Sonam Kapoor And Couturiers Ralph And Russo Give Us A Low-Down On Her Dream Wedding

Ralph & Russo and Sonam Kapoor make for a magical pairing. And when this magical couture encounter unfolded in the dream-like, art-infused interiors of Aynhoe Park in London, it added a lot more organic credibility to the story. Seeing Sonam effortlessly slip into the voluminous, surrealistic, and fashion-forward gowns and make them her own, I knew that she was spelling out the new commandment for cocktail wear. The fact that Ralph & Russo came together with Sonam Kapoor for our inaugural issue made for a special moment. Combining the brand’s signature embellished dresses and sexy cocktail wear meant for modern, global brides of today with the elegance of Sonam’s persona, made for eclectic spreads of fashion to our delight.

Here, they tell us about couture, brides, and much more.

SONAM SPEAKS

This is the first BRIDES TODAY cover. What do you think of it?

I love working with the team that has transitioned into Brides Today. It’s an honour to be on the cover of the first issue of the magazine. I hope that it’s as successful as all the other magazines that the group has created.

What do you think about Ralph & Russo’s collection?

I feel like I would always wear Tamara and Michael’s clothes for my biggest performances. All of their clothes are designed with so much love and care, and it’s true couture, you know. Everything is beautifully fitted and taken care of. They have a very refined taste. It’s not loud but is dramatic. It’s not colourful, but doesn’t lack colour either. I really like that. I like the depth in their clothes.

What is the one thing that brides-to-be should not do?

They shouldn’t be uncomfortable in their wedding outfits.

And one thing that they should do?

Brides should be happy, because that makes them look beautiful, no matter what outfit they put on. 

What is the one quality you think they should have?

Compassion. 

What is that one thing they shouldn’t have?

A sense of entitlement.

Would you have a close-knit wedding or a big one?

Umm, I think I’ll have a wedding with only my family and close friends in attendance. I would also prefer to get married in India, because it’s my favourite place in the world. 

Would you prefer cut or uncut diamonds?

I like diamonds in any form.

Who is going to be your bridesmaid?

If and when I get married, I would obviously like my sister to be my chief bridesmaid. I don’t know if that works or not. Do Indians have bridesmaids? My best friends Samyukta (Nair), Shehla (Khan), Swara (Bhaskar), and Jackie (Jacqueline Fernandez) would also be there. 

One trousseau item which you think is a must for a bride-to-be?

A traditional silk sari.

Any go-to fashion piece?

No. I don’t like fashion pieces. I like beautiful, traditional Indian clothes, that don’t go out of style. That’s why some of my favourite designers are Anamika (Khanna), Anuradha Wakil, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, and Ralph & Russo. There is a very traditional and classical quality to their clothes. 

TAMARA & MICHAEL SPEAK

What are your thoughts about this shoot?

It was, obviously, a lot of fun. Sonam has been a good friend of ours for many years now. She’s always such a joy to work with; she is one of our closest friends. She was our bride in our couture show last season as well.

Tell us about your SS’18 collection.

This season’s collection is a continued celebration of the many facets of women and we have taken inspiration from the East. In the past year, I was particularly fascinated with Asia and travelled there extensively. I was spellbound by the exotic colouring of traditional dancheong (traditional Korean colouring), the intricacy of Kachô-e (a form of Chinese painting), and local forms of architecture, all of which are present in the collection through colours, silhouettes, and embellishments. 

How is it working together as a couple to create a Ralph & Russo creation?

T: Whilst Michael and I oversee every part of the business, we spearhead different elements. Michael, as the CEO, leads the business and strategy side of the company, and I, as the creative director, lead on the creative side. 

One thing that a bride should not do?

T: Definitely not leave the dress till the last minute. M: Absolutely. T: Otherwise, we get stressed (laughs). The bride should remain calm and enjoy the process.

If you are to make outfits for an Indian bride, how would you interpret the looks?

When I think of an Indian bride, I think of draped gowns in the style of a traditional sari, vibrant colours, and beautifully embellished silhouettes.

Have you ever been inspired by anything from India, maybe a colour palette, or a craft?

India is a real feast for the senses—it’s brimming with vibrant colours, textures, spices, and movements. This season, we actually incorporated zardozi embroidery in many of our looks and utilised needlework embroidery technique for several pieces.

Why is Sonam Kapoor the perfect muse for the brand?

Sonam is the ultimate Ralph & Russo muse. She is elegant, feminine, wonderfully confident, and a true leader in her field.

Is there anything special that you would be designing for her in the coming times?

We currently have a couple of creations coming to life within the atelier, but as to what these pieces are for, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait and see!

Talking about couture, what makes it stand out in today’s fast-paced world?

Couture represents a fairytale of quality, craftsmanship, and inimitable luxury. The modern world is fast- paced and demand is at its highest, but there will always be the individual who covets couture.

What do you think of the Indian luxury bridal market?

Incredibly opulent. I think, today’s designers are fusing the traditional and contemporary in such a clever way, and with so many events surrounding Indian weddings, designers have the opportunity to create something a bit more daring in addition to the main look.