Nisha Merchant's latest collection

I’ve always known Nisha Merchant for her trendy take on trousseaux. She’s the one who’ll take that chic urban silhouette and add a touch of ultra-ethnic embroidery to make it sublime. Or mix up ultra trad with uber glam to come up with gladrags that turn my girl-next-door friends into wedding-day goddesses. Her deft design hand has been evident in every distinct collection she creates.

This time around, I rushed for a preview to find that she’s focussed on a pastel palette in lightweight fabrics like net and georgette. The fun, though, I discovered, is all in the detailing. A dipping sweetheart-meets-socialite neckline here, a sprinkle of glittery stones and threadwork there and you know Nisha’s the razzle dazzle momma of bridal bling. But rest assured that the embroidery — even the sparkly spangles, sequins and zardozi work — are restrained and used with great care so you don’t come across looking garish.

I especially loved the demure raw silk range, with long sleeves and muted colours that whisper class. Dignified kali kurtas and sherwanis for gals are quite a change from the layered wisps of chiffon that everyone else seems to be doing these days. Teamed with cigarette or churidar pants, they’re perfect for a quiet, yet formal do. In comparison, I find myself in awe of the fiery grandeur of the classic bridals. Thankfully, I don’t have to be the central flame just yet and am content being the friend/sister of the bride, who gets to traipse around in youthful net sarees and sexy cholis.

And luckily for me, Nisha’s creations cover this niche particularly well too.

Nisha Merchant, Next to Mehboob Studios, Bandra (W), Mumbai; and Nisha Merchant, Juhu Tara Road, Opposite Hotel Palm Grove, Juhu, Mumbai; Tel: 32507735/26553919; Prices: Start at Rs 10,000.