The Versace gown was adorned by Radhika (R) on the evening of March 1, marking the commencement of the three-day pre-wedding festivities in the Indian city of Jamnagar.
Originally designed in the hues of copper and lapis blue and inspired by the architectural wonders of New York, the gown underwent customization to suit Merchant’s preference, resulting in a soft pink and metallic version.
The same evening featured Radhika transitioning to a second ensemble, a vividly colored, multicolored fringed dress, specifically chosen for dancing.
This particular outfit, reflecting disco culture, is a part of the Spring/Summer 2024 collection by Ashish Gupta, a designer of Indian origin based in London.
To complement her ensemble, the magnate’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law opted for Manolo Blahnik mules and accessorized with Cartier heart-shaped sunglasses.
On the subsequent day of festivities, when the Ambanis welcomed distinguished guests from around the globe to their wildlife rescue center, Radhika (R) chose an animal print bodycon dress paired with a co-ordinating straw hat.
She accessorized her look with a diamond-encrusted Vacheron Constantin watch, the value of which was estimated by a fashion blogger to be around 13.6 million rupees (US$164,000).
For the evening gathering on the same day, the bride-to-be was dressed in an outfit by Indian designer Manish Malhotra. Described by Malholtra on his Instagram as “a narrative of regal elegance,” the dress featured adornments of over 20,000 Swarovski crystals and was the culmination of efforts by 70 artisans.
Vogue reported that Radhika’s goal for her pre-wedding celebration was to create an atmosphere that was vibrant, youthful, and relaxed. She thus chose outfits conducive to dancing—a key element of Indian weddings.
She exuded a charming aura in a lace ensemble from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, an esteemed Indian fashion house.
The outfit, inspired by the traditional ghagra—a form of ethnic wear for women in India—utilizes hand-embroidery with pearls, sequins, and premium stones set against a delicate lace backdrop, harmoniously blending pastel shades of pink, blue, and white.
The same evening saw Radhika (L) select a traditional Indian bridal dress by Manish Malhotra, embellished with diamonds, gold, silver, and 300,000 crystals. The creation of this dress demanded more than 5,700 hours of the fashion house’s time.
On the final evening, March 3, she opted for an asymmetrical gown by Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi, detailed with intricate crystal embellishments.
“I wore a pink gown that is meant to be my modern interpretation of the traditional saree,” Merchant conveyed to Vogue. “Embellished with crystals, it is what I envisioned a Parisian saree to look like.”
At the pinnacle event of the festivities, the hastakshar or engagement ring exchange ceremony, Radhika donned a saree specially designed for her by Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani.
“I wanted to represent a traditional Indian bride but infuse the look with a fresh and contemporary reinterpretation,” Radhika explained to Vogue, regarding the attire that symbolizes a new chapter in her life.
The outfit was distinguished by the elaborate kashidakari embroidery technique.
“Her [Radhika ’s] attire resembles a sartorial temple complex, adorned with intricately embroidered domes and structures in the delicate hues of peaches, corals, and sunset colors,” Tahiliani described on Instagram. “The ensemble is elevated by a specially woven tissue veil, delicately scattered with flowers, embodying Radhika’s renowned understated elegance.”
Radhika , 29, is the progeny of Shri Viren Merchant, CEO of the eminent Indian healthcare enterprise Encore Healthcare.
Her fiancé Anant, 28, is the youngest offspring of Mukesh Ambani, the leader of the Reliance Industries conglomerate, which boasts an annual revenue of US$110 billion.
As of March 13, Forbes lists Mukesh Ambani’s net worth at US$116 billion, making him the richest individual in Asia and the tenth richest worldwide.
The couple both completed their higher education in the U.S. and are poised to solemnize their union officially in July.
