The origin of the lehenga silhouette dates back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization around 2000 BC, when men and women sported long pieces of cloth wrapped or fitted around the waist. During the Mughal era, lehengas became a royal dress code, a sartorial language of class, and a distinguishing outfit of the opulent niche.

Lehenga versus Ghaghara:
The word 'lehenga' is often used interchangeably with 'ghaghra'. While both are long skirts, a lehenga is well-fitted at the waist and crafted with panels (kalis). The Ghaghara is comparatively loose and falls with small gatherings upon fastening with an adjustable thread. Also, the ghaghra usually features a wider flare, which has made it a popular, twirl-friendly choice for occasions like Navratri.

Modern Versions of the Lehenga Choli
The traditional lehenga choli is typically an ultra-flared skirt paired with a short blouse and a dupatta. However, this modest ensemble has witnessed many transformations, from bodycon and fish-cut lehengas to ethnic slit skirts. The 'choli' or blouse has undergone several variations too, from long kurti-style tops to snazzy short bustiers, strappy sleeves to glamorous back cutouts- styles that are rewriting traditional dress codes for global Indians and the international red carpet.

Indian designers have been constantly experimenting and transforming the inherently grand lehenga in trendy styles for women, catering to the growing demand for contemporary wear. Among all of its new versions, layering the lehenga choli is a favourite trend, especially among young Indians. Women these days often prefer plain lehenga cholis and pair them with statement jackets, which adds versatility to their celebration wardrobe. Long shrugs and short, embellished capes are other trending styles for contemporary lehenga ensembles.

However, heavy zardozi-embroidered lehengas, South Indian silk brocade skirts with golden zari borders, and Bandhani, Patola, and Leheriya lehengas continue as a legacy across different regions of India.

Lehenga Outfit Ideas For Different Wedding Functions:
If you're looking for the best couture lehenga for a specific wedding function, these chic outfit ideas will help you get started:
Haldi Ceremony: While a lehenga may sound too elaborate and unmanageable for a haldi function, you can fulfil your bridal visions by opting for a breathable yellow georgette lehenga with light thread embroidery, paired with a plain net dupatta, while making floral jewellery the standout of your pre-wedding look.

Mehendi Function: A green lehenga is definitely the go-to fit for a mehndi party, where every bridesmaid and wedding guest adds a soothing shade of green to the playful arena. But, if you’re keen on exploring beyond the Henna palette, then a pink-themed mehndi function with an outfit code of floral lehengas and salwar suits fits perfectly for a dreamy, aesthetic, and definitely, picture-perfect ritual!

Sangeet Party: Dance- dine- & shine! The Sangeet is perhaps one of the most glamorous pre-wedding functions- an evening with no rituals and the liberty to dress up in the most glamorous fits! For such dazzling evenings, a sequinned lehenga choli or a draped skirt paired with a crop top and jacket stand apart as ten-on-ten choices.

Wedding Ceremony: Well, there is no second-guessing the significance of the red palette in an Indian wedding. In fact, bridal wear is almost synonymous with a red lehenga choli, embellished in fine golden zardozi, sequins, and crystalline beads. From the flamboyant ceremonies of North Indian weddings to the subtlety of the South, red lehengas have seen numerous adaptations- each standing out in its own glory. In Gujarat, Patola lehenga cholis have been a treasured handloom legacy, alongside Gharchola and Panetar lehengas, which also have red as a ruling palette.

While shades of red continue to ace the ceremonial wardrobe, deep maroon lehengas, pastel pink lehenga cholis, and those crafted for elegance in shades of white and light golden have become increasingly popular, even among celebrity brides.

As a bridesmaid, baraati, or wedding guest, you can opt for any shade that suits your vibe- even indulge in the spectrum with a multicoloured lehenga choli; after all, Indian weddings are all about zestful moments!

Reception Function: This official wedding ‘after-party’ is just the right occasion to indulge in exquisite or over-the-top lehengas crafted in shimmering elements. Think of a jewel-studded black lehenga paired with an off-shoulder corset blouse and fringe dupatta, or a golden couture fit that exudes affluence in Swarovski-embellished flowe₹Beyond black and golden, deep tones of emerald green, dusky pink, magenta, rust orange, midnight blue, and sea green are other colours to embrace for such delightful evenings.

Buy The Best Designer Lehengas Online
91Threads is a homegrown brand with its flagship store in Ahmedabad. Our online catalogue displays our latest lehenga designs for brides, bridesmaids, wedding guests, and festive wear. Our elite store space offers prompt customizations and wardrobe personalization, meeting the exclusivity of couture in every detail. You can also book a video shopping appointment and get your lehenga across national borders.