Slated to be the year 2017-2018’s biggest and most talked about release – the historic feature on the heroic Mallika-e-Chittor Rani Padmini aka Padmavati – has been in the limelight, ever since it went into production. Massively talked about, owing to the historic story and numerous controversies surrounding it, the soon-to-be released magnum opus by ace Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali garnered further attention and spotlight, when its first poster – featuring a stunning Deepika Padukone as the eponymous legendary queen – was released during Navratri – amidst much fanfare. It is undeniable that the journey and experience, from then on, has been tremendous for the cast and crew – with everything getting rave reviews – from the actors, cinematography, famed ‘Ghoomar’ song and the whole aura!
But, what has caught on the fancy of millions across India and the world – is the central character’s Goddess Queen styling and her splendid ensembles.
Ensemble Designer/s of stunning costumes for Padmavati
The designer duo – Rimple and Harpreet Narula – form the designer team of this epic saga. The dexterous minds behind the now-super-famous ‘Ghoomar’ lehenga and other elaborate costumes, they were hand-picked by the film’s director Sanjay Bhansali.
The designer Harpreet Narula revealed that capturing the Rajasthani and Islamic/ Central Asian (related to Alauddin Khilji) essence entailed tonnes of research and hard work, including visits to museums, referring to historical records, visiting antique markets and vintage shops – and using the same textiles, vegetable dyes and colors, used traditionally in Rajasthan. In tune with the authentic Rajasthani heritage, many of these grand ensembles had modest bases – in muslin, cotton and local textile dyeing/ printing techniques like leheriya, bandhani and Gharchola. Many of the costumes in the movie have been hand embroidered – with avid usage of vintage ostentation techniques like ‘Varq Ka Kaam’, Gota-Patti and Kachchi Patti borders.
But there’s another aspect that adds immensely to the overall grandeur of the looks curated for the film – the opulent antique jewelry. It’s a well-known fact now that the much-loved jewelry retailer Tanishq is behind these breathtaking pieces and carefully curated Rajputana look and feel of the film and characters.
Well, for us mere mortals, it may not be easy to get these priceless heirlooms, reproduced so resplendently in these nuggets of our rich history. But, there surely are a few ways that can be employed to recreate the breathtaking Rajasthani Royal Princess look! Ready to sprinkle some Padmavati flavor on your wedding diaries in 2018? Here are some simple and easy ways –
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Get your jewelry right!
You don’t need to look twice at Deepika Padukone’s imposing image in Padmavati’s posters to guess how important jewelry has been in creating this entire look. The looks are an ode to the antique Jadau, Kundan and other heritage jewelry-making techniques – and that, obviously, is trending. Kundan jewelry – popularly associated with Jaipur and Chittor – is going to be big – and so shall be chokers and heavy neck-pieces. Get yourself one that beautifully frames your neckline for a truly majestic feel.
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Decorate your face, hair and head…
Head gear like Maang Teeka, Matha Patti, Jhoomar, Bodla, Nath and more, quite visibly, make the nucleus of the dazzling jewels by Tanishq – and brand and film’s key jewelry designer Queeta Rawat. Needless to say these wonderful pieces of art have been instrumental in creating the grandeur and legendary appeal of the costumes. If you also wish to recreate some of that magic – do invest in such pieces de resistance – and decorate your forehead, hair and pretty face with these. Just don’t go overboard – and do all of it together, though. For example a noticeable Matha Patti or hair chain is good enough – and ideally should not be complemented with an ornate Nose jewelry (unless you are the bride yourself).
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Invest in heritage garments and weaves
Patolas from Gujarat, Banarasis from Benaras or Gharcholas of Rajasthan – or the much loved bandhani and leheriya sarees – these heritage weaves are a class apart. Each piece is like a slice from our culture and history – and if you wear them with élan and proper styling – we assure you that you will stand out beautifully.
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Stock up on Reds and Rani Pinks
This as well is quite noticeable that the love for reds, pinks, magentas and tangerines was ample in our olden times – and that has been nicely captured in the movie Padmavati. So, if curating a royal look – from the historic and cultural Indian hinterland – is on your mind – you cannot avoid these jewel tones. Reds, maroons, deep pinkish violets, rani pink or fuchsia and orange – were all considered auspicious colors – that is another reason you will see them in the magnum opus.
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The magic of Duppatta and Odhanis
Don’t ditch those head scarves, if you wish to recreate any of that Queen magic. Those erstwhile cultural beings always covered their heads with elaborate duppattas and odhanis – even when they were dancing wearing heavy 20 kilograms lehenga cholis – like Deeepika does in Ghoomar song. Even a simple lehenga choli in plain fabric will get a new leash of life, when you pair it with a stunning, heavy duppatta. This is also where you can add grandeur and richness by wearing gharchola or bandhani duppattas.
