These designer handbags are perfect to add to your wedding trousseau

By Nupur Sarvaiya21 February 2020

A statement-making bag is the vital add-on to any bride's look

You may have already decided on your bridal lehenga, your jewellery, and even picked shoes to match, but what about a bag? While your bridesmaid is likely to make sure you’re looked after at all times, it pays to be more prepared and stash a small bag with a lipstick, some tissues and your phone so you can rely on yourself in case any unforeseen hurdles crop up. And you don’t have to settle for a contemporary clutch or a crossbody option in metallic shades either—the world of bridal bags has many more choices that won’t throw your traditional wedding look off kilter. Why not reach out for one that doesn’t discriminate? Carry a modern style, but with an indigenous touch.

To help you pick a bag for your wedding day, we scoured through designer archives to find you some options that’ll be well worth the investment, whether you’re looking to match your favourite couture digs or simply enhance your occasion wear. Scroll ahead for our recommendations.

Sabyasachi

Back in 2017, Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s collaboration with French shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, led to the creation of an exclusive collection of bags and shoes that used saris and ribbons from the former’s atelier—delighting brides-to-be and wedding-goers in India. Deepika Padukone also chose to wear the juttis from this line for her wedding day in November 2018. Today, Sabyasachi brings his refined aesthetic to a variety of bridal purses. Available in sumptuous shades such as mulberry, teal and greens, the choices span across a variety of styles, including box and envelope clutches, potlis, bucket bags, and more—all encrusted with his signature tiger emblem. The designer even accentuates the pieces with the same craftsmanship techniques seen on his lehengas and kurtas. Case in point: his latest The Neo-Bohemian collection. Plus, he also introduced The Taj Minaudière line of clutches, which come emblazoned with a motif of the mausoleum.

Jade by Monica & Karishma

Along with wedding-ready ensembles, Jade by Monica & Karishma also offers luxurious bags and trousseau trunks as part of their repertoire. The purses are meticulously crafted with silks and Italian satin, and enhanced with crystals and glass-cut beads. The best part is that these are eco-friendly, made with vegan leather, water-soluble gum and durable materials.

Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika

Another label taking the bridal accessory dream one step further is Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika, which recently forayed into accessories. The Mumbai-based contemporary Indian wear designer has a wide selection of handcrafted, cruelty-free bags for the eclectic bride, including cross-body bags, bucket styles, and out-of-the-box belt bags that will complement your occasion wear—like the silver number Kiara Advani stepped out carrying in 2018. Each creation is highlighted with intricate embellishments, and you can also work with the designer to match these to the colours and patterns of your bridal lehenga too.

Rimzim Dadu

Designer Rimzim Dadu, who is famed for re-engineering traditional techniques and materials like stainless steel to present sculptural ensembles, also extends his flair to accessories too. For a bride who doesn’t shy away from experimentation, reach out for one of his sculptural bags in his signature metallic finish. From envelope clutches to bucket bags, the offerings come in a range of vibrant shades to appease the avant-garde bride.

Ridhi Mehra

If you prefer an all-coordinated look, set your sights on Ridhi Mehra’s collection of bags, which are made in collaboration with accessories label, The Right Sided. Pick between an array of luxurious bags, clutches, minaudières and potlis for your big day. The accessories come with pearl tassels, emeralds, and rubies crafted in materials like velvet, suede, organza, and sometimes even the exact same fabric as the outfit.

Shivan & Narresh

If you’re planning a destination wedding, Shivan & Narresh’s quirky accessories are sure to have your back. Their accompaniments bring to life the designers’ out-of-the-box prints and silhouettes. We particularly like the Egg Bag that is encrusted with hibiscus skein—it’s the perfect add-on to spice up a pre-wedding ensemble.