The Ambani and Merchant families hosted Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar, Gujarat from March 1 to March 3. Over a thousand guests attended, and the event featured 500 distinguished dishes, totalling £120 million in expenses, with a rumoured £20 million solely allocated for catering. The event transformed the domestic airport into an international location for the celebration. Approximately 130 flights were reported to have arrived specifically for the event. Attendees included guests from various sectors, including business tycoons like Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, Bollywood stars, political figures, and sports personalities.

With the wedding scheduled for July 12, the pre-wedding festivities boasted extravagant fashion and decor that captured global attention. The Ambani pre-wedding festivities generated significant buzz online and on social media. With the Ambanis being a prominent Indian family, glimpses into their extravagant celebrations naturally piqued public interest. Photos and videos of the event were shared widely, along with discussions about the fashion, celebrities in attendance, and the overall grandeur of the occasion. On Google, searches related to the event outperformed search for Oscars 2024 and Grand Prix 2024 which occurred around the same time. There were thousands of posts on social media channels related to the wedding as well.

The Venue

Anant Ambani’s commitment to wildlife welfare influenced the choice of venue, the Ambani Green Complex. One night was hosted at the animal rescue centre for endangered species named Vantara, a project close to Anant Ambani’s heart. Guests were offered tours of the centre.

The decision to choose Jamnagar was influenced by its significance as the birthplace of Anant Ambani's grandmother and the starting point of his grandfather, Dhirubhai Ambani's empire. Inspiration was drawn from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Wed in India’ initiative, promoting local tourism and cultural heritage.

By hosting their pre-wedding events in Jamnagar, Anant Ambani fulfilled both national and personal sentiments, showcasing the family’s history alongside the country’s vision.

The Decor

Each day of the celebrations featured unique themes and arrangements, reflecting Anant Ambani’s fondness for animals. Renowned designer Manish Malhotra played a crucial role in creating the regal Indian-themed venue. The first day's cocktail party, named 'An Evening in Everland,' showcased elaborate flower decorations by American floral designer Jeff Leatham, known for his work with the Kardashian family. The flowers adorned the venue in shades of pink, purple, and white.

The second day was themed ‘A Walk on the Wildside,’ celebrating the inspirational arts of India. Guests were encouraged to wear jungle fever-themed attire. The event incorporated motifs of jaguars, horses, and peacocks in its furnishings, with shapes of birds, animals, and forests adorning the entire location. In the evening, guests were treated to 'Mela Rouge,’ a Moulin Rouge-themed carnival featuring a bold red palette, bright chandeliers, mirrors, and glittering lights.

On day 3, the family hosted “Hastakshar,” featuring decor inspired by heritage India, including white floral arrangements and lighting.

Fashion at the Ambani-Merchant Pre-Wedding

The Ambani pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, India, showcased an array of designer outfits. The host families, the Ambanis and the Merchants, opted for high fashion looks from top Indian designers and custom and haute couture ensembles from leading international houses. The guest list included A-list names from the business community, sports personalities, and Bollywood stars. Social media was inundated with posts during these days, highlighting the standout designer names.

As of March 2024, Fashionbi’s analysis revealed notable trends in the popularity of design houses across various social media platforms.The below chart indicates the share of voice for the Indian market of high-end fashion brands that encompass overall brand visibility. Sabyasachi emerged as the frontrunner, commanding a significant share of voice, totaling nearly 31%. Following closely behind is Manish Malhotra, securing the second position with approximately 16% of the share voice. Falguni & Shane Peacock also register notable traction. It is noteworthy that both Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi, as leading brands with the biggest share of voice, were also prominently featured on the top list of outfits worn by guests at the pre-wedding festivities.

Manish Malhotra

Manish Malhotra is a leading Indian fashion figure who has made his mark in both couture and film. His career spans over 30 years, and he's known for his glamorous designs that blend traditional Indian opulence with contemporary chic. He's a successful costume designer who has styled some of Bollywood's biggest stars, and his label offers bridal wear, couture collections, and even menswear. Manish Malhotra is a true fashion icon who has redefined fashion in India.

Majority of the guests opted for Manish Malhotra’s creations for the events. Manish Malhotra is the one who designed most of the Ambani family outfits. Radhika Merchant wore a golden Swarovski crystals-embellished lehenga customised with a cape-and-corset by Manish Malhotra and jewellery by Kantilal Chhotalal. The groom-to-be, Anant Ambani, was wearing a red sherwani styled by Manish Malhotra with jungle motif embroidery and Swarovski crystals. He paired it with a cheetah brooch.

Nita Ambani wore sarees by the designer which showcased his famous sequin-work, but also sarees that showcased Indian traditional weaves. Saree, an Indian traditional outfit which consists of a long yard of cloth draped around the body, is made in all parts of the country but differs in structure, embellishments and dyeing techniques from region to region. Nita Ambani wore a golden white Kanchipuram saree with intricate embroidery and traditional Indian “zardozi” embroidery on day 3, and Isha Ambani in a same-tone lehenga with similar embroidery details. Both outfits were designed by Manish Malhotra.

Isha Ambani also wore a red lehenga-influenced gown with an emerald necklace and red fur jacket styled by the same. Akash Ambani, Anant’s brother, also chose several of his Indian looks from Manish Malhotra’s custom collection. Anant’s sister-in-law, Shloka Ambani was seen in a cage cut-out-patterned gold lehenga designed by Manish Malhotra, amongst other outstanding outfits designed for her.

Apart from the Ambani family, the designers’ creations were seen on many of the guests, including, but not limited to Ivanka Trump, who wore a traditional Chikankari lehenga, and Bollywood actresses Karisma and Karen Kapoor, Khushi and Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Ananya Pandey. Bollywood actors such as Arjun Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Vicky Kaushal, Siddharth Malhotra, Ibrahim Ali Khan and socialite Orhan Awatramani.

Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are a design duo who have been a powerhouse in Indian fashion for over three decades. Their label, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, is known for its luxurious couture that combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. They've mastered the art of intricate embroidery and use vibrant colours to create timeless and glamorous pieces. A favourite among Bollywood celebrities and international stars alike, their designs are often seen on red carpets and special occasions.

On the second day, the bride-to-be herself, For day 2, Radhika Merchant wore a traditional Chikankari lehenga designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Isha Ambani also wore a custom-made lehenga with original Jadau jewellery-embellished blouse showcased in 2012 book of 'India Fantastique' by the label. On the first day of celebrations Nita Ambani, Anant’s mother, was in Chikankari-bordered “ghagra” by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Natasha Poonawalla was in a wildlife motif-embroidered skirt with a corset and cape created by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Alia Bhatt also chose the design duo’s lehenga as a part of the looks for the events.

Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani, a renowned Indian designer, has carved a niche for himself by blending heritage with modernity. Founded in 1990 alongside his wife Sailaja, the Tahiliani label is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and focus on traditional Indian textiles. Tahiliani's signature style lies in marrying these elements with tailored silhouettes, creating garments that are both elegant and comfortable. He's a master of intricate draping, particularly evident in his stunning lehengas and sarees, and has become a go-to designer for luxurious Indian bridal wear. In recent years, he's even ventured into interior design, showcasing his design sensibilities beyond the realm of fashion.

For her “hastakshar” ceremony, Radhika Merchant was seen draped in a custom-made Tarun Tahiliani couture ensemble. The pre-draped lehenga saree unfolds a tapestry of hand-painted miniature artistry, intricately woven with the delicate finesse of “kashidakari” craftsmanship in opulent shades of silver and rose gold.  The ensemble was elevated by a specially woven tissue veil, delicately scattered with flowers.

Kareen Kapoor wore a custom made Tarun Tahiliani draped lilac saree during the Ambani wedding festivities held in Jamnagar. Paired with a crystal-embellished bustier, the signature draped silhouette showcased a captivating trellis-pattern, incorporating Swarovski crystal scatter and a meticulously hand-cut aari border. Katrika Kaif wore Tarun Tahiliani’s ivory saree with traditional embroideries. Gauri Khan donned Tarun Tahiliani's gold Chantilly lace saree at the Ambani pre-wedding celebrations. Young celebrities Sara Tendulkar, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter, and Ananya Panday were also seen in Tarun Tahiliani.

Sabyasachi

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a name synonymous with Indian luxury fashion, has been a trendsetter since 1999. His Kolkata-based label offers a unique blend of tradition and contemporary design. Sabyasachi's opulent lehengas and sarees, often featuring rich fabrics and intricate embellishments, have redefined bridal wear in India, adding a touch of modern glamour to classic silhouettes. He's not just a master of ethnic wear; his label also offers chic indo-western outfits and even designs for men. Beyond fashion, Sabyasachi has forayed into jewellery design and aims to revive Indian craftsmanship through his breathtaking creations.

Karisma Kapoor wore a signature Sabyasachi blouse design with a traditional saree by the designer. Deepika Padukone, the brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton, went with a light beige long coat and trousers of Sabyasachi and then, changed to golden lehenga from the same. Ranveer Singh wore a loose-fit forest-printed shirt by Sabyasachi and a Gucci cowboy hat combined with Louboutin x Sabyasachi shoes and Morgenthal Frederics x Sabyasachi sunglasses.

Rahul Mishra & Gaurav Gupta

Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta are two Indian designers making a splash at Paris Haute Couture Week, each with their own distinct flair. Mishra celebrates nature and Indian crafts with intricate embellishments, floral motifs, and 3D textures. He's a champion of sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials into his couture. Notably, he holds the record for being the first Indian designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week for three years straight.

Gaurav Gupta, on the other hand, is known for his architectural and dramatic silhouettes. He pushes boundaries with innovative fabrics and textures, often drawing inspiration from diverse sources like mythology, nature, and even science fiction. Gaurav gained international recognition after actress Cardi B sported one of his gowns at the Grammys. Both designers bring the rich heritage of Indian textiles and craftsmanship to the global stage, each offering a unique perspective on modern couture.

Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan went with several looks from haute couture by Rahul Mishra. Mark Zuckerberg sported an embroidered animal motif shirt and a ‘Verdure’ waistcoat with silk straight trousers and a kurta. Priscilla Chan looked ethereal with a ‘Verdure’ skirt and a 3D ‘Kissing Cranes’ bralette top.

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, wore many looks by Gaurav Gupta, one of which was a custom blue falcon long velvet jacket and another was an all-white from suit. Janhvi Kapoor wore a dress by the designer for the show by Rihanna.

Other Indian designers

Radhika Merchant wore a rainbow-toned fringed mini dress from Ashish Gupta for the Mela Rouge party. Isha Ambani wore a bespoke Falguni Shane Peacock ensemble, paid with a dramatic rosette cape by Nicole + Felicia. Upcoming premium label Jodi designed a custom print for Isha Ambani’s casual outfit. Akash and Shloka Ambani were seen in Kunal Rawal and Rimple & Harpreet.

Alia Bhatt was spotted in an Arpita Mehta lehenga. Indian actress Sonam Kapoor chose Anamika Khanna’s white lehenga. She was also seen in an attire from Ladakh named ‘The Mogos’ by Namza Couture. Kareen Kapoor wore Ritu Kumar, while Deepika Padukone chose Rimple & Harpreet for an exquisite traditional red “Gharchola” saree. Karisma Kapoor chose a draped skirt set from Anamika Khanna. Saina Nehwal, Indian badminton champion, looked elegant in her red glittery gown with balloon sleeves from House of Fett. Indian actress Katrina Kaif wore a Parikrama Dress with Kalamkari designs from Ritu Kumar. Former Bollywood actor and the wife of Ritesh Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, went with a modern all-white lehenga from Osaa by Adarsh.

Natasha Poonawalla, the wife of Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, was wearing a shimmery dress from Manish Malhotra with an aluminium metal dome on the bodice crafted by Bloni. She is known for her unique take on fashion trends. For her distinctive fashion taste, she was invited to attend the Met Gala four times where she chose to wear Dundas’ light blue draped skirt (2019), Sabyasachi saree and Schiaparelli bustier (2022), and cat-eared metallic Schiaparelli dress (2023).

International Fashion Houses

On the first day, Radhika Merchant wore a custom Versace dress, a version of the dress worn by Blake Lively, which was made exclusively for her, when she co-chaired the Met Gala in 2022. The next day, Radhika Merchant wore a jungle-themed blue dress from Dolce & Gabbana with minimal styling and makeup. Radhika also wore Ashi Studio as one of her looks. Akash Ambani was seen in a few custom outfits designed by Dolce & Gabbana, while his wife Shloka Ambani donned a Valentino Couture gown for one of the events.

Isha Ambani was in a sheer gown with an off-shoulder silhouette and 3D floral motifs created by Miss Sohee from London. Nita Ambani changed her Chikankari saree to a ravishing Schiaparelli’s plum dress for the evening. Isha Ambani wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown from SS18 Karl Lagerfeld collection and a sheer black gown from Louis Vuitton along with the red dress.

Rihanna was wearing The Attico’s fluorescent green see-through slit dress with pink leg warmers and a matching pink Alta Moda jacket made by Dolce & Gabbana with a baseball cap. Bill Gates chose to wear a black kurta and pants with an embroidered sherwani designed by Label Crestelli. Alia Bhatt was in a fitted bodice gown from Andrea Brocca and Kiara Advani opted for a form-fitting gown by Albina Dyla. Genelia Deshmukh opted for a black corset gown from Maison Tai. Priscilla Chan was in a snakeskin dress from Balmain and changed to black dress from the archives of Alexander McQueen. Sonam Kapoor put on a custom-made black gown by Amir Al Kasm.

High Jewellery

Most of the Ambani and Merchant family members wore jewellery curated by Viren Bhagat. The Bhagat family has been in the jewellery business for over a century initially based in Lathi, a village in Gujarat. Presently, into its fourth generation, the Mumbai-based firm of Bhagat is currently led by Viren Bhagat. To jewellery connoisseurs, his work is instantly recognisable, understated and refined. In 2019, three of Bhagat’s jewels, including a rare natural diamond and emerald bead brooch, evocative of the Mughal flowerpot motif, sold for up to three times their estimates at Christie’s ‘Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence’ auction in New York.

On the first day, Radhika Merchant elevated her Versace dress with jewellery from Parthiv Mehta of Kantilal Chhotalal. Rihanna wore fine jewellery from Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas for her performance, as did Alia Bhatt with one of her outfits. On the third day, The groom-to-be was in an ivory sherwani designed by Rohit Bal finished with diamond buttons from Raghavendra Rathore and a brooch from Lorraine Schwartz. Shaila Merchant, Radhika’s mother, wore custom jewels designed by Sunita Shekhawat. Natasha Poonwala was seen with hair adorned in custom Sunita Shekhawat’s fine jewellery.

Many celebrities also wore jewellery designed by Indian fashion houses like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra. Jewellery house Amaris By Prerna Rajpal was worn by Mira Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit Nene.

Watches

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan were captivated by Anant Ambani's choice of timepieces, notably the Richard Mille RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal Tourbillon White Quartz, valued at approximately €1.6 million, as he welcomed them. Subsequently, he adorned a RM 56-02 sapphire watch, valued at €2 million, during the cocktail party on day 1, followed by Patek Philippe’s Nautilus Travel Time watch worth €308K on day 2. The festivities boasted a multitude of attendees flaunting prestigious watches from renowned brands.

Radhika Merchant complemented her jungle-themed blue dress with a Vacheron Constantin Égérie timepiece, while Shloka Ambani paired her red Valentino dress with a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch. Anant Ambani's brother, Akash Ambani, adorned a Patek Philippe Grand Complication Grand Master Chimes on the first day.

Renowned Indian actors Anil Kapoor and Suniel Shetty sported an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, respectively, echoing the choice of Indian Cricketer MS Dhoni. Sonam Kapoor accessorised her Kashmiri outfit with a Cartier Baignoire on the third day, whereas Ranbir Kapoor donned an A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 watch. Indian director Atlee Kumar showcased the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang.

Conversely, Ranveer Singh opted for his Franck Muller Round Skeleton watch to accompany his all-white suit, while Deepika Padukone effortlessly integrated her Cartier Panthère⁠ with her cream long coat and pants. Cricketer and former Indian captain Rohit Sharma opted for a Patek Philippe Nautilus.

Images Courtesy: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Vogue India, Stories by Joseph Radhik, Town and Country Magazine, Instagram posts by Rhea Kapoor, Anaita Shroff Adajania, Sunita Shekhawat, The Attico, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, Sanya Kapoor, Sandhya Shekhar, Shachee Fine Jewellery, and respective brands’ and celebrities’ profiles on Instagram.