Velvet is a material that brings its own constraints. Its weight, light absorption and texture affect how a garment drapes, where embroidery can sit, and how much surface can be worked before the material begins to feel crowded.
Janhvi Kapoor wore a midnight-blue velvet sari by Sawan Gandhi, with the design built around these material considerations. Zardozi embroidery was placed along the pallu and borders, following the line of the drape and leaving the body of the sari largely uninterrupted. Worked in a tonal palette, the embroidery stayed integrated into the velvet, allowing the fabric’s depth to remain legible.
Cut as a halter with a sweetheart neckline, the blouse is densely embroidered, carrying the same tonal intensity as the sari. The coverage at the bodice concentrated the embroidery higher on the body, while the exposed shoulders and neckline introduced variation through cut and proportion. This allowed the embellishment to remain continuous without flattening the silhouette.
Kapoor wore her hair straight and left it loose, falling past her shoulders and sitting close to her body. Makeup stayed within a muted range, with softly lined eyes and a neutral lip that did not introduce additional contrast. Elongated drop earrings added verticality, while oxidised silver bangles brought texture to the wrists.
From Vogue’s fashion desk:
“Work with a velvet strappy gown in the same navy hue with similar embroidery details to further enrich the look. Pair this with a statement silver or antique diamond chandelier earrings and dull silver strappy sandals,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.
Also read:
Ananya Panday’s rust House of Masaba ensemble pairs foil detailing with a gold gota blouse
9 looks from Janhvi Kapoor’s modern wardrobe featuring pearl saris, breastplates and more
All four of Janhvi Kapoor’s looks at TIFF were rooted in Indian craftsmanship and design
