Nita Ambani and Isha Magish, founders of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, walked the pink carpet the other night alongside couples such as Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Radhika Merchant and Isha Ambani, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, and others. Solo guests included the great Alia Bhatt, Sonam Kapoor, and Natasha Poonawalla. From the West, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Chamberlain (who pulled off a leafy green, V-neck dress that conveyed the feel of nature by the hands of Rahul Mishra) had to fly over with their intimate connection to all things fashion.
Attending the India in Fashion exhibit means playing a part in the story of the global impact that fashion generates.
Merchant, the soon-to-be-wife of Ambani, rightfully earned a custom dress from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Against the stark black suit of her fiance, the icy blue saree, an outer garment traditionally worn by women of the Indian subcontinent, pierced the crowd as the embellished sequins elevated the commonly bright-colored piece. Matching the entire outfit amongst separate pieces is how the ensemble remains uniform. A sleeveless sequin blouse, belt, sequin necklace, diamond earrings, high heels, a slicked back bun, smoky eye shadow finish for the face, darkened brows, and a hydrated blush look transmitted the message of embracing Indian culture- dressing specifically.
For Chopra, an Indian-American actress, coming back home to the East is always a pleasure. Priyanka notes, “My outfit was an amalgamation of the East and West! Like me!” Her pleasure seeped into each moment that evening as they toured indigenous saris, salwar kameez, and lehengas (large skirts) from brands across the board like Chanel, Christina Dior, and Valentino.
Chanel sent over their rust orange button down ensemble streaked with gold shimmer, handmade bags by Christian Dior made a twist on the viral American tote bag, and Valentino shut it down with a glistening green saree and lehengas.
Thanking Amit Aggarwal for her “apt” outfit made for a sentimental conclusion of her experience. In her words: “This beautiful outfit was created using a 65-year-old vintage Banarasi patola (Brocade) saree with silver threads and a gold electroplating on khadi silk. It is paired with a sequins sheet holographic bustier to reflect the nine colors of ikat weave that the brocade is set in.”
Indian clothing is one of the most fascinating approaches to fashion in all of history. Believe us when we say it takes a crew of specialized women and men to stitch different sections of each piece to the entire look. Adding their own touch is a form of respecting their personal craftsmanship and giving them an opportunity to do what the embellisher or designer learned best.