The Emmys just concluded, and while we were still not over the Met Gala outfits, Zendaya's black, off-shoulder gown made us want to rethink our wedding season outfits for this year. And while we all wish we too had Ryan Reynolds gape in at us in awe like he did his gorgeous wife, Blake Lively as we undid the bow on one dress to give way to another, we feel it would be tad impractical on stairs that we're used to. We still want to dazzle and turn heads at the occasions and budgets we have, so we've curated a list of Indian labels and designers to pick up gowns and dresses from. Bookmark this for your next fancy occasion and thank us later.
Like Zendaya's Glam Gown? Check Out These 20 Labels For The Wedding Season
Gaurav Gupta
Sure we’re talking about the MetGala, but when Megan Thee Stallion shows up to the Oscars in a Gaurav Gupta gown, there’s NO way we are not starting this list with this Indian, international designer! His styles are usually quite OTT and involve plenty of ruffles, features, layers and a lot of organza that is light but very mouldable. You’ll also find a lot of shimmer and sculpture-style designs from Gaurav Gupta.
Signature Style: 3-D Sculpture-style gowns. Think swivelling lava and panned out Flamenco pan.
Prices: INR 1.2 lakh upwards
Pankaj And Nidhi
The designer duo gets their inspiration from culture, craftsmanship, and silhouettes that flow easily on the feminine form. If you check out their gowns section, find plenty of sequins, ruffles, and sheer panelling that beautifully come together for an aquiline, mermaid-like sheen, or like the fairy godmother dress of your dreams. There are plenty of Met Gala-esque pieces, much like the one Khloe Kardashian’s number.
Signature Style: Crisp, sheer, flows easily and very gilded glamour
Price: INR 1 Lakh upwards
Aisha Rao
This Hyderabad-based designer is all about the bold prints, appliqué and colour! She cleverly uses organza to create layers, adds flounce with ruffles and will almost always add an extra accessory to make things much more quirky. Like a belt over a satin, organza flowing gown!
Signature Style: Up-cycled luxury outfitters that have large motifs, bold prints and plenty of maximalist accents.
Price: INR 1.2 Lakh upwards
Rahul Mishra
From Kareena Kapoor to Zendaya, Rahul Mishra has star approval and fantastic designs. Conceptual or dreamy (sometimes both!), his gowns and dresses are for those of you who really want to make a statement. From this short dress that seems to have a message about sustainability somewhere to this one that's giving us Oscar de la Ranta 2021 vibes, there's plenty of texture, colour, and even story to Rahul Mishra's designs. If you're trying to achieve a runway or red carpet look, a gown from here is a must.
Signature Style: Conceptual, with hand-stitched appliques 3D elements and nature-inspired
Price: INR 89,500 upwards, but gowns start at INR 1 Lakh.
Dolly J
From ballroom gowns to the sheath ones, and all those in between, Dolly J is the perfect place to shop for gowns of all kinds. It’s where we presume the Fairy GodMother shopped from when she waved her wand and got Cinderella to try multiple dresses! There’s a bit of an old-school edge to the designs, so don’t go expecting over-the-top gowns here. In fact, the opposite. These are flowy, feminine and in traditional cuts like mermaid, ball gowns, sheath ones and some with gentle trains. If you’re a bride who wants to make a proper mark, or you’re planning on attending a Met Gala level event soon, check out this gorgeous gown with a cape and feathers. Alia Bhat, Sonam Kapoor and Diana Penty have all given her the vote of confidence, and so should you.
Signature Style: Intricate embroidery of silver and gold threads, as well as fairly practical cuts as this one is all about functionality without compromising on trends and styles where “dreams meet reality”.
Price: INR 80,000 upwards
Zara Umrigar
Worn by the likes of Paris Hilton, Kareena Kapoor-Khan, Karishma Kapoor and Bipasha Basu, and showcased at the Paris Fashion Week, Umrigar’s forte is attention to detail. We love that flowy floor-length dresses are jazzed up with black bustiers, or that her skirts take the bling a notch up and the tops keep it simple and chic. Fabric is mainly net, chiffon and crepe. So if you’re a non-conformist dresser and want to strike the balance between elegance and edge, you best make your way to her store, max out your credit card, and then when your funds spike again, go back to her again.
Signature Style: Lots of the outfits are hand-embroidered and come with plenty of shimmer.
Price: INR 80,000, but all of the outfits can be customised so they go by the Price On Request policy.
Geisha Designs
For romantic silhouettes, soft yet structured embellishments, and dreamy vibes, hit up Geisha Designs. Their current collection features plenty of pleats, glamorous numbers with sequins and stones, and column gowns with royal gowns reminiscent of the 1910’s, very much in line with the Met Gala’s “Gilded Glamour” theme of 2022. All with a contemporary touch of course - find ruffle detailing and necklines, daring slits, and dramatic sleeves that go well beyond voluminous puff sleeves. They feature, capes, off the shoulder, and butterfly sleeves too.
Signature Style: Feminine, flowy, and structured ruffles to add whimsy to classic silhouettes
Price: INR 30,000 upwards
The Revolve Store On Nykaa Fashion
Hallelujah, all our collective prayers have been answered thanks to Nykaa Fashion. The platform now has Revolve which brings a lot of other brands along with it. So hello real Hollywood style gowns! We cannot wait to wear (or see people wearing) the shimmery options like this purple one from Sabina Musayev, or this one too. Or the sexy and bold ones from Norma Kamali. Nookie is also a fantastic option if you're looking to be daring and want to stand out from the crowd. If you're the boho chic kind of girl, look no further than Bronx And Banco, a brand loved and much-worn by celebs like Selena Gomez, Paris Hilton, Camilla Cabello, and our personal favourite Miley Cyrus!
Signature Style: They are vastly different brands, but we will say that all the gowns on Revolve are ideal for red carpet looks, and maybe less for a wedding! Party away in them.
Price: INR 16,000 upwards
ATSU
Many of Atsu's designs are heavily inspired by the rich heritage and crafts of the North East (India). The award-winning designer has many an option for those looking for understated yet luxurious options. They have plenty of options in the dresses section (maxis, co-ords, and floor-length options), but if you're looking for gowns (gilded glamour or not), the "Evening" section will have you sorted. Ruffles, feathers, sequins, or lace, there are options in muted hues, with the occasional pop of colour that make the outfit all the more striking.
Signature Style: Feminine, with delicate layering and contrasting detailing
Price: INR 22,000 upwards
Ambrosia
A Pernia Pop-up Shop find for us, Ambrosia is a proper favourite now thanks to the quality and the price it comes at. After all, you do want to look good in a gown but not only by spending plenty on a designer! Sequins, shimmer, corset or embroidered, you name the style, Ambrosia has one or two options for you. And with prices between about INR 16,000 you get bang for your buck. Expect feminine cuts like mermaid, princess, A-line, sheath, empire waist and more. These folks are also rather on-trend so expect to see things from the red carpet get to this brand’s collection fairly quickly too.
Signature Style: Shimmer and sequins. Lots of sequins.
Price: INR 16,000 upwards, but mostly between INR 20,000 and INR 30,000
Ri by Ritu Kumar
We cannot have a list of gowns and dresses and not include Ri by Ritu Kumar. While she’s very much known for her Indian wear offerings, her western wear range follows suit with her iconic Indian embroidery detailing. Just enough to catch your attention without being OTT, the net and the chiffon gowns on offer are feminine and give off princess vibes. It’s the subtle sparkle from the embroidery, sequins, or stonework on organza, silk, satin, or other soft materials that adds to the charm of Ri by Ritu Kumar’s collection.
Signature Style: Soft and feminine emphasised by Indian print or intricate embroidery.
Price: INR 12,900 upwards
Onaya
Much more suited to the Indian (festive) aesthetic is Onaya fashions for their versatile, Indo-western gowns and dresses. Their designs feature glitter, shimmer, and plenty of shine, Onaya is your go-to for weddings, parties, and those of you who want to dazzle at Indian functions and events in general. Glittery saree gowns, sleek and structured embroidered dresses (inspired by saree silhouettes), and glittery A-line gowns with trains are some of what you can expect.
Signature Style: Classic designs, sleek and fuss-free cuts and an understated yet luxurious sheen in all their offerings
Price: INR 17,500 upwards
Wendell Rodricks
Maybe not your quintessential gown, but definitely gowns for those cocktail parties, receptions and non-Oscar red carpet events, Wendell Rodricks’ collection sure adds colour, flounce and a hint of Goa flair! So, we’re going with Resort Wear Gowns for this! The current favourite is this one made from georgette and satin. Perfect for a beach wedding or a summer reception. If you want something more muted, opt for the gown with sequins and high collars.
Signature Style: Layered, draped and fluid styles. Plus, lots of colours
Price: INR 8,000 upwards
RSVP By Nykaa
Okay, so you want to get the designer gown look but don’t quite want the hefty designer price tag. No worries! Freely head to Nykaa Fashion, and browse through the various styles, brands and designers that RSVP by Nykaa fashion. If you’re looking for a classic, sleek strapless gown, or slinky party-ready numbers they have something for you. Their collabs with fashion designers usually cash in on trends, as do options from their “Party Ready” collection.
Signature Style: Sleek, and lots of sequins
Price: INR 3,000 upwards
Dash & Dot
Dash & Dot made their debut at the Paris Fashion Week 2022-23 with ruffled skirts, fringed, and printed outfits. At the price point they’re at (INR 3,290 - INR 9,999) for maxis and gowns, their designs range from minimalist chic to picnic worthy maxis. While they aren’t quite luxe designer gowns, Dash & Dot’s occasionwear options will get you through many an evening. Contemporary, sleek, and relaxed, their collection of gowns and maxis frills or fuss
Signature Style: Relaxed, understated and easy flowing.
Price: INR 3,290 upwards