After relocating from La France, the esteemed fashion capital where Akila honed her skills in haute couture, she embarked on her styling journey with SANYFW in 2022, working with emerging designers in the South Asian Fashion industry. A former bride herself, Akila now specializes in wedding fashion and styling for South Asian couples. While she confesses that a career as a wedding wardrobe stylist was "not in the plan," an increasing number of brides sought her expertise for style choices, attire, accessories, and designer recommendations. This growing demand led her to evolve into a start-to-end bridal stylist, offering an unparalleled experience for brides who wish to make their wedding day into an unforgettable fashion souvenir.
As a bridal styling expert dedicated to South Asian weddings, Akila provides a bespoke approach. "As a bridal stylist, I collaborate with the couple from six months to a year prior to their wedding, taking the time to understand their story and how styling fits into their week-long celebration," she explains. She curates look books based on reference images and inspirations collected during consultations, ensuring that each couple's unique style is showcased on their special day.
Akila's commitment extends through every phase of the wedding journey. Whether couples are in the initial planning stages or approaching the big day, Akila meticulously curates la crème de la crème styles, sourcing looks from designers in the USA and India as needed. She understands that a clear vision alone is not sufficient; the wedding wardrobe process involves multiple milestones, from brainstorming to on-site styling, and it becomes an enchanting experience with the right support and guidance. Her aim is to alleviate the stress of endless social media searches, helping couples avoid the confusion that often accompanies restless nights of figuring out how to bring their vision to life.
Each wedding is priced individually, and Akila can be contacted through her website or Instagram. She offers a wardrobe experience that begins with the engagement and extends through events such as mehendi, sangeet, haldi, and the wedding itself, ensuring that every occasion is styled with a unique flair. Her clients appreciate her humor, her charmingly accented frenchy English, and her keen suggestions, all of which contribute to a relaxed and enjoyable planning process. Known for her meticulous attention to detail—she even uses safety pins from the UK—Akila’s clientele ranges from South Asian to American fusion couples, embracing traditions, creating lasting memories, and addressing the complexities of wedding attire with a professional touch.
Akila was the first in the industry to offer trial saree/lehenga drapes, setting a new standard in bridal styling. If her personality were to be likened to a brand, it would be Papa Don’t Preach. Her passion for French gastronomy and early morning readings further reflect her distinctive style and sophisticated taste.