Bhumi Pednekkar’s Diwali look offered a striking reinterpretation of Ritu Kumar’s design language. Styled by Manisha Melwani, her ensemble, complete with Anu Merton jewelry and custom Preet Kaur heels, married the designer’s archival craftsmanship with a contemporary silhouette.
The short jacket and the flared skirt formed a dialogue of textures. The high-necked jacket, densely embroidered with zardozi, resham and metallic threads, featured diagonal motifs and floral butis on a burnished amber base. Its sleeves alternated gold and navy blue embroidery, creating rhythm and contrast. Below, the skirt unfolded in rich panels of brocade and velvet, each with a different archival motif in shades of rust, ocher and sage. The surface shimmered softly with gota and zari details that caught the light without overpowering it. A chiffon dupatta quilted with gold thread and edged with tassels at the corners tempered the structured silhouette.
Pednekkar’s accessories reflected the maximalist nature of the outfit. Around her neck was a mix of layered pieces: a polki, ruby and pearl choker that framed her collarbones, a sculpted torc-style necklace with interlocking plates, and a longer polki strand glimpsed beneath her jacket. Tiered jhumkas and silver rings completed the look, while embroidered gold heels extended the artisanal narrative from head to toe.
Bhumi Pednekkar’s beauty look stayed close to earthy tones with soft contour skin, a neutral peach lip and cat-eye wings, while her hair was left open in loose waves, completing the handcrafted look.
From Vogue’s Fashion Desk:
“This Ritu Kumar ensemble is crisp and opulent. Forget the dupatta and heavy jewellery. Let the suit and skirt ensemble be the focal point, focusing on the textiles and the richness of colors and handwork. Pair them with a structured mini bag and a ponytail to complete the look,” says Divya Balakrishnan, fashion associate, Vogue India.
