircoweddings in Kent for couples looking for an intimate ceremony.

Our stylists dressed the tables with ochre coloured cloths, atmospheric cream, burgundy and gold lamps. They layered gold edged platters, beneath ochre linen napkins finished with cinnamon sticks for a hint of ‘spice in the air’. Sam sourced traditional Indian glass and silver to make some guests feel exotic and others at home.

wedding meal at trafalgar tavern, london

Flowers in hot colours, fuchsia, orange and gold as well as light as a feather pampas grass complimented the ornate interior of Trafalgar Tavern. Couples can exchange vows against views over the Thames from the huge windows shedding beautiful light on the whole set up. The catering team at Trafalgar tavern treated the shoot to delicious tastes of their menu (for photography, but we couldn’t let it go to waste!) and Sam added Indian silk brocade to the serving trays to keep everything on theme.

pink and yellow floral buttonhole in pocket

pink and orange roses with pampas grass wedding flowers

Stationery design with prints in colours to compliment the theme included table plans on a hoop, name places with golden trim and invitations fit for Indian Royalty.

The wedding cake was understated in size, as suitable for an intimate, city wedding and decorated with brightly coloured flowers each hand made in sugar.

Advice for planning and Fusion wedding

It can seem intimidating to walk the balance between your own familiar culture and a new one, but with the right team of professionals on your side everything will come together perfectly. Planning a fusion wedding, whether English/Indian like this one or any combination provides so much scope for imaginative ways to honour the blend of cultures created by your new beginning in marriage. Trust your team, and your instincts and your perfect Indian summer wedding may be the end of summer, but the start of something truly magical.