Indian Clothes in Dallas – Custom Designed Dresses and Menswear

Tag: Indian American weddings

  • How Bollywood influences South Asian American Weddings

    How Bollywood influences South Asian American Weddings

    “Karan Johar has probably had more impact on our weddings than anyone else in recent history” – states a recent article in The Hindu.

    For those of you who haven’t heard of Karan Johar, he is a prolific Bollywood producer/director/writer and talk show host, who films show over the top wedding glamour – which in turn has shaped the nuptial ideas of a whole generation of South Asian Americans.

    A great quote in the article from a wedding planner: “In fact, I once organised a Tamil Brahmin wedding where the bride was so influenced by Bollywood movies that she wanted a Punjabi  jago  as part of the event. This is where the aunt dances with a pot of lamps on her head. We had to bring in  dholaks  and train the aunt to dance…”

    We asked Ruby Bhandari, Chief Designer at the Dallas-based fashion company Silk Threads, about what she sees trending with new brides and grooms.

    “South Asian wedding culture is ever evolving”, Ruby says. “We see new brides on a weekly basis, and most of them are second generation South Asian Americans – they may have had infrequent trips to India when they were younger, but now they rely on popular Bollywood movies to guide them from a fashion perspective. In addition, these movies are also heavy on so-called wedding customs (or Rivaaz) – which creates a co-mingling of the culture and traditions behind the wedding – leading to some interesting outcomes. We also get a lot of inter-racial weddings, where we factor in choices of both sides for their wedding trousseaus and menswear”

    In fact, Bollywood has created a whole ecosystem around South Asian American weddings – a visit to any of the South Asian American themed Bridal Shows will show a host of vendors showing beautiful wedding decor – from traditional to minimalistic modern – as well as standard, but fusion, trappings of any wedding – from wedding cards to favors to food.

    As the article concludes, “Irrespective of the kind of marriage — interracial or within communities — one thing is clear. while the path to marriage in the Indian-American context can be distinctly different from a true Indian matrimonial experience, at the end of the day the quest for a “happily ever after” remains the same…”

    Now all we need is ShahRukh Khan…

  • Five Things you need to know when shopping for a wedding dress or bridal lehenga

    Five Things you need to know when shopping for a wedding dress or bridal lehenga

    Yes, this post is inspired by TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” show (and suggestions based on that in the Brides magazine) – but these are some practical tips based on our interaction with brides every week.

    In addition, see additional interviews with brides on this blog to see how they approached wedding dress shopping.

    First – wedding-dress shopping is an art – and you need to perfect it to keep your sanity. From who to take with you to what gowns you shouldn’t try on, here are 5 things you’ll learn from watching every girl’s favorite bridal show, overlaid with our practical observations.

    1. Don’t bring EVERYONE with you for dress shopping. We have had cases where both the bride and groom bring their extended family members for suggestions and approvals. It. Does. NOT. Work.

    As most of you know, you can seldom get everyone to agree, leading to frustration and angst for you. We suggest getting a parent and maybe a close friend who knows your taste and the theme of the wedding. A secondary person who an give limited feedback is your wedding planner – for example, if it is a destination wedding in Cancun, what would be the temperature, color scheme, etc. – which can be factored into the dress (and groom’s clothes) design.

    2. Have at least a rough idea of what you want – you have been thinking of your special day, and oh by the way, you loved Priyanka Chopra’s outfit in Bajirao Mastani – if that is what you want, talk to your groom or best friend, and come with a rough idea – we will help you transform that dream into reality – but we have to start somewhere…

    3. Know your budget. Yes, bridal-wear is expensive – and for good reason…(Kim Kardashian’s gown cost almost half a million dollars, FYI!)

    We have made dresses which took over 4 months to make, with the embroidery being done with a team of over 15 people – which translated into a beautiful, but expensive dress. You can decide what you want to spend on the dress – and for data points, come to your bridal appointment and get a rough idea of what dresses cost by looking at some of our unique dresses in stock. Being open about what you want to spend saves time and heartache for everyone…

    4. Don’t forget the accessories. A very important fact, which a lot of brides forget, is accessories – and how they impact the design of the dress. If you already know you will be wearing heavy jewelry, reduce the embroidery on the dress. Or once you have selected the dress, match it with the right kind and amount of accessories. Click here for some tips from Brides magazine.

    5. Don’t forget the man. Even though choosing the clothes for the groom is easier, don’t forget he has to match you for every one of your occasions – so depending on your theme, try matching color palettes, as well as matching embroideries on his clothes and shoes…

    We are here to help – and have the experience and resources, including a team for bridal hair and makeup. Contact us to setup your Bridal Consultation today…

  • What are the latest Indian Bridal trends?

    What are the latest Indian Bridal trends?

    A Talk with Ruby Bhandari, Chief Designer of Silk Threads on the latest Indian Bridal Trends

    Changing fashion and trends act like a mirror for the changing cultural norms and mind sets. Today’s brides are have specific designs in mind and do not shy away from asserting their preferences. The new age bride can be a career woman, fashionista, social butterfly or reserved book lover – who needs a bridal wear or outfit that will suit her individuality and enhance her personality.

    Let us discuss with Ruby Bhandari, Chief Designer at Silk Threads, about some of the designer Indian bridal wear that will suit every modern woman and respect her unique tastes throughout wedding journey.

    How does a New Age Bride dress-up for Pre-Wedding Ceremonies?

    Ruby Bhandari Says…..

    Subtle and Chic Outfit for Haldi/Mehendi Ceremony:

    The Haldi ceremony kicks off the Indian wedding events. In this casual wedding event, a bride can wear relaxed light Indian attire in shades of yellow or orange. Comfortable and lightly embellished subtle Indian fashion suits and lehngas will be perfect for Haldi ceremony.

    Mehendi is another pre-wedding event, which is a casual fun affair. For this event, a bride can wear an outfit that will suitably get along with the Mehendi theme – but not too heavy and elaborate. Brides should choose relaxed outfits and avoid longer sleeves, practical for applying mehendi (henna), as well as the dancing which is sure to follow…

    What should be the look of a Bride for a lively Sangeet Ceremony?

    Ruby Bhandari Says…..

    Look Vibrant on Sangeet Ceremony:

    The modern Sangeet ceremony has families of both sides performing choreographed dances to the tunes of Bollywood songs. This requires the bride to look vibrant and radiant just like a Bollywood beauty. For this ceremony, brides can dress-up with traditional lehengas, designer anarkalis, salwar kameez or Indian Saree. Pleasing colors, interesting cuts, right amount of shimmer and some attractive offbeat touches to the Indian bridal outfits will enhance the look and will make the bride to stand out in the sangeet ceremony.

    What should be the Attire of a Bride for a Modern day Pre-Wedding Cocktail Party?

    Ruby Bhandari Says…..

    Indo-Western Look for Cocktail Party:

    For cocktail parties before the wedding, some brides have a dress code or a themed event. Incorporating cocktail parties into Indian wedding gives an alternative to the brides for ditching the traditional outfits to adorn a gorgeous look in Indo-Western gowns or cocktail dresses. Remember, minimalism is the key but your subtle jewelry and accessories can make you stand out.

    How can a Bride look gorgeous on her Wedding Day?

    Ruby Bhandari Says…..

    Adorn a Dazzling Look on the Wedding Day, and match it!

    Brides can shine, dazzle and make a statement on the wedding day by creating their favorite Indian bridal wear, and matching it with the groom, as well as the rest of the families. We at Silk Threads can help you create the custom look you desire – be it traditional, contemporary or a hybrid.

    Silk Threads creates beautiful flair, drapes and gorgeous hemlines that will suit every requirement of a modern Indian bride looking for a dream outfit. Give us a call today at 972-432-9599.

    Silk Threads Understands the New Generation of Fashion and Strives to Deliver the Best!

  • Whose Sari Now?

    Whose Sari Now?

    Sometimes, a catchy headline draws you into an article, and you realize that you may have missed some interesting movements, which while are not publicized widely, could create an impact in the society.

    One such article caught my attention while browsing – which brought to light the movement by some Indian women to bring back the Sari (or Saree) into an everyday wear garment for the Indian women worldwide – started interestingly enough in California!

    “She’s part of a movement of Indian women who are bringing back the everyday wear of the sari through the 100 Sari Pact, which claimed Dec. 21 as World Sari Day.

    The pact required Appanna and others to wear 100 different saris throughout 2015. She did that, celebrating the wearing of her 100th sari at a Dec. 20 “sari party” at Amber Cellar & Lounge in Los Altos. She draped invitees with saris she made.

    “I love the sari,” she said. “I feel anyone can wear it – size, age, race, social standing – no bar.”

    The sari (also spelled “saree”) is a South Asian garment that dates back thousands of years. A drape of cloth ranging from 5 to 9 yards long, the sari is usually wrapped around the waist with one end draped over one of the shoulders. They come in a range of fabrics, colors and designs…”

    Fascinating! Good luck to Archana and team – and remember, Silk Threads not only can provide you beautiful saris in a variety of designs fore all events – from parties to weddings, but can also provide you video training on how to tie a sari.

  • Fusion Themed Wedding: #RealBride NIMRA

    Fusion Themed Wedding: #RealBride NIMRA

    Nimra Chowdhry and Scott Meadows
    Married August 14, 2015 at the Dallas Palms, Dallas TX

    Photographer: Greg Blomberg

    Fusion weddings are gaining popularity as multicultural couples are exchanging vows.  Nimra, who is Pakistani and Scott is American chose to express both their cultures on their wedding day.

    Nimra worked with designer Ruby Bhandari and her team to create the perfect reception dress out of gold tulle with emerald and gold embroidery.   It was the ideal wedding attire selected also to compliment the lush landscape of the Dallas Palms.

    ST: What was your vision for your wedding?

    Nimra: Our wedding theme was Fusion—a combination of vintage, and contemporary with both Pakistani and American cultural styles. The most magical part of the day was whirling around during our first dance!

    ST: Why did you choose Silk Threads to create the outfit for your special day?

    Nimra: I choose Silk Threads because I wanted a reception dress that was expressly desi-inspired but with a western touch. I did not want to wear a traditional Pakistani dress nor did I want to wear a traditional American/Western style dress. Silk Threads designed a dress that was complex in both style and patterns, and it incorporated all of my dress ideas.

    The wedding day is one of the most treasured and unforgettable days in a brides life. Whether she chooses a traditional ethnic saree, designer Indian bridal lehnga or fusion gown,  it has to be unique and made to compliment her. Silk Threads offers a variety of custom styles and designs to choose from. – The Silk Threads Team

  • Love in Louisiana – #RealBride BHAVINI

    Love in Louisiana – #RealBride BHAVINI

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bhavini Patel & Ronak Patel met through a mutual friend and married on June 13, 2015 in Lake Charles, LA at L’Aberge du Lac Casino and Resort. Bhavini chose to wear a Silk Threads Designer Collection gown after falling in love with a reception dress worn by a friend.

    Congratulations to Bhavini and Ronak, we wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

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  • Our stylish #RealBride Vanita!

    Our stylish #RealBride Vanita!

    Vanita has had a long relationship with Silk Threads, more of a family than one of our designers and merchandiser. So naturally we were very excited when she got married in 2014! (Now we are working on her sister’s wedding outfits – coming this Summer!)

    Here are some amazing pictures from her reception, with both Vanita and Nauraj setting fire in Turquoise!

  • Unique Proposal: #RealBride Sofia

    Unique Proposal: #RealBride Sofia

    1. Where did you meet your husband?

    We first met in college as freshman at Texas A&M. We were friends throughout college, after graduation we started dating.

    2. How did he propose?

    He proposed at the Kimball Art Museum in Ft Worth. He told me we were going to his coworkers wedding so I needed to get dressed up. However, said lets stop by the museum first since we were early. We walked around and viewed the artwork, then when we walked around the corner he had a caricature displayed in the courtyard, a picture of him proposing to me! He got on his knees and i said Yes!

    3. Why did you come to Silk Threads?

    I was referred by my friend

    4. Did you have a wedding outfit in mind?

    I had an idea of what my wedding sari would be

    5. Do you have any advice for brides to be?!

    On the actual day, just relax, enjoy the moment, take as many mental pictures as you can, and soak it all in. Don’t worry about anything including what little things need to be done because ultimately it does not matter because you are about to marry the love of your life!
  • I have always loved India – #RealBride Alyssa

    I have always loved India – #RealBride Alyssa

    Today, we are so excited to share out latest bride! We were so honored when  Alyssa Perez came to Silk Threads Designs and asked us to design her wedding gown. Alyssa was looking for something different for her designer wedding dress . We incorporated beautiful paisleys, intricate bead work, and loads of crystals to her gown. These pictures took our breath away! (Not to mention, how adorable is the last image?!)

    1.How did you meet your husband?

    I met my husband at my local church. He noticed me and tried to sit in front of me to get my attention but I never noticed. One month later he found me on Facebook through mutual friends at the church. I added him and the rest was history.

    2. Tell us about the proposal…

    It was spring break of my sophomore year at college and before heading off to his small town to spend break with him, I went out to dinner with a friend. Somehow my friend had me convinced that she had a surprise for me because she hadn’t seen me in forever.  She put a blind fold over my eyes and told me not to peek.  I didn’t suspect I would be getting proposed to because I thought my husband was in his home town three hours away.

    My friend drove me to the church where Chris and I first met and led me inside. As soon as we were inside I took off my blind fold and new I was getting proposed too.  All the lights of the church were off and it was dark except a few candles along the aisle.  Someone was playing the piano and rose petals were everywhere.

    A video of Chris, my now husband, came on the screen of the church where he began sharing a story of how we met, why he fell in love with me, and how he knew I was the one.  At the end of the video he said he had one more question for me but that I needed to make my way to the stage.  I saw Chris walk out on stage, and when I got there he told me he loved me and he got down on one knee.  After I said, “YES,” he told me he had one more surprise.  He turned me around and up in the church balcony was all of my family (who had traveled to Oklahoma from Montana), his family, and a bunch of friends. It was the perfect proposal.

    3. We can see you were inspired by designs from India, but tell us why! 

    I have always loved India.  Though I married a Hispanic not an Indian, I knew I wanted my dress to be Indian.  When I was eleven I lived with my aunt in India for five months.  I fell in love with the culture, learned to eat with my hands, tried to learn Telegu and hindi,  and decorated my hands in henna and bangles. My room in high school was decorated with Indian fabrics and I love the bead work and sparkle on most Indian designs.

    4.Why did you choose Silk Threads? Did you have a design in mind before you came to our studio?

    I tried finding an Indian inspired dress when I knew I would be getting married but couldn’t find anything that resembled India to me.  I knew I wanted my dress to be the traditional American white/cream color but that I wanted to incorporate the Indian jewels and fabrics.  I also knew I wanted the dress to be two pieces like a traditional sari but more with a slightly lower top and a more american style open back.  I chose Silk Threads because it was the closest traditional/modern Indian shop that made custom wedding dresses to my location…and I was glad I did!
    Good Indian design stores are hard to come by, especially in Oklahoma, which is where I currently live. 

    5. Any advice for our brides-to-be?

    If I could give any advice to brides to be it is to choose the dress that has the most meaning to you.  My wedding dress will always have meaning to me because it is unlike other dresses and reminds me of my love for India. Make your wedding resemble who you are and you won’t regret how it turns out.

    Vendors:

    Elle’s Belles Bakery, Big Sky Resort (location and food), Katalin Green Events, Joes DJ Service, Avant Floral, GW Designs (hair), Jason Williams Illustrator, Avant Bridal (bridesmaid dresses and tuxes)​

    Thank you Amelia Anne Photography for the images.

     

     

     

     

  • Wanted Vintage Fusion Outfit – #RealBride Neha

    Wanted Vintage Fusion Outfit – #RealBride Neha

    1. How did you meet your husband?

    – We met at the end of college before we graduated from the University of Texas at Austin.

    2. When and where was your wedding?

    Our wedding was at the Hilton Lakefront on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, TX (My Hometown)

    3. Why did you choose Silk Threads? Did you have something in mind before you came to us?

    I chose Silk Threads because I was looking for a fusion outfit for our Wedding Reception.  I wanted something different than my other traditional wedding outfits- an outfit that had a mix of my Western (American) and Indian background and my fashion style.  I preferred something a bit more vintage looking and had a certain look in mind.  I showed Ruby some pictures of what I was thinking of and the colors I liked and she created my dream wedding outfit.  It was romantic, vintage and an elegant combination of Western and Indian.

     4. Do you have any advice for our brides to be?

     Planning a 3-day Indian wedding can be very stressful, but try to enjoy as much of the planning process as you can because the actual wedding weekend comes and goes in a blink of an eye.  And that moment is truly the most magical weekend of your life.

    Vendors:

    Decor: Elegant Affairs- Vikram Panicker and Suman Pai
    Photography: Biyani Photography- Kaushlesh Biyani
    Video: Chris Watson Films- Chris Watson
    Hair and Makeup- Mitzi Merritt Makeup- Mitzi Merritt
    Invitations and other Printing- Tammy Sharp
    Wedding Cake: The Cake Guys
    Food: India Palace Restaurant and Gopal Vegetarian Restaurant
    Midnight Snacks: Hilton Lakefront Hotel
     

    Neha and Shivang’s Wedding Story: Trailer from Chris W on Vimeo.