Look at the craftsmanship of these outfits…the embroidery is of such low quality these don’t even look like designer outfits.
An Umar Sayeed bridal (the most “overpriced” of the Pakistani designers) would still cost thousands less and would be covered in intricate hand embroidery. A Bunto bridal would cost a quarter of that price and would be made entirely from handwoven silk with embroidery so fine it almost looks printed on.
Re: If You Think Pakistani Designers Are Overpriced...
I think it's a matter of personal choice really, which style one prefers, and there are good and bad on both sides of the border. The one thing I do agree on is that the Indian designers are NOT accessible in comparison to their pakistani counterparts. I have seen many pakistani designers who work with clients, travel to the US and the UK. And a lot of regular brides, i.e. non-celebrity, millionaire clientele, both overseas and in pakistan are seen wearing their work, because it's more AFFORDABLE. This is smart business sense, and overall it just makes the whole process of buying bridal wear more fun.
There ARE a few notable exceptions in the Indian industry, such as Payal Singhal, who has a NY studio.
Sabyasachi, who has three locations in India.
Shyamal and Bhumika, who do trunk shows in the UK and the US.
Satya Paul, who is available EVERYWHERE.
And believe it or not, Bollywood costumer extraordinaire Ritu Kumar does do a range of affordable styles as well.
Also, Kisneel by Pam Mehta is un-freakin-believably BEAUTIFUL. It's a little expensive, but it's not over-the-top like Bahl's pieces.
Re: If You Think Pakistani Designers Are Overpriced...
Many Indian bridals designer and non designer tend have a very distinct "applique embroidery" look . Like the bridals posted above have kaam so thick usually and the motifs so big that its looks like someone just glued it on IMO...if that makes sense?? Anyways I personally think pakistani brides oversees tend to wear pakistani bridals because many paki girls just have a different eye and preference for material and embroidery... So it's not necessarily that pakistani designer bridals are more affordable compared to the likes of Varun Bahl... Even thought that is a bonus! Despite the fact that non-designer Indian bridal outfits from reputable boutiques can be MUCH more affordable and wayy wayy more accessible than pakistani designers, I still don't see a lot of girls opting for indian bridals. I don't even see pakistani brides opting for designers such as Shayamul and Bhumika who are relatively accessible and have DECKED OUT ghagra cholis/bridals starting from just $2000 and going upto $4000.( I am in love with their color combos and some of their anarkalis btw) Its deff a matter of personal choice though. I prefer the look and the "nafees" kaam of paki designers no matter how expensive or affordable they are ESPECIALLY for bridals <3 flies of to lala land thinking about her own wedding
Re: If You Think Pakistani Designers Are Overpriced...
I'm not commenting on the style of the outfits themselves per se...I realize that Indians tend to prefer Bollywood-inspired bridals in bolder, brighter colors and with larger embroidered motifs on them. I know that aesthetic doesn't appeal to most Pakistanis, the same way the more traditional cuts and lighter embroidery of Pakistani bridals doesn't appeal to many Indians.
My issue is with the common refrain that Pakistani designers are somehow more out-of-touch and less accessible than their Indian counterparts. At least when you shell out for a dress by a reputable Pakistani designer, you know you're getting handwoven silks and high-quality hand embroidery. In my experience, even top tier Indian designers end up using polyester and nylon in their top of the line bridals. As for the embroidery...even large "applique style" motifs can be embroidered well. Other than Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Kotwara by Meera Ali, and handful of pieces by Ritu Kumar and Suneet Varma, I have yet to see any Indian designers match the level of craftsmanship seen across the border.
Re: If You Think Pakistani Designers Are Overpriced...
I mean you took the words out of my mouth and I couldn't agree with you more. The Varun Bahl bridals above are not justified for their near $20,000 in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Neither are many other indian designers, in terms of material, embroidery/level of craftsmanship (from what I have observed).
I was just mostly commenting back to AsiyaAainaBridal offering my view on why a lot of gals opt for pakistani bridals (She stated that it was because they were more affordable); But It more about how the Indian aesthetics just don't appeal to a lot of Pakistani brides and vice versa. And another reason that I failed to state which you already pointed out is that the level of craftsmanship seen in a good Pakistani designer's piece is pretty much unrivaled by the best of Indian designers. Looking at POLYESTER material and fail embroidery on so many overpriced designer bridals WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME!!lol. Hence, the reasons that Pakistani designers are more popular amongst brides (atleast pakis brides), despite the fact that people complain they are OTT expensive.
