A "sartorial switch" from the traditional lehenga cholis to wedding gowns are a new headline-grabbing trend in Indian wedding industry.

But in the war-ravaged country Afghanistan it is surprisingly common.

All along the pavements of Kabul and the Kabul City Centre mall, fashionable high-end shops display a variety of chic and modern evening gowns.

The price ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000, equivalent in Afghan currency.

The question is: can the Afghan brides even afford them, considering the fledgling economy?

"Contrary to popular opinion, the western gowns are popular. But the locals don't buy them. They simply hire them for the different days and return them when the festivities are over," says Qazi, a resident of Kabul.

"They usually wear a green gown on the occasion of henna or may be peach one, but everyone wears a white one on the wedding day," he adds.

Photograph: Getty Images / Natalie Portman