Janhvi Kapoor’s radiant aura is always captivating, but she recently reached a new level of brilliance with the help of pearls. While promoting her upcoming action drama, ‘Devara: Part 1’, in Chennai, Kapoor donned a mesmerizing sage gold outfit by Gaurav Gupta, a masterpiece adorned with a lavish array of pearls. This ensemble, a perfect fusion of haute couture, artisanal skill, and exquisite gemstones, showcased a mermaid-style lehenga skirt paired with a flowing pallu and a sensual bralette.
This isn’t the first time Gupta has drawn inspiration from the ocean’s depths. His previous collection, ‘Venus Rising’, showcased intricate details inspired by the cosmic ocean, while his ‘Prism Blur’ spring/summer ’24 collection offered a sea-inspired visual journey through colors and crafts. With Kapoor’s recent sari, Gupta has tapped into the ocean’s most cherished natural treasure: the pearl. He artfully incorporated the gemstone in various shapes, ivory shades, and sizes, creating a surface ornamentation that evokes the gentle rhythm of waves.
“Janhvi is wearing our custom sage gold pearl embroidered sari, featuring a mermaid-style lehenga and a halter neckline blouse,” revealed Gupta. “The top and skirt are crafted from silk crepe, chosen for its fluid texture that allows for a perfect drape in tulle. The embroidery features over 2,500 pearls, glass beads, and about 1,000 fine crystals—each one carefully placed to add that ethereal shimmer. The three-dimensional pearl embroidery creates multiple textures and the artwork is designed with an anatomical degree of detail. It’s actually a traditional take from one of our ‘Hiranyagarbha’ looks from Paris Couture Week autumn/winter ’23 collection,” he explained.
The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the sari’s creation, which took 10 skilled artisans over 600 hours to complete. “This sari was a true labor of love, which took 10 karigars over 600 hours to bring it to life. Every pearl, bead, and crystal was hand-sewn, and it’s that attention to detail that makes this piece so special,” Gupta elaborated. Adding to the dazzling ensemble, Kapoor accessorized with pearl-encrusted jewels from Jet Gems, completing the look with statement earrings and a ring.
This isn’t the first time Kapoor has embraced unconventional jewelry by incorporating it directly into her outfits. She previously wore a dazzling blouse adorned with real gold temple pieces for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding. At the opening night of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, she wore an ivory lehenga paired with a captivating blouse featuring meticulously suspended pearls that cascaded like a waterfall.
While the use of precious materials in couture is not a new concept, with gold and silver threads woven into traditional saris like Benarasis and Kanjeevaram silks for generations, this contemporary subversion of bejewelled outfits feels undeniably fresh and exciting. The ornaments and gemstones directly encrusted on the garment create a playful and luxurious aesthetic.
The styling consensus? First, complement the look with accessories that share the same leitmotif – think pearls with pearls and polki with polki. Second, accentuate the look with makeup that embraces sparkle and shine, like Kapoor’s bronzer and glossy lips. It’s a testament to the inherent luxury of the ensemble.
Janhvi Kapoor’s pearl-encrusted sari is a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship infused with a modern sensibility. This is a look that embodies both timeless elegance and a captivating sense of style, proving that luxury can indeed be both classic and contemporary.
