Ananya Panday, the Bollywood star known for her fresh and vibrant style, recently took a walk down memory lane, literally! While walking the runway for Rohit Bal’s grand finale at Lakmé Fashion Week, she shared a charming anecdote. “My dad had this black velvet Rohit Bal jacket, sort of like a blazer, in his closet that I have stolen and kept with me, waiting for the right occasion,” she recounted, revealing a playful side to her fashion choices.
Panday’s connection with the late designer goes beyond just this treasured jacket. She’s known for her love of rummaging through her parents’ wardrobes, unearthing hidden gems ranging from vintage T-shirts to androgynous fits and archival pieces. For her sister’s wedding, Panday decided to ditch the overdone lehengas and turn to her mom’s wardrobe for a more understated yet striking look.
Her choice? A quintessentially 90s-coded kurta churidar set, a testament to the enduring appeal of classic styles. The suit, in a vibrant Firozi hue, instantly evoked the fashion trends of the 90s, a decade marked by strappy suits, cigarette pants, subtle embellishments, and voluminous blowouts. The suit featured a keyhole neckline, racerback detailing, and halter sleeves, showcasing just the right amount of skin, echoing the aesthetic of iconic 90s actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherji, Karisma Kapoor, and Aishwarya Rai.
Panday styled the suit, adorned with gota and kundan work, with a minimalist approach. Natural hair, fuss-free round earrings, and tinted glam let the outfit take center stage. While the suit didn’t necessarily resonate with conventional Bal motifs like big roses, rich solid colors, and opulent embroideries, it served as a meaningful reminder of the designer’s enduring legacy – creating clothes that empowered women to embrace quiet confidence and assured elegance.
Whether it’s firozi, bengani, or rani pink, worn for a simple function a decade ago or elaborate weddings today, Panday’s choice reiterates the timeless appeal of vintage pieces. Her story is a reminder to all fashion enthusiasts: the treasure trove you’re missing might just be hidden within your own mother’s wardrobe.
