Why this anarkali is having a moment
The piece from Mishra is all about texture and not overdoing it. You have a check-patterned cloth for some understated depth and a line that is soft enough to let you move in it.
Get in close and the bodice does the talking. There is zardozi-style work, metallics and a bit of mirror in an old-world gold to make an opulent yoke. It gives you the heft of a statement neckpiece without the weight of one.
Then there is the dupatta. Sheer and ivory with a border of gold and some fine motifs, it is thrown over a shoulder to give the outfit some life, not any extra bulk.
Jewellery with a point of view
You can’t miss the Amrapali Maharani necklace. Heavily worked, it rests at the collarbone and holds the whole vibe in place. With some jhumkas, a stack of bangles and a ring or two to go with the antique-gold in the fabric, the story is told.
To keep with the vintage feel, she has a small potli bag with some mirror and metal work on it. And the juttis in a matching gold tie it all up and ground it in tradition.
The clothes are here to flatter the bling
This is an outfit that knows its place. The yoke has the ornate part, the dupatta is there to be soft, and the rest is kept simple so the accessories can have their say.
Hair and makeup: no fuss
Sonam isn’t in the mood for anything too much. Her hair is in a neat bun with a centre part to leave room for the embroidery. The face is what it should be: a nude lip, some glow and eyes that are defined but not heavy. It is a quiet kind of confidence.
That is where it is at. All the pieces come together for an old-timey sort of grace, but with a present-day feel to it.
A few things to note
Looking back at this, you get a good idea of what will last in your festive closet. It is not a trend you have to run after; it is about getting the proportions and the sheen right.
Some notes for when you are putting a look together:
– Go for texture to give it some body
– Make sure your metals on the outfit and in the jewellery are in sync
– If the embroidery is a lot, let the makeup be a little less
– Have one piece of jewellery do the work
– Put the dupatta where it can show off the neckline
What makes it worth looking at
It is more than a good photo. The hems on the bottom have some embroidery to show off the handiwork, but they don’t get in the way. And with the mix of ivory and gold, you can wear it to a sangeet or a reception with no trouble.
But it also puts a spin on how to be comfortable in something with a bit of history. The lines are easy, the sparkle is in check and the hair is unbothered. You can actually live in this.
A word on Sonam’s taste
You don’t end up being the go-to for red carpet style by accident. Before we saw her in films like Ranjhana, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo or Neerja, she was on set with Bhansali for Black way back in 2005. Even after tying the knot with Anand Ahuja in 2018, she has been the one to define what Indian occasionwear is about these days.
In the end
Ivory, some antique gold and a little self-control. With this Rahul Mishra number, Sonam has made a case for looking like you’re in a portrait while still being very much in the now. That is a kind of charm you want to remember.
