One of the most talked-about people in recent times, Radhika Merchant, is all set to be the next Ambani bahu in a few days. Engaged to business tycoon Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s youngest son, Anant, the happy bride-to-be has taken the internet by storm time and again with her exceptional fashion choices during her pre-wedding festivities. She glided in traditional Indian silhouettes and rocked of-the-moment ensembles, all with effortless elegance and panache.
In the lead-up to her much-anticipated wedding, the radiant bride-to-be, Radhika Merchant, has captivated everyone with her sartorial choices for each celebratory event. Be it custom couture masterpieces, time-honoured sensations, an exclusive collection of timeless jewellery, or statement accessories, here’s a look back at what Radhika Merchant wore at every event leading up to her wedding.
Pre-Engagement Mehendi
For her pre-engagement mehendi ceremony in 2023, Radhika opted for a romance-infused silhouette by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The bright pink resham lehenga, adorned with multicoloured floral booties and mirror work, ensured she created a stir on her special day.
Lagan Lakhvanu Ceremony
The bride-to-be’s love for florals is pretty evident in this pastel lehenga by Anamika Khanna. Be it the meticulous embroidery or the splash of vibrant hues, Radhika looked like a vision during the intimate ceremony.
Engagement
After exhibiting her love for florals, Radhika opted for an imperial, custom-made Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla gold ghagra. The tissue silk, ornate with gold zari and crystals, added to the magnificence of the occasion.
An Evening in Everland Event
After their grand engagement, the couple got ready for their pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar in the first week of March. On day 1 of the bash, the happy bride-to-be wore a custom rose gold Versace dress inspired by the architectural marvels of New York, and as the night progressed, Radhika changed into a colourful fringe dress by Ashish Gupta before global sensation Rihanna took over the stage.
Vantara’s Launch
Radhika’s beau, Anant Ambani, is an animal lover, and this is evidently seen through his precious project, Vantara. The couple held the launch of the wildlife rescue centre for their guests, where she chose an effortlessly chic Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress for the occasion.
Moulin Rouge-Themed Party
Radhika’s love for metallic colours is visible in this gorgeous steel blue lehenga by Bollywood’s favourite designer, Manish Malhotra. The silhouette is adorned with gold and silver florals and Swarovski crystals and is an exceptional showcase of elegance, glam, and craftsmanship. Her second outfit for the party was also from the same designer – a magnificent gown with a vintage corset and mesh drape, which was a perfect merge of Indian-European aesthetics.
Hastakshar Ceremony
For the auspicious occasion, the bride-to-be wore a beautiful concept saree designed by Tarun Tahiliani, which was an ode to Indian heritage to the tee. Later, she wore a custom-made couture gown by Ashi Studio that perfectly amalgamated two different cultures in one masterpiece. The gown was a modern interpretation of the conventional saree, giving the iconic Indian drape a Parisian twist.
Starry-Night Themed Party
After the Jamnagar celebration, the couple went for a European pre-wedding celebration on the cruise. Radhika wore a graceful black and white French chiffon gown by Robert Wun for the first evening of her Italian pre-wedding. The most heartwarming part of the silhouette was the love letter imprinted on the ensemble, which was written by her fiance, Anant Ambani when she was 22.
Toga Party
The Ambanis held a Toga party in Rome on their second day on the cruise, and the bride ensured she dazzled during the event. She adorned a custom gold breastplate that imitated a draped fabric crafted by the emerging New York designer Grace Ling.
Masquerade Ball
The vessel halted at Cannes, and the couple hosted a Masquerade Ball at the Château de la Croix des Gardes. Radhika embodied elegance and romance, gliding into the soiree in a custom Versace gown that flowed with shades of white and blue. She paired it with a bridal fascinator as her mask for the evening before making a showstopping entrance to the party.
Portofino Main Square
On the final day, Radhika took the classic route with a pink archival Dior cocktail dress crafted by Yves Saint Laurent. The vintage 1959 piece was understated, yet its delicate detailing made the fit-and-flair dress a scene-stealing masterpiece.
Italian Pre-Wedding Festivities
Radhika chose to make a regal statement with the white double satin draped gown featuring stain and crystal roses by Tamara Ralph. She also graced the evening in a flowing lavender gown by Lever Couture. A dazzling fringe boa complemented the look, taking the ensemble to the next level.
Mameru Ceremony
The wedding rituals began back home at the Ambanis’ home, Antilia, with the bride-to-be donning a Manish Malhotra lehenga for her Mameru ceremony. The rani pink Bandhani print interweaved with gold taar zardosi was paired with a royally embellished blouse and time-honoured jewellery.
Sangeet Night
The couple got ready for their sangeet night in custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla couture. Radhika’s off-the-shoulder blouse and intricately embellished lehenga combined for a regal evening look. For the sangeet after-party, she opted for a custom chain mail saree by Manish Malhotra, adding an extra dash of bling to the star-studded celebration.
Haldi Ceremony
For the Haldi ceremony, Radhika opted for a trailblazing yellow sharara set from Anamika Khanna. The sunshine-hued ensemble was paired with a real phool dupatta featuring Tagar Kalis, marigold flowers, and Kaleeras, which infused a perfect dash of classic charm. She opted for a custom red floral lehenga from the same designer for her second look. The regal ensemble was adorned with intricate ivory embroidery, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
Raas Garba Night
After her haldi ceremony, Radhika geared up for the Raas Garba night hosted by the bride’s family. She graced the event in a time-honoured royal purple lehenga crafted by Jigya Patel. The exquisite ensemble exemplifies an amalgamation of tradition and craftsmanship with its intricate Lord Shrinathji motifs and the infusion of handcrafted pearl, Marodi, and Mochi work.
The bride’s closet for her pre-wedding festivities contained an exceptional array of regal, elegant, classic, and contemporary statement pieces. While everyone is looking forward to what Radhika will wear on her big day, her sartorial choices for the festivities prove that she has an exceptional sense of style.
