Sonam Kapoor can usually be trusted upon to provide interesting looks on the red carpet or in public appearances. She’s one of the most fashion-followed actors in Bollywood and almost never fails to turn heads with an unexpected silhouette or an adventurous Western look.
This time, however, it was something different.
In a sartorial move that is more familiar than not in the West, Sonam Kapoor traded the slip-dresses and structured silhouettes for a restrained yet beautiful take on Indian heritage dressing.
Photographed after attending a jewellery showcase in Mumbai recently, Sonam wore a black full-sleeved Anarkali by Shanti Banaras with a hand-embroidered dupatta that drew inspiration from the age-old Pichwai art of Rajasthan. The result was a stunning mix of the elegant, artistic and heritage luxury.
The dupatta was the real star here though. Laid on the backdrop of the simple black Anarkali, the intricate embroidery and motifs introduced the aesthetic of miniature Indian paintings to the overall look. Fine resham embroidery, kasab tracing, and antique-gold zari detailing helped in adding layers and volume to the ensemble without making it look too heavy.
Why Pichwai-Inspired Fashion Is Having a Moment
Pichwai is a traditional form of Indian art that usually finds its roots in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Rich in detail and featuring imagery of nature, flowers, cows, and devotional figures, Pichwai art was previously more limited to paintings and traditional wall hangings.
Of late, however, it’s being used as an inspiration in Indian contemporary fashion, with designers interpreting the art form in clothing silhouettes and prints.
Sonam Kapoor’s look is the perfect example of how Pichwai and similar heritage crafts can be weaved into a look without making it seem dated. A classic Anarkali cut is used to provide the traditional base to the outfit, which is then balanced by the more editorial and contemporary feel of the artistic dupatta.
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jewellers provided the jewellery styling for the look and gave another layer of Indian luxury craftmanship to the overall look.
The Jewellery Lesson From Sonam’s Look
In a fully embroidered outfit such as this, the right jewellery doesn’t have to compete with the embroidery.
In fact, the smarter move is to choose a piece or pieces that complement the richness of the textile. Gold jewellery, antique finishes, emerald accents, statement earrings or a single pendant necklace can all work well with heritage or festival-inspired outfits.
The look is as timely a lesson for fashion in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and other Indian cities where traditional silhouettes are being actively explored in styling with contemporary jewellery as much as it is in a global context.
Sonam’s look is a clear example of how heritage doesn’t have to be reinvented to be relevant today. In some cases, all it needs is a smart styling and a fashion personality who’s not afraid to let the craftsmanship do the talking.
