Alia Bhatt recently made a style statement that left fashion enthusiasts talking. Wearing Masaba Gupta’s ‘Patakha’ sari, she effortlessly blended modern sensibilities with rich Indian heritage. The sari, a masterpiece of design, took over 275 hours of intricate embroidery to complete, showcasing the craftsmanship that defines Masaba’s work.
The Sari That Stole the Show
The ‘Patakha’ sari features Mughal-inspired buttis, Rajasthani arches, and golden zari borders, making it a visual delight. Each element tells a story: the hem is adorned with jharokha motifs reminiscent of traditional haveli windows, created through patchwork and appliqué techniques. Shimmering golden buttis cover the body, while Masaba’s signature bright pink injects a playful, modern vibe.
This sari is a perfect example of how tradition and contemporary fashion can come together. It’s not just about the embroidery; it’s about celebrating the heritage of Indian textiles in a way that feels fresh and wearable.
Styling That Speaks Volumes
Alia paired the heavy drape with a simple strappy blouse, a styling choice that allowed the sari to take center stage. Her statement jewelry, a pair of oversized temple-style jhumkas featuring elephants, added a festive charm. In Indian culture, elephants symbolize prosperity, wisdom, and good beginnings, making them a meaningful choice for celebratory events. She complemented the look with gold bangles and a single gold ring, carefully avoiding a necklace to keep the focus on the sari and earrings.
This styling choice aligns with a growing trend among celebrities: letting one bold statement piece lead the look, rather than overcrowding it with multiple accessories.
Hair and Makeup: Simple Yet Impactful
Alia’s beauty look stayed true to her usual style: a middle-parted bun, dewy skin, muted pink lips, and softly defined lashes. A tiny green bindi added a subtle pop of color, while glossy soft-pink nails completed the ensemble. This understated approach balances the sari’s intricate detailing and ensures that the overall appearance feels elegant rather than overdone.
Masaba Gupta: Making Tradition Trendy
Masaba Gupta has a knack for making heritage fashion legible for a new generation. Her designs often incorporate prints like hibiscus flowers or cow motifs, but she also honors traditional embroidery techniques such as zari and patchwork. The key is not novelty for the sake of it, but rather showcasing how tradition can be expansive, playful, and wearable.
The ‘Patakha’ sari is a perfect example: it’s festive, celebratory, and rooted in history, yet it fits seamlessly into a modern wardrobe.
Tips for Fashion Enthusiasts
- Choose a heavily embroidered sari and pair it with a simple blouse to let the craftsmanship shine.
- Let one statement piece of jewelry take the lead while keeping other accessories minimal.
- Keep hair and makeup understated to balance an ornate outfit.
- Experiment with modern drapes such as dhoti-style or pant-style, which create fresh silhouettes while honoring tradition.
- Don’t shy away from bright colors; they add a festive feel and make intricate embroidery pop.
Celebrating Heritage, Effortlessly
Alia Bhatt’s Masaba Gupta sari proves that celebrating Indian tradition can be stylish, modern, and effortless. With careful styling choices, it’s possible to honor heritage while embracing contemporary fashion trends. Whether for a festival, wedding, or special occasion, this approach ensures that tradition never feels heavy or outdated.
Fashion enthusiasts can take inspiration from Alia’s formula: heritage garment + simple styling + one standout accessory = timeless, festive elegance.