The BIG FAT Goan White Wedding Dress:

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We have now entered the wedding season and love is in the air. Brides-to-be have probably dreamed of their perfect wedding day all their lives. They’ve found the prince of their dreams; it’s time to make it official. There’s going to be a party, and music, and good food, and wine, and dancing and the white dress. Oh Yes! The White dress! Every bride dreams of looking picture perfect on her big day, and the white wedding dress has a massive role to play in it.
The white wedding dress has always been the hallmark of weddings in Goa. From the conservative to the bold and daring, we have seen all sorts of trends in wedding dresses emerge. Our wedding dresses are often inspired by western trends which are heavily influenced by those worn either by royalty, or by Hollywood celebrities.
In ancient times, the clothing worn by queens and princesses influenced fashion trends. This applied to wedding dresses as well, which also reflected the bride’s social standing and indicated the extent of the family’s wealth to wedding guests. Brides from wealthy families often wore rich and bold colours and exclusive fabrics such as furs, velvet and silk. The poorest of brides wore their best church dress on their wedding day.
It was only in the 19th century that the white gown gained popularity, after the wedding of Queen Victoria who donned a white gown trimmed with lace. Prior to that, brides got married in any colour, black being especially popular in Scandinavia. The colour white is assumed to symbolize virginity; although this was not the original intention. The colour blue is connected to purity, piety and faithfulness since it is associated to the Virgin Mary.
Since the 1900s, wedding dresses were adapted to the styles of the day. This tendency to follow current fashions continued until the late 1960s, when it became popular to revert to long, full-skirt designs reminiscent of the Victorian era. In the 1980s, Princess Diana’s wedding dress heavily influenced the wedding fashion trend. In the recent past, it was Kate Middleton who set the trend for wedding dresses.
Most brides plan their wedding dress months before the wedding. For those who are planning to get married in 2018, here are some interesting trends to consider for their dress design.
  1. Black accents:
Black is the new white. One of the most raging trends this season is the black accent on a white dress. Many designers have adopted and showcased this trend with a black belt here or a black bow there. Accents highlight the dress and can be used to accentuate some of the flattering areas of the body. These black details can be removable. Test the water with a bit of black detailing, a slim belt, or a chic sleeve accent.


  1. Deep deep V necks:
V necks that are so deep, some even way past the belly button, are a trend that many designers have shown in their bridal collection this season. A bold bride may be comfortable showing some skin, but the more modest one can adopt this style by either using a patch of lace or a nude net under the plunging neckline. This trend is better suited to a petite woman.


  1. Side cut-outs:
If a deep deep V neck shows too much skin, then a side cut-out may be an alternative option. Whether layered with lace or completely sheer, the waist baring design can be both flattering as well as feminine.
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  1. Extreme sleeves:
Thanks to Kate Middleton, sleeves have made a comeback into the wedding dress fashion. However, in recent times, sleeves have become wider, puffier and longer than ever before. Bell sleeves are a particular favourite this season, in some cases going far past hand length. Bold sleeves in an otherwise simple dress design can be used to make a statement.


  1. Off the shoulder necklines:
It’s not like the shoulder baring neckline ever did go out of fashion. But it is particularly prevalent this season.


  1. Sheer corset tops:
Corset tops made of lace or sheer fabric, wherein the boning is exposed, is an antique trend which is at the forefront of bridal fashion. Its bold look can be toned down by pairing the bodice with a simpler skirt or romantic lace appliques.


  1. Tiered skirts:
Tiered skirt dresses and ruffles are a trend that can make a bride look feminine and graceful. However, since it creates volume, it is better suited to taller and more voluptuous women.


  1. Accent bows:
Particularly large bows, or those in an accent colour, can make a statement. They can be applied to belts, sleeves, or even trailing up the backs of dresses.


  1. Capes and caplets:
Capes are trending in the overall fashion scene. But it gives a whole new definition to a wedding gown. It can be a convenient piece of clothing or a fun accessory that can be worn in the church and then removed later at the reception. Or it can be a part of the overall bridal ensemble that simply enhances it.


  1. Overskirts:
Two bridal looks in one, overskirts can be pretty convenient especially for a Goan wedding and can give the bride an option of a two-in-one wedding dress. A detachable skirt with a train can be worn over the wedding dress for the wedding ceremony, and can be removed should the bride decide to let her hair down and dance away at the reception.
Next time we will explore which wedding dress silhouette will be best suited to your body type. Until then, enjoy browsing for your perfect wedding dress pattern. Stay safe and stay stylish!

It was my childhood dream to be a fashion designer and it is my passion, hard work and determination which have made my label "Ninoshka" a reality. I started my career as a merchandiser cum designer at an export house in Mumbai where I coined and developed samples for some of the top international brands such as Nordstrom, J C Penny, Next, Rare Vintage, Charms and Lane Bryant among others. Joining Mélange as the in-house designer gave me a unique opportunity to experiment and hone my personal minimalistic style. The experience also made me into a versatile designer ; delivering garments that would suit the client needs. At Mélange, I have catered to some of the top personalities in India such as Nirja Birla, Shabana Azmi, Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Bendre and many more. Being empanelled as a Designer in the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. I have collaborated with NGOs such as Kala Raksha (Kutch), Sadhna (Jaipur) and All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA, Delhi). I have always wished that my profession would act as a means for me to give back to nature and society in my own little way.

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