July was a busy month for Vidya Balan as the star was consistently making one sartorial statement after another while promoting her new feature, Shakuntala Devi. Her on-screen persona essayed the flair of the mathematical genius she portrays. Naturally, off-screen, Balan continued to opt for traditional, with a host of saris and kurtas, and a few off-beat Indian ensembles. What’s interesting is that the 41-year-old star was championing homegrown labels under the hashtag #VocalForLocal by opting for outfits made exclusively by Indian brands like Saundh, Shireen Shahana and Deep Thee. If you’ve been planning to upgrade your Indian wardrobe, take a look at some of her head-turning picks, and find out how you can recreate them.
She wore an ivory angarkha kurta for a virtual promotion of her film Shakuntala Devi
Vidya Balan has been actively using her time for the virtual promotions of her recently-released film Shakuntala Devi on Amazon Prime Video. Her outfits in the movie essentially feature a host of saris, be it weaves or chiffons. This is why for the e-promotional journey, Balan has not only stuck to traditional wear, but also championed lesser-known homegrown labels. From kurtas made with natural fibres to co-ord sets accented with much-loved crafts, the star’s stylists Shounak Amonkar and Pranay Jaitly have carefully curated ensembles in line with the movie’s aesthetic.
And for style watchers, Balan’s wardrobe has served as the perfect festive wear inspiration. Her most recent look saw her dressed in an ivory angarkha-style kurta. “Even for her post release promotions, we wanted to speak #VocalForLocal. This angarkha is a classic and Vidya loved it in a heartbeat,” reveal the stylists.
Featuring a sleeve in its pallu, Balan’s red shibori sari isn’t like any you already own
Vidya Balan's fashion choices off-screen have become significant of late. While promoting her latest biopic Shakuntala Devi online, the actor has been dressing up at home on a regular basis, and her wardrobe has been showcasing more sustainable, homegrown fashion labels, often spoken about on her Instagram page with the hashtag #VocalForLocal.
One of her recent looks truly stands out as a perfect combination of Indian crafts and innovation in design. The actor picked a handwoven red silk sari by studio Medium, which “takes on a fun twist to the saree with traditional tie dye,” the star wrote. Entirely handcrafted and naturally dyed, the same ensemble in bottle green has also been worn by Dia Mirza previously.
She promoted Shakuntala Devi in a purple silk sari with the most unusual sari border
Any Indian wear wardrobe is incomplete without heritage weaves. Traditionally-made textiles always lend a classic touch. For the virtual promotional round for her biopic Shakuntala Devi, the actor has been championing homegrown labels under the hashtag #VocalForLocal by opting for outfits made exclusively by local brands.
Among her breezy maxi dresses and lightweight woven saris, her recent ensemble stands out for its striking jewel tone. Featuring an intricately embroidered zari border and blouse, Balan’s royal purple chanderi silk sari by Deep Thee added a luxurious touch to her promotional wardrobe.
Vidya Balan wore jhumkas with her silk kurta
“Vidya loves jhumkas, so we completed her traditional look with statement gold options from Motifs By Surabhi Didwania,” added Shounak Amonkar. Since Balan’s kurta was eye-catching in itself, she stuck to makeup in neutral tones and kept her lightly blowdried hair open.
Balan’s black silk sari is an Indian wardrobe winner
Living in India, it’s easy to appreciate the magic and traditions of local textiles and crafts.
And there has never been a better time to support homegrown labels, which can not only safeguard weavers and craftsmen, but also empower them. Vidya Balan seems to agree. “Weavers are their best designers.
They know the limitations of the humble loom and hence make innovations within those limitations. Support artisans who actually herald our country’s textile tradition,” she said in one of her recent Instagram posts. Balan made a case for going #VocalForLocal by opting for outfits by native labels.