From bridal fashion trends, the obvious next trend forecast is henna.
Henna is classic. Every Desi bride dreams of what her mehndi is going to look like on her big day. It’s even more important than the dress (probably). And even though the designs that are applied to the brides arms and feet are passed down through the ages, every year we see new trends and fads pop up in henna art.
While this past year was all about trying new things with metallics, body art, and fishnet designs, 2015 is going to be all about color, embellishments, and innovative designs. Artists will be dipping in to their craft drawers for rhinestones and glitter. Brides will be expanding tradition to include other cultures, melding Desi henna with the world’s. Just you see.
1. True Blue Mehndi
Blue Mehndi by Blue Lotus Henna
Just a little off the traditional dark brown is this gorgeous indigo blue. Blue has been slowly appearing in henna through turquoise accents and sky blue flowers. An all-blue look isn’t too far away.
Blue mehndi is perfect for brides who want something a little unexpected and it is so much more eye-catching than the metallic mehndi that’s working its way out of fashion.
2. Chainmail Tough
Chainmail Henna Photographed by Fotografia 9
When I say ‘chainmail’ I mean the prettiest repetitive pattern that looks sort of like medieval armor. These gorgeous designs add delicacy and, dare I say, a tiny element of toughness to any henna look.
Chainmail is an update on fishnet design. It laces over the brides skin beautifully, and I’m definitely into it.
3. Borrowing Tradition
Sudanese Henna Photographed by UNAMID
Bridal henna is a tradition in many other places besides South Asia. In the Middle East and North Africa, henna, sometimes even darker than ours, is applied to the hands and feet of women during different festivals and holidays.
In 2015, citizens of the world will begin to combine these other traditions with Desi styles. Who wouldn’t want something as lovely as these black roses (from the Sudan) on their feet and hands?
4. Henna Cuffs
Henna Sleeves from Blue Lotus Henna
We saw henna cuffs make an appearance this year, but henna sleeves, sort of an extension of henna cuffs, are definitely are going to make a big wave in 2015. They are a beautiful alternative to the typical bridal mehndi. Henna sleeves are a little less elaborate than typical bridal henna but look so gorgeous when done right (like the lacy, Downton Abbey-esque sleeves above).
For fusion brides or Desi brides who want to stand out, henna sleeves are truly a gift from the gods of aesthetic.
5. Matching Tattoos
Bridesmaids’ Henna Done by Sara Henna
Bridesmaids are becoming more and more common in Desi weddings. And as brides pick out matching saris for their girlfriends, it only follows that they pick out their mehndi too! Elements of the bride’s henna can easily be transferred to her bridesmaids (or even her groom).
Matching henna is so much better than those ‘BFF’ interlocking hearts and you can do it with your whole wedding party!
6. Rhinestones
Rhinestone Henna Photographed by Priti Shikotra Photography
Rhinestones, love them or hate them or cowboy up with them, are gorgeous accents to henna. It’s easy to match your color palette or throw in some beautifully clashing colors through henna rhinestones. Use them to embellish simple designs or to add some color to the basic black motifs.
I would normally say be careful to no overdo them, but how can you overdo anything, especially bling, at a properly Desi function?
7. Mehndi Chains
Henna Chains from Blue Lotus Henna
Blue Lotus Henna is obviously on the cutting edge when it comes to bridal mehndi. This look of theirs, with the beautiful jewelry-like chains spreading over the foot as well as the attention placed on the knuckles, is a complete knockout.
This style borrows a lot from the Mughal art and jewelry and so fits gorgeously into the long tradition of henna. This is my favorite upcoming trend by far and I can’t wait to see what henna artists do with it.
Henna will be undergoing some transformative trends in 2015. I can’t wait to see what brides and henna artists come up with. It’s going to be so exciting!