Actor Alia Bhatt returned to the runway for designer Manish Malhotra, this time trading the lehengas she has worn for him before for a sari. The occasion was Malhotra’s show marking 15 years of his association with the Mijwan Welfare Society. The two share a long creative bond: he designed her wedding outfit and her costume in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and she has walked for him several times.
A Craft-Led Sari With a Lace-Like Finish
Bhatt appeared in an ivory georgette sari covered in tone-on-tone thread embroidery and finished with scalloped, crystal-studded borders. Although the motifs drew on chikankari, the detailing gave the drape a delicate, lace-like effect. She layered an organza veil with matching floral work and pearls, and chose a ruched bandeau-style blouse held by slim pearl straps for a contemporary edge.
Uncut Diamonds and Pearls Complete the Look
The jewellery came from Manish Malhotra Jewellery. Bhatt wore a tiered polki choker of uncut diamonds in varying sizes, along with pearls totalling 310 carats. She added a maang tikka with an uncut diamond and pearl drop, earrings with pearl-studded kaan chains, and one-of-a-kind haath phools on both hands that sit somewhere between a bangle and a ring.
Her longtime makeup artist Puneet Saini kept her skin dewy, with rosy bronze tones across the eyes, cheeks and lips. Hair stylist Mike Desir pulled her hair into a slicked-back bun, drawing attention to her highlighted cheekbones.
Vogue India’s fashion features editor Ashwini Arun Kumar felt the sari is refined enough to need little extra styling. For a more modern take, she suggested replacing the polki necklace with a solitaire diamond piece set with rubies or emeralds, along with matching studs.
The look shows how traditional craft can feel fresh when it is styled with a contemporary sensibility.