Tamannaah Bhatia, the ever-stylish Bollywood actress, recently took us on a trip down memory lane with her choice of attire for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s Diwali celebrations. She donned a breathtaking rani pink lehenga, a testament to the power of fashion nostalgia and the enduring legacy of the veteran designers.
The lehenga, crafted from crushed silk, is a celebration of a technique introduced by the designer duo 38 years ago. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla shared the story behind this unique texture, a happy accident turned iconic design element. It all began with a burnt orange silk kurta that was accidentally stained with machine oil during tailoring. To remove the stain, the kurta was washed and left to dry in a twisted state. The next day, they discovered the fabric had miraculously crushed, creating a stunningly textured effect. Recognizing the potential of this unexpected outcome, they embraced it, introducing it as a signature element in their collections.
The crushed fabric quickly gained popularity, gracing the wardrobes of renowned personalities like Jaya Bachchan and Dimple Kapadia. From the early days of their career, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have championed pure fabrics, exquisite cuts, and voluminous silhouettes that drape gracefully to the floor. Their signature use of silk, khadi, Mysore chiffons, and crepe de chine, paired with their innovative techniques, established their unique position in the world of Indian fashion.
Tamannaah’s lehenga, a revival of this cherished technique, is a testament to the enduring appeal of nostalgia in fashion. The rani pink ghagra, paired with a matching choli featuring churi sleeves (another archival signature) and an open back adorned with latkans and ghungroos, embodies the essence of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s signature style. Even the crushed dupatta features ghungroos on its hem, adding a touch of delicate movement and sound to the ensemble.
Adding to the grandeur of the look, Tamannaah chose to accessorize with a statement piece from Raj Mahtani Couture Jewels. The Dazzling Flowers necklace, a testament to the designer’s artistry and craftsmanship, is a breathtaking composition of bold polki diamonds, radiant yellow citrines, serene aquamarines, lustrous South Sea pearls, and vivid rubies. Each detail speaks to the 400 meticulous man-hours invested in its creation, making it a true masterpiece of haute joaillerie. A magnificent 50-carat emerald-studded polki ring served as a conversation starter, adding a touch of regal elegance to the ensemble.
Tamannaah’s choice of attire not only celebrates the timeless appeal of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s signature style but also highlights the resurgence of vintage trends in contemporary fashion. It’s a reminder that while trends come and go, the allure of nostalgia continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
