Alia Bhatt debuted a new look this week, which shook things out of predictability when it came to festive wear. Subverting the usual picks, the actor decided on a gold Banarasi tissue kalidar jacket and pants look from designer Mayyur Girotra, making a case for not just an off-kilter look but androgyny in the festive season. “For me, androgyny is about fluidity,” shares Girotra. “I wanted to celebrate Indian craftsmanship with a silhouette that feels powerful and timeless.”
The specially woven gold Banarasi fabric was in the designer’s possession and came from a craft cluster in Varanasi, with whom Girotra often works. According to the designer, once the jacket’s design came together, a Mughal-era tree of life motif called Mor Bagh—a recurring symbol in his archival collections—was embroidered using the kora technique in antique gold finish. “My love for archival textiles, historical references and India’s rich craft heritage draws me towards motifs that carry stories and symbolism,” he says. For Girotra, the tree of life represents growth and interconnectedness of life. The actor paired the jacket with classic tailored pencil pants that added to the androgyny of the look. It was all about “keeping the essence of our craft heritage, while giving it a new expression”.
The jacket’s grandeur was not limited to the handwoven gold fabric. Enamel and diamond-studded buttons from Jaipur-based jewellery designer Sunita Shekhawat added to its opulence. This addition is an interesting way for audiences to relook at old hair jewels and brooches and turn them into button fixtures for the festive season.
Stylist Priyanka Kapadia accessorised this opulent look with a choker and matching earrings set in white metal and oversized blue gemstones from Jaipur-based luxury jewellery label P C Totuka & Sons. A ring featuring yet another blue gemstone from Archana Aggarwal decorated her hands. A pair of embroidered mules from accessories designer Aprajita Toor completed the look.
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Alia Bhatt made a case for a modern sari with a strapless corset blouse
