Bridal fashion trend:Tassels get a life of their own; become oversized and artistic

In the festive season, soon to be followed by the big fat Indian wedding season, designers are giving tassels a makeover so that they don’t play second fiddle to the lehenga any more.

Tassels have never been so big, literally! Oversized designer tassels hanging from a slim waist is the sexiest piece of adornment for a bride this season. Tassels always played second fiddle to lehengas, but that’s not the case anymore; they are as important as the outfit now. A number of designers, such as Manav Gangwani, Reynu Taandon, and Gautam Gupta, have come up with exaggerated tassels that range from floral and jewel shapes to animals and birds.

Designer Gautam Gupta’s tassel designs.

“In my recent collection, I tried to innovate with tassels,” says Taandon. “We made camels, birds with cloth, and embellished them with mirrors and Swarovski. We’re adding them to lehengas, achkans and blouses.” These tassels take about a day or two to make, with karigars giving the finishing touches.

Brides are also going for customised tassels with cheeky messages and danglers for themselves and their bridesmaids. “Tassels play an important role when it comes to adding a dramatic element to a minimalistic garment,” says Gupta. “People ask for artwork or motifs as standout features. Names, slogans, and punchlines are trending this season.” Nikita Khuranna, a Delhi-based bride, says, “I went for a lotus flower [tassel] along with a message. It added a personal touch to a simple garment and made me stand out.”