Would you say 'I do' in these shoes?
As the wedding season kick-starts in India, Sohini Das Gupta looks at bridal footwear that will glam up your big day
It's that time of the year when the sun shines charmingly upon well-heeled brides walking down the aisle or around the holy flames in shoes that can hold their own as art pieces. Whether timeless white, cream or rose numbers with fragile lace detail or feisty Bollywood-inspired heels, bridal shoes are no longer an afterthought to the lucky girl's couture. If anything, they are the high-point of bridal ensembles, crafted to warm the heel and the heart.
For the Elegant White WeddingFor the traditional bride, who cherishes her classics, the Marina Vine—a collaboration between Harriet Wilde and Hermione Harbutt—uses delicate floral vine embellishments in fresh-water pearl alongside Swarovski elements to reimagine that quintessential white pair. The handwoven design raises the bar without deviating too much from the traditional look. In the meanwhile, grosgrain bows punctuate the satin body of Manolo Blahnik’s Lazzo, a classy pair bound to impress.
For the Radiant Ethnic BrideSwitch from classy whites to blushing reds and there's bound to be a change in footwear too. The modern Indian bride with her eclectic wardrobe of lehengas, sarees and Western gowns, is not one to limit her shoe choices to traditional motifs.
Take for instance, the line of bridal shoes crafted by ace Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for Christian Louboutin’s AICW Fall-Winter 2015 collection; these sharp pumps in muted gold, ox-blood and black leather promise to enhance the beauty of the contemporary bride. The intricate floral detailing round the edges only add to the powerful paradox.
Harriet Wilde's Peony GoldIf bold is what you seek, Harriet Wilde's Bidgette Red Gold Heels turn the tables with a plain body and a bedecked rear. Flipping the trend of frontal detailing in shoes, it flaunts a smooth velvet body accentuated by gold embellishment at the back. Think a bouquet of gold leaves and cherry blossom flowers, not in your hands, but on your heels! Wilde's Peony Gold is a little more coy, with floral laser designs crafted out of gold leather. Jimmy Choo waltzes over the desi camp with Leslie—strappy sandals that are an easy choice for those with a soft spot for shimmer. The glittery strips of leather zigzag geometrically, joining the toe with the heel. Available in hues of silver and sand, it is perfect, irrespective of your colour scheme. While Louboutin's Nenecheritz 160 Glitter Luminor Gold epitomises understated class and comfort, Nicobar 100 Leather and Mesh Sandals stand out with wide gold linkages and the coveted red sole.As you prepare to move towards the love of your life in bold, loving strides, let master artisans from around the world make this a walk to remember.