Sonam Kapoor has long championed native crafts and textiles to a point where her occasion wear wardrobe could moonlight as an archive of artisanal traditions and techniques. For a recent outing, the actor chose an ochre and emerald green anarkali by Hyderabad-based designer Gaurang Shah’s namesake label, which celebrates the age-old craft of kalamkari. The actor has worn the heritage textile art form on several occasions, but this interpretation comes with a spin on the silhouette and shade.
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Where kalamkari is often translated on cotton, the artwork on Kapoor’s ensemble is painted on silk organza. “The fluidity of the fabric allows the artwork to come alive, creating a silhouette that feels both regal and ethereal,” says Shah. The warm-toned kalamkari skirt is covered in elaborate figurative scenes and features a bodice in a deep emerald green tone, which creates a sharp colour-blocked contrast. Its storytelling motifs become apparent up close. “The kalamkari artwork draws inspiration from the murals of Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra and their evocative visuals. Each element is painstakingly rendered by hand, making the process both intricate and time-intensive. What makes the piece particularly special is the way an ancient Indian art form is brought to life onto an unexpected, delicate fabric, allowing the grandeur of the ancient mural paintings to take on a contemporary, almost dreamlike quality,” he adds.
The diaphanous emerald green dupatta introduces another layer of craft. “The dupatta features chikankari and mukaish embroidery and complements the hand-painted kalamkari without overpowering it,” shares Shah.
Kapoor draped the dupatta over one shoulder, allowing the painted anarkali to hoard the spotlight and skip a necklace. She accessorised with a pair of traditional jhumkas. With a slick-back bun, she stayed in the festive territory for makeup with heavily kohl-lined eyes, a wash of gold eyeshadow and nude lips.
For anyone building a wardrobe around craft, an anarkali like Kapoor’s makes for an investment-worthy piece. Lightweight, unique and steeped in hand-painted kalamkari, it makes a compelling case for choosing occasion wear where the artistry does the talking.
Also read:
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s hand-painted Kalamkari sari took nearly 250 hours to make
Genelia Deshmukh’s chanderi lehenga was crowned with a Kalamkari dupatta hand-painted over 25 days
Sonam Kapoor styled a monochromatic anarkali look from Itrh with two dupattas
