Saris possess distinct characteristics, yet they hold the same significance, the very soul of a culture
In the quiet corners of some closets lies a sari, patiently folded, brimming with anticipation for its special day. For others, it’s a daily companion, washed, dried, and hung with care, swaying gently in the garden breeze. The drapes of a saree tell stories in every Indian household, with cherished memories woven into the pleats and sheltered in the pallu.
Whether it’s the intricately woven Benarasi sari on jacquard pit looms or Manipur’s cotton-based ‘Moirang Phee’ woven on throw and shuttle looms, each version of the sari possesses its distinct characteristics, yet it holds the same significance, the very soul of a culture. With over a hundred different draping styles, this attire has been the object of fascination for the international eyes as well. From Naomi Campbell’s Met Gala appearance in a salmon pink sari-inspired ensemble from Chanel’s spring/summer 2010 couture collection to Bollywood starlets such as Deepika Padukone championing the silhouette on global red carpets like Cannes, this Indian emblem has travelled the globe. Designers, including Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Ryoko Haraguchi, and many more, have embraced the vibrant charm of the sari. Let us look at iconic sari-inspired looks that have captivated a global audience.
- Getty Images1/20For the Met Gala 2023, Naomi Campbell wore a vintage piece from Chanel’s spring/summer 2010 couture collection, drawing inspiration from the sari. Her ensemble featured a salmon pink silky fabric draped over a metallic blouse with silver embroidered trimmings
- Getty Images2/20A sari-like gown in vibrant green silk from Dior’s pre-fall 2023 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, against the iconic backdrop of the Gateway of India
- Instagram: @abujanisandeepkhosla3/20At the NMACC event, Gigi Hadid wore an exclusive ivory and gold chikankari sari by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. She paired it with a cropped sleeve jacket blouse inspired by South Indian temple jewelry, adorned with intricate details and eye-catching tassels. The chikan work, a masterpiece of hand embroidery, was skillfully crafted by female artisans at the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla atelier in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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- Getty Images4/20During Paris Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2008-2009, Alexander McQueen paid homage to his fascination with India’s textiles and design. One of the standout pieces was a creatively draped red silk sari, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. This was complemented by maharaja-style jewellery, adding a regal touch to the overall presentation
- Instagram: @rahulmishra_75/20Zendaya was elegantly dressed in a custom creation by Rahul Mishra Couture at the NMACC launch in Mumbai. Her attire featured a hand-embroidered deep blue ‘Verdure’ saree gown with flower motifs. She paired it with a ‘Flying Cranes’ bralette, also designed by Rahul Mishra Couture
- Getty Images6/20Presented at the Spring/Summer 2016 Runway on Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Elie Saab unveiled an exquisite embroidered ivory gown featuring a sari-inspired drape. The collection was reportedly an inspiration from an English woman’s journey to India. It blended elements from both cultures
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- Getty Images7/20Naomi Campbell wore a lilac pink embellished sari at a Louis Vuitton party in Soho, New York City, circa 1993
- Instagram: @rahulmishra_78/20The Weibo Music Awards saw Chinese singer-songwriter, Curley Gao gracing the event in a magnificent Sunderbans-themed sari gown set from Rahul Mishra’s “We, The People” collection
- Getty Images9/20Supermodel Naomi Campbell walked the runway at the ‘Mai Mumbai’ show at Lakme India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009, wearing a black sheer sari with bold golder zari by Sabyasachi Mukherjee at Grand Hyatt in Bombay, India
- Getty Images10/20A crimson-hued attire took the spotlight in Marchesa’s Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection. Resembling the richness of traditional Benarasi fabric, the ensemble featured a drape-like accent, paying homage to Indian-inspired design
- Vogue India11/20In a 2018 photoshoot for Vogue India, Kim Kardashian was draped in a scarlet chiffon saree adorned with sequins, a creation of designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee
- Getty Images12/20A rich, deep violet sari-dress featuring a one-shoulder drape with a striking golden zari border from Jean Paul Gaultier’s Hermes Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection
- Getty Images13/20An elegant blue sheer gown, distinguished by a traditional over-the-shoulder sari drape from Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection
- Getty Images14/20At the MET Gala 2022, Natasha Poonawalla graced the event in a custom, floor-sweeping tulle saree with gold handcrafted prints by Sabyasachi Mukherjee
- Getty Images15/20A captivating black tulle gown with distinctive sari drape and exquisite crystal dot embellishments, from Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall 2017 Haute Couture collection. Notably, the creation was a labor-intensive masterpiece, requiring over 100 hours for its meticulous construction, with an additional 70 hours dedicated to the delicate overlay of silk tulle
- Instagram: @taruntahiliani16/20In 2012, Lady Gaga wore a white Tarun Tahiliani saree made from sleek jersey fabric, paired with a corset featuring intricate cut-outs for her performance in Delhi
- Getty Images17/20A striking golden sari-inspired dress with silver drape accent in raw silk material from Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 “Paris-Bombay” collection
- Instagram: @deepikapadukone18/20Deepika Padukone wears a Sabyasachi sari for her red carpet debut as a Cannes Film Festival jury member in 2022
- Getty Images19/20A sheer blue sari-inspired gown from the runway in Marchesa’s Spring 2013 RTW collection. Crafted from delicate tulle, it captured the essence of traditional drapery with a modern twist
- Getty Images20/20Madonna in a traditional royal blue sari at the VH1 Vogue fashion awards show in 1998
