Recently, Swadesh—Nita Ambani’s artisan-focused retail and cultural initiative—celebrated its first anniversary. Many Bollywood and cultural icons who share its founder’s passion for fashion and are invested in India’s craft heritage attended the event. Among them was Radhika Ambani, alongside the other Ambani ladies, and her look paid homage to an ancient craft of kalamkari form from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Wearing a modern-traditionalist skirt set designed by designer Mayyur Girotra in collaboration with Swadesh, she made a case for bringing the craft back to the fore of the current fashion landscape.
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The elaborate skirt, fashioned like a dhoti, features pastoral scenes drawing from the mythology of Krishna Leela. There are motifs of peacocks, sacred cows, lotus blossoms and intricate floral vines painted freehand with a special bamboo pen sans the use of stencils or blocks as per the Srikalahasti style of kalamkari. The top is a contemporary corset with a sweetheart neckline showcasing the tree of life or kalpavriksha in its full glory. Intricate embroideries like zardozi, pitta, dabka and surface ornamentation techniques like appliqué and metallic accents further accentuate the motifs while lending it subtle texture. The look is completed with a matching dupatta replete with handpainted pastoralist motifs.
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Ambani kept the jewellery to a minimum but statement with pieces from Swadesh. She wore a snug-fitting choker with a medallion pendant inspired by the design of a lotus, while jhumka-style earrings with a cuff decorated her ears. Ambani’s signature soft-girl makeup style from her wedding was replicated here as well, with the focus on blushed cheeks, dewy skin and a daintily-lined eye. Her hair was tied into a messy bun, letting the earrings take centrestage.
From the Vogue desk:
“The dhoti-style skirt is a good change from the A-line lehenga skirt. One could swap a dupatta with a jacket worn with an embellished or embroidered bralette underneath it. Since kaan chains are all the rage right now, XXL earrings with ornamented saharey will also add to the appeal of the ceremonial look,” says Ashwini Arun Kumar, Vogue India fashion features editor.
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Sonam Kapoor’s anarkali brings Andhra Pradesh’s centuries-old kalamkari craft to life