Princess Gauravi Kumari, granddaughter of the iconic Maharani Gayatri Devi, made a striking Met Gala debut this year in a chiffon sari gown by designer Prabal Gurung. The ensemble carried deep personal and historical significance — it physically incorporated one of Gayatri Devi’s own pink self-sequin saris. Paired with layered pearl necklaces, ear chains, bangles, and rings, the look was a deliberate and heartfelt tribute. “Pearls and chiffon are so closely associated with Maharani Gayatri Devi… incorporating them felt like a natural ode to her,” Kumari shared.
A Fabric Fit for Royalty
Chiffon’s journey in India began in the early 20th century, when Indira Devi, the rebel princess of Baroda, discovered the translucent silk fabric during a visit to Lyon, France. Her 1927 portrait in a white chiffon sari with a golden border marked a turning point. It was Gayatri Devi, however, who truly cemented chiffon’s place in Indian fashion. As the third wife of Jaipur’s Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II from 1940, she brought chiffon into the public eye through her visible, modern, and politically active life.
From Royalty to the Silver Screen
Over decades, chiffon transcended royal wardrobes and wove itself into Indian popular culture. The introduction of polyester in 1958 made it accessible to all. Filmmaker Yash Chopra immortalised it on screen across iconic films, from Silsila to Chandni. More recently, Manish Malhotra dressed Alia Bhatt in nearly 20 chiffon saris for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, proving the fabric’s timeless appeal.
As Maharani Gayatri Devi’s 107th birth anniversary passes, her legacy — draped in feather-light pastels — continues to inspire runways, red carpets, and royal debuts alike.