Payal Singhal redefines bridal fashion with personal touches and timeless craftsmanship

Payal Singhal, the founder, owner and creative director of Payal Singhal Design House, is redefining bridal fashion by incorporating personal touches and timeless craftsmanship into her designs. One of her most memorable requests came from a bride who wanted a matching wedding outfit for her puppy, highlighting the importance of including every family member in the celebrations. Singhal believes that weddings have evolved to include not just the bride and groom but also extended family, even pets.

The designer emphasizes the importance of Indian craftsmanship, elaborate embroidery and tradition in her designs. However, she also allows for personal expressions through bohemian sensibilities, unexpected prints, and comfort for hours of dancing and movement. She envisions a Payal Singhal bride feeling confident and elevated, while still adhering to cultural roots.

When working with brides, Singhal focuses on creating an unmistakable bridal outfit that begins with Indian crafts, textiles and techniques, which she interprets with a contemporary eye. Her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Shahnameh, draws inspiration from Persian literature and incorporates rich silks, brocades, intricate embroidery and a sense of regal drama. The collection maintains contemporary silhouettes to allow brides to interpret the richness of the fabrics and embroidery in their own way.

For wedding celebrations, Singhal favors embellished lehengas, draped silhouettes and embroidered jackets with multiple styling possibilities. She includes classic reds and pinks, as well as deep jewel tones, unusual colour combinations and prints, to cater to the evolving preferences of modern brides. Tradition remains essential, as women become more confident in expressing their individuality through their wedding attire.

Singhal also understands the need for versatility and practicality in bridal fashion. She ensures that her designs allow brides to move, dance and feel comfortable throughout the celebrations. She emphasizes the importance of movement in Indian weddings and pays attention to elements such as the placement of embellishment, the fall of a skirt, and the freedom to use her hands while wearing the outfit.

The designer's approach extends beyond the wedding day itself. Singhal believes in creating pieces with future adaptability, using craftsmanship to transform them into versatile garments for other occasions. Embroidered blouses, jackets and even lehenga skirts can be styled in various ways, ensuring that the precious embroidery remains cherished while giving brides the opportunity to wear them long after the wedding day.