Rochelle Pinto (editor for Vogue India) was in Kolkata for their Editors’ Evening, bringing together voices from the city’s wedding and luxury space. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with Rochelle Pinto in an exclusive conversation. Excerpts..

In an era of “quiet luxury,” how does Vogue India balance the traditional Indian love for maximalist weddings with the global trend toward minimalism?

Rochelle Pinto– I dislike the word ‘trend’ immensely, because when it comes to weddings, I would like to espouse a celebration of individuality through a strong cultural lens. Every couple finds a balance that feels right for themselves, and the best weddings usually have an unexpected twist that may set a new standard for others to follow. 

What does “luxury” mean to the Indian bride in 2026? Is it still about the price tag, or has the focus shifted toward “intentionality” and storytelling?

Rochelle Pinto- The idea of luxury itself is evolving, from over-the-top and excessive to curated to the individual. A couple may have a 20-person guest list and still have the most luxurious wedding you have ever seen. Trust me, we have a front row view at Vogue. 

We are seeing a move away from “trends for trend’s sake”. How are couples in the city personalizing their luxury experiences to reflect their own histories rather than a Pinterest board?

Rochelle Pinto- I don’t think the stylish people of Kolkata are ever competing or comparing themselves with anyone. They are very comfortable in their own skin and understand how to be global citizens while being proud of their unique culture.  

With the rise of climate-conscious couture, are you seeing a genuine shift in how luxury buyers approach their wedding wardrobes? Is upcycling or “heirloom” fashion becoming a status symbol?

Rochelle Pinto- Heirlooms are a status symbol because they speak to continuity and family legacy, not just climate consciousness. We also see that Gen Z and millennial couples, living in a digital world crowded with AI and deepfakes, yearn for elements that feel rooted, carefully crafted, and something that has stood the test of time. Perhaps they consider it a good omen to mark the start of a lifelong partnership.

How do you think social media has changed the physical layout and aesthetic of luxury weddings in India? Are we designing weddings just for the camera now?

Rochelle Pinto- Social media has changed how we live our lives in general, so it would be a bald-faced lie to say it hasn’t affected the way people celebrate their weddings. How we carve out space for our own personalities within that unavoidable construct is the difference between cookie-cutter and memorable.  

Every city has its own “luxury language”. How would you describe the specific aesthetic or vibe that defines this city’s wedding space compared to the rest of the country?

Rochelle Pinto- Kolkata has a big personality, earned from its rich contributions to the arts, industry, politics, and social change. It has also always been a potpourri of different cultures, and that multiplicity is visible in every celebration. Last but not least, the hospitality I have experienced every time I come to Kolkata makes me wish I were invited to more weddings here.      

What is the biggest misconception people have about the wedding and luxury industry from the outside?

Rochelle Pinto- The behind-the-scenes madness deserves its own documentary series, frankly. Whatever you saw on Made In Heaven doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.   

If you had to pick one “under-the-radar” craft or textile that you believe will dominate the luxury wedding space by 2027, what would it be?

Rochelle Pinto- We are seeing a renewed interest in temple jewellery, which had fallen out of favour at some point. I could not be happier to see this revival because the craftsmanship involved in the creation of temple jewellery is unparalleled. The magic that Indian craftsmen are able to create with their hands is truly humbling. We should all become champions and patrons of their prowess.   

What is one wedding “trend” you are personally ready to see retired in 2026?

Rochelle Pinto- The use of the word trend.

Beyond the jewelry and the outfit, what is the one intangible element that makes a luxury wedding feel truly high-end?

Rochelle Pinto- At the end of the day, people will forget the number of carats in your diamond haar, which artiste performed at the sangeet or how many dishes were part of the buffet. They will only remember how you made them feel. The way you treat your guests and each other, the attention to every detail— that is the intangible luxury we value most at Vogue.