Alia Bhatt’s festive looks are a source of inspiration for many seeking ideas for ceremonial dressing—and rightfully so. This Navaratri, for Durga Puja, the actor wore an unique sari look which will find its way to the mood boards of brides-to-be, bridesmaids, wedding-goers or simply women who want to dress up with a nod to the ’80s. Bhatt’s custom sari look from designer Mayyur Girotra will elevate the popularity of off-kilter sari sets this season.
Instagram.com/aliaabhatt
Right off the bat, the unusual colour combination of fuschia with turquoise blue is what makes the sari eye-catching, but it also extends to the one-off textile pairing—a specially commissioned, handwoven Kanchipuram silk sari with a high-neck organza silk blouse featuring metal embroidery called danka. The 400-year-old craft from Udaipur region in Rajasthan was brought to the fore to craft a crescent moon and lotus in the blouse’s back as symbols of Shiv and Shakti, inspired by Hindu mythology. We used 22-carat gold foil in the danka work, which was done by artisans in Jodhpur,” shares Girotra. “Working with gold is not merely decorative. In Indian ceremonial and royal dressing, gold carries a sense of auspiciousness, divinity and permanence. For me, the intention was to use gold as a medium to tell a story and showcase the extraordinary skill of the artisans who bring these ideas to life.”
Netizens were quick to draw parallels between Bhatt’s look and Aishwarya Rai’s outfit from Devdas (2002), where vintage, puff-sleeve blouses paired with seedha pallu saris were a part of her character’s sartorial repertoire. “The blouse has a certain old-world elegance, which perhaps explains the Devdas references, but the real inspiration was much deeper,” shares Girotra, who was inspired by the cultural and spiritual richness of West Bengal where goddesses are celebrated with fervour during Navaratri.
Instagram.com/aliaabhatt
Priyanka Kapadia acessorised Bhatt’s look to reflect southern India’s influence beyond just the Kanchipuram sari. Temple style jewellery dominated the accoutrements with jhumkas from Hyderabad-based Shree Raj Jewellers; kaan chains from Khurana Jewellery House; kadas from Jagdish Jewellers and KK Jewels and a matching ring from the latter, too.
The actor’s ’80s-inspired look was completed with makeup that drew from the era, too, with kohl-lined eyes and naturally pink lips. Her hair was tied in a messy bun that let the ear jewellery shine.
“I think fashion is increasingly rediscovering the beauty of the past,” says Girotra. “We are not necessarily seeing a return to retro fashion in its original form, but a renewed appreciation for silhouettes, craftsmanship and details that have stood the test of time,” he adds. For anyone looking to experiment with puff-sleeve blouses, sweetheart necklines, half-saris or fashion from the past, Girotra’s advice holds true—reinterpret the style to suit your needs “so that heritage doesn’t remain confined to archives or museums but continues to live, evolve and inspire a new generation”.
Also read:
Alia Bhatt made a case for a modern sari with a strapless corset blouse
Alia Bhatt proves less is more for summer celebrations in a pistachio sari