You can count on designers Gopi Vaid and Arnaz Soonawalla to embrace the unexpected. The co-founders of Mumbai-based label Gopi Vaid by Arnaz and Gopi, for years now, have urged brides and wedding goers to part with what’s predictable through their gorgeous creations that make classic cool. The duo is known for giving conventional wedding-ready outfits a global spin by putting heritage crafts like gota patti at the front and centre and also ensuring every silhouette is stylish and comfortable. It’s what has made the label a commonplace in the closets of brides-to-be and got the brand a contingent of celebrity followers including Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Shraddha Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and Malaika Arora among others.
Khush sits down with Gopi and Arnaz to talk trends, their new collections, the needs of a new-age bride and more.
Please tell us about your signature aesthetic.
Our aesthetic has always been to draw from heritage and make something eternal. We are inspired by ancient techniques, which we then contemporarise. Our USP is beautiful, affordable and comfortable clothing. One of the common feedback we get from our clients is: ‘The outfits I bought years ago, I still wear on repeat’.
Who is the Gopi Vaid bride?
She is a fun person, who leans on our brand’s boho elements like tassels, contrasting colours or playful blouses to bring in some masti. She loves vibrancy and loves to make a statement. She is impulsive and bold.
Tell us about your new bridal collection.
Gopi Vaid by Arnaz and Gopi brings you their new festive season 2022 collection, Qila. It is a celebration of the beauty, grandeur and glory of India's amazing forts, and interpreted as two capsule collections: Qutub and Umaid. The former collection brings to life the variations, textures, tonality and patterns of stone and painted tiles. It is combined with delicate gold embroidery on rich tassar silk and organza in tonal hues. The silhouettes and drapes range from lehengas and saris to more trendy co-ordinates. Choose from coral, green and lavender, each with its own depth and myriad hues that will mesmerise.
Umaid speaks of opulence and grandeur, gold and silver, bright and jewel colours that are reminiscent of royalty. Rich garments, in silk, heavily embroidered in gold leaf, gold and silver gota and threads, with rich trim make this collection a go-to for weddings of any size or scale. You’ll find colours like vibrant pink, jewel turquoise, citrine green, strong red and a flaming orange. There are sharara sets with flounce and frill, strappy kurtas and peplums, saris and lehengas, each a head-turner.
What’s the hero piece from the new collection?
Bustier pants and cape set is the hero piece from the collection. It’s liked by celebs like Ananya Pandey, Sophie Choudry and Shamita Shetty.
What are the biggest bridal trends for 2023?
1. The Pantone Colour of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta is going to dominate the bridal trends of 2023. This colour is just perfect for Indian brides to ditch the classic reds.
2. A minimal, lightweight bridal lehenga.
3. Sheer fabrics like chiffon, georgette and organza.
4. Off-shoulder blouses to carry that bold oomph.
For more information:
Gopi Vaid by Arnaz and Gopi
www.GopiVaid.com
Instagram: @GopiVaidDesigns