Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla rock Anant-Radhika's wedding

The grandeur of the Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding has captivated the attention of the nation, but amidst the opulence and high-profile guests, one notable absence has left space in the world of haute couture.

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant tied the knot on Friday, with the family hosting the auspicious Shubh Vivah ceremony. The attire for the event was traditional Indian.

Also read: Anant Radhika Wedding Live Updates

Radhika stunned in a traditional Panetar bridal ensemble that embodied the essence of the Gujarati tradition of ‘Panetar’ designed by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla. The bride was spotted wearing a personalised 'AR brooch' on her dress. In another picture, we can also see Radhika wearing a stunning AR ring.

Anant, on the other hand, wore a red sherwani adorned with intricate gold work and emerald and diamond buttons. He accessorized with a regal necklace and a massive diamond brooch featuring a panther crouched on a large 720-carat emerald.

Sabyasachi: Missing from the Spotlight

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the maestro of Indian bridal fashion, known for his exquisite designs that weave tradition with contemporary elegance, was conspicuously missing from the affair. In the realm of Indian weddings, especially those of the elite, Sabyasachi's creations have become synonymous with unmatched splendor. However, his absence from this celebrated union hasn't gone unnoticed, sparking speculation and curiosity among fashion aficionados and social media pundits alike.

The Business Behind the Curtain

The enigma surrounding Sabyasachi's non-appearance can be traced back to business maneuvers and strategic investments within India's fashion industry. A 51% stake in Sabyasachi's label is held by the Aditya Birla Group, a powerhouse in the corporate world with interests that extend into fashion and textiles.

This connection, coupled with the Ambani family's burgeoning influence in the fashion sector through Reliance Brands Limited, paints a complex picture. Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, secured a significant 40% stake in MM Styles Private Ltd, helmed by renowned designer Manish Malhotra. Additionally, Reliance acquired a majority 52% interest in the celebrated designer label Ritu Kumar. In 2022, Ambanis bought a 51% stake in Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla label.

A Shift in the Winds of Fashion

These strategic moves not only bolster Reliance's foothold in luxury fashion but also steer the narrative of whose creations adorn the most prestigious occasions. The absence of Sabyasachi's iconic bridal wear from the Ambani wedding thus becomes a tale not just of fashion aesthetics but of corporate strategy and market dynamics.

Exception

Nita Ambani chose to wear a Sabyasachi saree for the mameru ceremony.

As the saga of India's most talked-about nuptials came to an end, one thing remains clear: in the world where business and glamour intersect, every stitch tells a story of power, prestige, and the ever-evolving landscape of luxury.