by Raj Desai | 9/23/21
All outfits listed were in stock and priced as shown at the time this was written. Dulhan is not compensated for any of the following recommendations.
If there’s one bone I have to pick with the South Asian wedding industry (and I have several), it’s this: why aren’t there more virtual services?!
And not just because COVID has drastically altered our lives. I felt like this 6 years ago, when I was planning my own wedding.
Think about it—we may be working or going to school in one city. Getting married in another. With our families living somewhere else. And shopping and vendors scattered all. Over. The globe.
Even post-wedding, I’d find value in a virtual service or platform today for religious or cultural events or parties.
Because as much as I hear about these boho, fashion-forward boutiques in Shahpur Jat, New Delhi, I’d like the opportunity to actually shop there without a plane ticket involved.
Thankfully, 4 other South Asian entrepreneurs have had the EXACT same thought. And they’re doing something about it with their virtual shopping services.
WESTxEAST
For all the companies out there that talk about conscious consumption, NY-based WESTxEAST is the one that delivers.
How? With their *very* cool digital design service, where you can get 6 outfits in 1 wardrobe package.
Co-founders Tania and Liya work with you to design individual tops and bottoms that fit your taste and style. You can then mix and match those pieces to get different looks to carry you through wedding season.
Plus, each piece is designed to fit into your existing wardrobe for everyday use. How many of us can say *that* about our sparkly lehngas?! (Which, if you wear that to the grocery store…🙌🏾)
During the design process, you get a Digital Design Book complete with swatches and 2D design sketches. You’ll also get regular updates on your wardrobe from their production team in India.
It’s a dream scenario for those of us who want the best of everything: affordable, stylish South Asian clothes, and peace of mind that it’s getting made just the way we want it.
WedMeGood
WedMeGood is one of the behemoth wedding resources based out of India. During COVID, they saw the gap in the shopping industry for non-resident Indian (NRI) brides and are filling it with their virtual shopping service.
The only caveat I’d throw out here is that they seem to highlight the same designers through this service that they do through their videos and written content, probably because they have business relationships with them.
Meaning you might not get access to *everything* New Delhi has to offer, but you’ll still get a good look at designers that you might not know about otherwise.
Kynah
Ah, there are so many reasons why I love Kynah!
Their inventory is amazing.
Their sale section ALWAYS has good finds for brides *and* guests.
And most recently, 2 of their outfits graced the Emmy’s red carpet with none other than Regé-Jean Page as the accessory (hellooooo, Duke!).
I’ll also say that one of my dearest friends (love ya, Pooja!) ordered a couple of outfits from them for a summer wedding, and they are STUNNING in person.
All of that is why I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out their virtual appointments.
I know, I know, it’s not a dedicated virtual shopping service like the others. But it’s an awesome way to get a feel for their pieces outside of a website or social media page.
Riya Collective
Riya Collective is a clothing platform that I first came across when they were just in the clothing rental biz.
Now, not only do they *still* offer designer South Asian threads for rent, but they also have a virtual shopping service to help you get access to incredible designers based in India.
There’s 2 parts to their virtual shopping services: virtual appointments that you can book with their team directly through their website, and live video shopping to designer showrooms in India.
They also have pop-ups from time to time on both coasts. So no matter what, you have 4 different ways (including shopping directly from their site) to virtually explore and discover your next dream outfit.
Raj Desai
Content strategist and UX writer who’s been researching and writing about weddings for 5 years. Addicted to Netflix, dirty martinis, and naps.