11 designer looks for the sexy modern bride

Big on backpacks

Behold, the new backpack! Pretty enough to wear to a wedding and keeps your hands free, too.

Cold Cuts

Peek-a-boo panels with cut-out details reinstated the shoulder as an erogenous zone.

Building blocks

Designers took to Mughal architecture to find inspiration for a variety of embroidery. Sequinned domes and arches on lehengas replaced floral motifs.

Trouser Trail

Skinny trousers with jackets or capes were reserved as comfy options for those who plan to be running around at their BFF’s wedding.

Wild ones

Super cute and definitely less daunting than a four-legged beast, animal motifs made their way onto the classic lehenga and even a few cocktail dresses.

All frills

Whether they’re snaking around your neck or cascading down your shoulder, pretty ruffles enjoyed the dramatic treatment they deserve.

Cover up

Floor-length jackets, or biker styles worn over saris, are ideal to deal with the cold and ensure that all eyes are on you.

Frizz free

Bad hair day? An embellished hairband can handle your frizz, and make you feel like a princess.

White wash

Trade in those traditional reds and pinks for an ivory wedding. White and gold came through as a new winning combo as seen at Anita Dongre.

New blouse

The humble blouse just got a makeover. Updated interpretations feature longer lengths, crisp shirts and biker jackets.

Dark days

Usually, brides and their BFFs shy away from wearing black, but the new-age woman gladly embraces her dark side in velvet, lace and silk.

It's 2016 and there's no reason why we should blindly follow ancient social conventions, whether we're talking life choices or sartorial ones. Shake the boat a little with these new takes on traditional wedding outfits, as demonstrated by India's top designers from Manish Malhotra to Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya.

We looked back at the Indian Couture Week 2016 and narrowed down our favourite trends that are anything but conventional.

Flip through the gallery for more.