Kiara Advani is currently promoting her upcoming movie Toxic that is releasing at the end of August. While in Hyderabad, Advani turned to a sari from designer Manish Malhotra—who also designed the costumes for her character in the movie—for the occasion. The dark romanticism of the sari look is also a nod to Advani’s reel persona of Nadia, while also foreshadowing the mood for the upcoming fall/winter season. The velvet sari is also leaning into the fashion supervillain territory that actors like Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie have previously embodied during the promotions for their movies like The Odyssey and Maleficent.
According to Malhotra, the pre-draped sari is crafted from fine Italian velvet known for its high sheen and great quality which continues to be woven by master craftsmen in a technique that was perfected during the Renaissance era. The full-sleeve blouse with the elevated Queen Anne neckline merging into a closed collar is made with Italian lace, a material which is so fine that it can be squeezed through a finger ring. Instead of cutting shapes in a pre-woven fabric, Italian lace patterns are hand crafted in air using nothing but needles and fine threads. Advani’s blouse that showcases designs akin to stained glass walls seen in Renaissance-era church buildings.
Lakshmi Lehr, who styled Advani for the event, accessorised with XXL polki stud earrings and a choker embellished with emerald and diamonds from Razwada Jewels, and heels from Aquazurra. Her makeup reinstated draped blush to the fore of beauty looks, with strong lashes and a nude lip. Hair scooped up in a simple bun is sometimes enough to elevate the overall look, as one can see on Advani.
From the Vogue desk:
“The underlying dark romanticism of this sari is a great choice for women who want to shake things up with their looks for evening events like wedding receptions and cocktail parties. The velvet will also keep the bride warm in cold months while also looking regal. Chokers are coming back with a full force in the wedding jewellery landscape so now is the time to invest in a timeless design with coloured gemstones to cut the black in the sari,” says Ashwini Arun Kumar, Vogue India fashion features editor.
Also read:
Dia Mirza’s pistachio green silk sari from Raw Mango is at least 10 years old
Kiara Advani’s House of Masaba sari centres patchwork, buta work and gold embroidery
Pooja Hegde’s Anita Dongre sari is inspired by centuries-old craft of Pichhwai paintings
