Rashmika Mandanna’s bridal jewellery and Vijay Deverakonda’s groom styling decoded

One of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year saw Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna celebrate their union through a jewellery collection deeply rooted in South Indian heritage. Crafted by SHREE Jewellers, the bespoke collection brought together intricate craftsmanship, layered storytelling and a renewed perspective on both bridal and groom adornment.

Designing a bespoke wedding jewellery collection

Abhishek Agarwal and Kaushik Kumar, who envisioned the wedding jewellery, let us in on the conceptualisation of the entire collection. “The idea was not to replicate the familiar, but to reimagine it through a layered, sculptural approach to gold,” explain Abhishek. The result was a collection where every element contributed to a larger visual story.

For Rashmika, the inspiration took on an almost divine quality. Drawing from the iconography of Goddess Lakshmi, the designers created what they describe as an “immersive, head-to-toe composition.” Her bridal look comprised over 13 pieces, including a choker, layered harams, jhumkas, jada billa, and vaddanam, each working in harmony with the other. “The intention was to create a look that felt complete and immersive, where the jewellery did not just adorn but transformed,” says Kaushik. High-relief Nakshi work added sculptural depth, while delicate Rava detailing introduced rhythm and texture, allowing the gold to feel fluid despite its scale.

In contrast, Vijay’s jewellery explored a language of power and presence—an area often underplayed in men’s wedding styling. “There was a clear intent to move away from the conventional approach to groom styling,” Abhishek and Kaushik note. His pieces, which included haars, cuffs, a belt and even earrings, were designed to feel architectural and commanding. Motifs of elephants and tigers—symbols of wisdom and strength—ran through the collection, softened by floral elements that added refinement. “The idea was to create something more layered, where power and elegance could coexist,” they add.

South Indian heritage served as the foundation for the entire collection, not just in its visual motifs but in its philosophy. “We looked at classical forms, traditional silhouettes and time-honoured ornamentation, and reinterpreted them through a more sculptural and immersive lens,” the designers explain. This approach ensured that while the pieces felt rooted, they also spoke to a modern bridal narrative.

Techniques of Nakshi craftsmanship and Rava detailing were central to this expression. “Nakshi allows motifs to emerge with a sculptural quality, creating dimension and storytelling within the gold itself,” they say. Rava work, with its intricate granulation, added a sense of movement and lightness. It is a balance between structure and fluidity.

What made the collection particularly distinctive was the level of involvement from both the bride and groom. “They knew what they wanted,” Abhishek and Kaushik share. Rashmika was intuitive and detail-oriented, closely engaged in fittings and refinements to ensure the pieces achieved the right balance. Vijay, on the other hand, wanted a more experimental approach. “He was open to exploring unconventional ideas, especially when it came to men’s jewellery,” they say, adding that his willingness helped shape a new visual language for grooms.

The process itself spanned nearly 10 months, with a lot of extensive research, sketching, prototyping and multiple fittings. Beyond the wedding ceremony, the collection featured in other celebrations. The Sangeet, for instance, marked a shift toward a more contemporary, gemstone-led aesthetic. “It was about lightness, movement and a modern glamour,” they explain. Rashmika’s pieces featured fluid, vine-like designs set with luminous stones, while Vijay’s look drew from Art Deco influences, anchored by a striking emerald.

The wedding was more than a moment of visual grandeur. It signalled a shift in how jewellery is perceived. “Jewellery is no longer confined to tradition alone, nor is it purely decorative,” Abhishek and Kaushik observe. “It is becoming more narrative-led, more experimental and more personal.”

—manuvipin@newindianexpress.com

@ManuVipin

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