Everything the A-listers wore to Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding cruise in Italy

If there could ever be a real-life rendition of the drama-packed Dil Dhadakne Do cruise, no one could do a better job than the Ambanis (who have out-shined the Mehras by an infinite margin!). Packed with show-stopping performances, stunning events, a VVIP guest list and, of course, swoon-worthy outfits, all on the serene coast of Italy, Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding cruise was nothing short of a dream. After all, when else would we see Andrea Bocelli perform I Can’t Help Falling in Love on an entirely rented-out Portofino landscape? While some of the best of the Hollywood music industry, including Katy Perry, the Backstreet Boys, Pitbull, and David Guetta lit up the night, all our Bollywood favourites wore iconic looks to complement the astral weekend on the Riviera.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani 

With four spectacular outfits, the bride-to-be undeniably outdressed every attendee of the weekend, like she always does.

The first night was themed The Starry Night, for which Merchant picked a custom Robert Wun gown. Printed on the chiffon of the gown was a love letter her fiancée, Anant Ambani, wrote to her, in the formative years of their relationship. As the Backstreet Boys took centre stage, the Audrey Hepburn-esque look matched the theme of the night perfectly.

Coordinating with his fiancée, Anant Ambani also wore custom Robert Wun.

 

The following night was a Toga party (a Greco-Roman-themed costume party where attendees dress in garments inspired by ancient Roman clothing), for which Merchant opted for an eye-catching gown designed entirely by New York-based designer Grace Ling, and styled by Rhea Kapoor. It took 30 artisans to create the entire look; the aerospace aluminium bodice, which was 3D printed and designed, was made to fit her to the T. Kapoor paired the breastplate with a floor-length white skirt with a long train.

For the third day of the cruise, Radhika Merchant danced the night away in Cannes for a masquerade ball in a custom Versace gown, worn alongside Lorraine Schwartz jewellery. The azure-shaded dress styled by Shaleena Nathani took a year to complete. Merchant looked like princess Jasmine come to life, wearing a stunning blue opal (her birthstone) and diamonds (Anant Ambani’s birthstone) on her neck. She also wore a bridal fascinator as her mask of choice for the evening.

Anant Ambani joined her in a sharp Dolce and Gabbana suit, sequined to complement his fiancée’s look.

 

As the cruise docked at Portofino, Italy, for the final evening, the Ambanis overtook the village, transforming it into a European street market packed with food stalls and a stage, for the iconic Andrea Bocelli. The bride-to-be walked the Italian shoreline in an archival Yves Saint Laurent dress for 1959 Christian Dior Haute Couture, sourced by stylist Mimi Cuttrell. With a bow in her hair, Radhika Merchant looked radiant, embodying fashion history what we would refer to as art!

Nita Ambani

For the Toga party, the groom’s mother opted for a royalty-like Schiaparelli ensemble, symbolising Roman realness, with a thick gold neckpiece and golden chains.

Mrs Ambani also donned a gorgeous violet gown for the masquerade ball with a huge emerald neckpiece and an A-line cream dress for the evening in Portofino. Both pieces were custom Oscar De La Rente. 

Shanaya Kapoor

Kapoor was probably one of the best-dressed attendees at the Italian cruise, wearing high-fashion resort wear during the day, and glamourous gowns to go with the nightly themes. One of her day ensembles included a backless Emilio Pucci gown, with the signature Pucci design.

 

Her evening gowns, tailored to perfection, were Marchesa, and Nicole & Felicia’s Bridal Collection, respectively.

Ananya Panday

The GenZ queen is officially in her Barbie era because all her outfits at the pre-wedding cruise looked straight out of Barbie’s very own closet.

In Portofino, Panday donned a butter-yellow cocktail dress by Dice Kayek—a part of their SS23 collection. Being right on trend with her choice of colour, the bows on the front were also everything the IT girls are loving these days.

Another one of her looks included a fresh-out-of-the-box Chanel ensemble from their Spring/Summer 2024 collection. A quirky tank top and flared pants paired with huge sunglasses are just what everyone needs for a Roman holiday!

Panday’s evening attires were even more alluring.
 
For The Starry Night, Ananya Panday decked in a dress designed by a local New York City label, Area. You best believe she’s still bejewelled, because their Crystal Embellished Mini Dress was the most "Miss Swift" she could have gotten (she can make the whole place shimmer!). Styled by Priyanka Kapadia, she paired the mini dress with bow-jewelled sling-back heels.

For the last night, Ananya Panday picked the Orange Rhinestone Mini Dress by Self-Portrait, a local brand from London. She accessorised with Swarovski’s Gema Hoop Earrings.

The festivities have only just begun. Stay tuned, because if this was just the pre-wedding, the main event promises even more jaw-dropping fashion moments!

Lead Image Credit: Epic Stories

Also Read: Radhika Merchant is expected to wear a 3D-carved futuristic outfit at the pre-wedding cruise party

Also Read: Radhika Merchant wears an iconic Atelier Versace gown for the Ambani-Merchant pre-wedding event