Mermaid lehengas that balance soft femininity with sculpted structure
They're are making a splash in bridal fashion, and these are the ones we’re crushing on.
Fitted with finesse and silhouette-hugging, mermaid lehengas defy all the norms of a typical lehenga, but somehow, make it work. Long before its foray into Indian bridal wear, it appeared in Western fashion, including cocktail dresses that narrowed around the hips and legs, creating a cinched, tail-reminiscent shape, back in the corset-obsessed era.
Popularised on Indian shores in the early 2000s by Manish Malhotra and Tarun Tahiliani, the mermaid lehenga combines the sculpted frame of foreign evening gowns with the richness of Indian craftsmanship, resulting in these utterly gorgeous crystal- and bead-embellished ensembles. With the sartorial sanctity of elaborate lehengas kept intact, these silhouettes offer a more modern avatar of ethnic wear.
The modern Indian bride has her own take on it, and we suggest investing in these stylish pieces for the love of curves, to capture your princess moment for posterity!
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna
Cascades, sculpted blouses, and fringe detailing- all marks of a trademark Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna piece. The nuances here are near architectural, as seen in the linear frame that somehow coexists with the fabric’s flare. Elevated in gold with metallic undertones, we’ll gladly repeat these fits.
Seema Gujral
Tone-on-tone embroidery on a navy base, an off-shoulder dupatta, and a traditional mermaid cut as a final touch. Brides, you know what we mean. This Jasmine-coded one’s perfect for your all-glam cocktail night, especially when the sequins don’t keep it casual. We know a winner ensemble when we see one!
Sawan Gandhi
Sawan Gandhi doesn’t do subtle, obviously. Brides, these fish-cut skirts are the epitome of ethnic chic, with cutdana posing as befitting reinforcements to the embroidered facace. The blush pink one lets the floral applique do its thing, while the ice-blue piece converges in an ombre look. Figure-hugging and ultra-femme, we’ve bookmarked it already.
DiyaRajvvir
If it’s got a cape, it’s obviously meant for a queen! And with that regal earthy green, could anything really go wrong? There’s tulle, an abstract blouse ornate with florals, and tassels for good measure. This one knows how to make an entrance and we’re not passing it by.
Mishru
There’s something about pairing a corsetted blouse with a mermaid skirt that cannot quite be articulated on paper. Mishru gets playful with lavender and a grand shoulder trail, while the beige-bordering-brown lehenga set speaks volumes with its tonal sea coral embroidered corset. Yes, yes, and yes.
Manish Malhotra
A major pioneer of mermaid lehengas in India, Manish Malhotra’s peach take offers a Mijwan column skirt sparkling in the glory of crystals. Equally enticing is the matching peplum corset, adorned with 3D flowers, stones, and sequins. And of course, there’s a crystal drape to tie it all together!
Anushree Reddy
A contemporary spin on the lehenga, this muted ivory take by Anushree Reddy is perfect for cocktail parties or sangeet nights. Layered in net with intricate embroidery taking lead, it’s got just the right dose of shimmer and shine without the garishness. Say yes to this dress already!
Image credits: Featured brands
Also read: The wedding shoe guide that brides should not skip
Also read: It's time for your bridal bag to have a look of its own
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Mermaid lehengas that balance soft femininity with sculpted structure
They're are making a splash in bridal fashion, and these are the ones we’re crushing on.
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