THE POWER OF TWO

Falguni and Shane Peacock has its pride and tons of feathers in its hat when it comes to metamorphosing bridal couture.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience, when your husband designs your bridal couture. As we all love wedding presents, Falguni and Shane gifted themselves something spectacular, Falguni and Shane Peacock. Their label, has their design ethos woven together that brought a bridal line silhouetted in Western styles and glimmering Indian embellishments. As Falguni says, “I couldn’t ask for more, we both had our own labels at that point. Then finally we decided what was the point? We realized we know what’s the best for us. I think it was the best wedding gift for us.” Now we see their collections have its own stride of pride with details from the dashing feathers to the deep inspirations of the French Riveria. As I got into a conversation with Falguni, she truly showed me that fashion is truly an art.

Going back to 2004, you started your label with Western cuts, gold embellishments, and feathers. How have your designs changed over time?

I think it has been a new learning experience over these years. Prints are our forte, we started designing with that concept and got stronger at that. After that we understood we did not have much of the Indian sensibility in fashion. We wanted something edgier and Western. When we moved to New York, we learned so much and realized we still had an Indian touch. That’s when we felt we could blend our designs with Western silhouettes. When I look over a couple of our older designs, I go ‘Oh my god what have we done? At that point it was amazing, but then I realized we have evolved over the years.’ (She laughs)

Then bridal couture must have been a new ‘ball gown’ game?

Western clothes are our strength and we always felt that we never gave enough importance to bridal wear and Indian wear. We shuffle between New York and India, but we knew we had to be established here and we couldn’t ignore our hometown, that’s when we decided to look into bridal wear. Instead of designing something completely Indian, we looked into contemporary bridal wear with Indian silhouettes blended with Western embellishments. I think it was a fun experiment and it just worked.

With the oomph of feathers and all, were the Indian brides a little shaky about it?

(She chuckled) Trust me they want to take their other outfits and put feathers on it. It’s become a signature thing. When someone sees feathers, they say it’s a Falguni and Shane dress.

What’s something distinct that you have noticed and loved about the Indian fashion industry?

I think fashion has evolved because people have evolved. Earlier, the bride wore lehengas for the reception, Sangeeth and the wedding. Now the brides are ready to experiment, they look into Western gowns, something new for Sangeeth, while for the cocktail party they would opt for an evening gown. This phase of fashion is the best because you can truly push your creativity. People are appreciating it and loving the change.

Now that the lehengas are taking some rest, what’s the art of donning modern bridal couture?

For me, it’s how you include international brands, wearing clothes that look good with your Louis Vuitton’s, Jimmy Choo’s and your Manolo’s. There’s been a shift in bridal wear, it’s got a modern edge with an Indian touch. Pull off outfits that look classy even after ten years. The outfit should never be placed in an era. Your bridal couture is something you still want to pass to the next generation.

What are a few tips you would love to give to brides when they are looking for their perfect wedding trousseau?

I think it’s the other way around. Most of my clients are NRI brides who have bridal books sorted. They have every designer’s details with cuttings, jewelry options, the color of their décor. They know their guests’ dress code and make sure they are coordinated with the ambiance. It is amazing how organized they have become and how involved they are to make it perfect. I like that.

From dressing Demi Lovato, Ashanti, to Kerry Washington, what’s different when you dress a bride?

With Hollywood celebrities, we can really go all out and design – there are no restrictions. When it comes to bridal couture it’s a little tricky unless you are doing it for a show, you can play with sheer etc. When you are doing it for a real bride, you have to actually be slightly conservative with what you make. You can’t always make low backs. She’s bound to hear a few comments, ‘Oh, she’s wearing a lowcut blouse.’

You’re all in for destination weddings. So when it comes to designing, does it become an out-of-the- world task?

Not at all, in fact, they are easier. It’s a piece of cake (not the towering tiered ones though!). Most weddings are in Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur and you’ve had ten thousand people coming and the bride has to dress conservative. The whole mood is different when you do a destination wedding. Brides are willing to experiment with the gown, trail and of course feathers.

Embellishments naturally equate to grandeur but when does it become over the top?

You do not have to necessarily have to wear something heavy. Some brides are very petite and with excessive embellishments they look like a Christmas tree. It’s where you place your embellishments. Patchwork with crystal work and embroidery are smart ways.

You’ve introduced tonal embroidery with geometric patterns, what’s something new we will see in your future collection?

Okay, that’s a very grueling process. (she laugh) Creative people can never plan, only in chaos you achieve the best.

The striking feathers, ornate cropped tops and embroidered jackets,what attire will always make a statement in the epochs of fashion?

I think its our feather and prints, sequins, prints and out silhouettes. In 2009, we did cutouts, till now people ask for the dress. It has become our signature style conventionally or unconventionally.

Rewinding to the past, what was something you loved about your wedding dress?

My wedding outfit was not ready until the last day of the wedding! Shane got it done for me. For the reception, I wore white netted dress with purple sequins, it was the most stunning outfit and loved it. We’ve been married for fourteen years and I would still wear it. (I casually asked any plans to renew vows on their fifteenth anniversary) Oh yes, a wedding in Goa, a short dress with a long train!

Text: Atheena Wilson      Photos: Various Sources