A swift Wikipedia glance will tell you all about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Not that you need a background check on the former Miss World & her countless other accomplishments. She is irrefutably gorgeous, eloquently spoken (cue her brilliant interview with David Letterman) & an eminent symbol representing India on foreign waters.
And with great power, comes great responsibility or so they say. Naturally, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is tasked with attending umpteen charity galas & dining with the big guns whilst wearing the crème de la crème of the fashion industry. Maison Valentino, Gaurav Gupta, Michael Cinco & the list is rather exhaustive.
Let’s run through her best style moments.
Pageant Throwback
Crowned the second Miss World from India, her wardrobe, pre & post the pageant was a sight to behold. With ample sartorial guidance from Hemant Trivedi, who also happened to be the prime designer for most pageant gowns back in the 90s, this win ushered a new era for Indian representation overseas.
90s Playbook
Lensed in an Egyptian blue, halter neck gown with impeccably fine ruching details, this look gives us an insight into Ash’s early explorations with high fashion, long before her mainstream breakthrough.
Old Hollywood Reinterpreted
It’s a pity that most folks are oblivious to the Indian adaptation of Pride & Prejudice titled Bride and Prejudice. With Ash starring as a main lead in this Bollywood musical, what really caught our eye & probably motivated legions of her fans to watch the flick, was this very ensemble for the movie premiere. The champagne gold hue & the old Hollywood style curls – what’s not to like? Today’s stylists need to take notes.
Sari For Days
Wearing a semi sheer Neeta Lulla classic sari for the 55th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, the very resplendent Devdas actress walked the carpet with director extraordinaire Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The no frills, humble styling alongside her decision to pair a bindi along was lauded for its sheer simplicity & grace.
Leatherette Liasons
Essaying the role of Sunehri in the action-adventure film Dhoom 2, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s risqué, cutout laced, corset heavy wardrobe was a dream for every teenage girl growing up. Me included. And now that Halloween’s around, one could easily bet 1000 bucks that there’ll be at least one girl dressed as her character in every house party.
The Blue Michael Cinco Moment
The year is 2017. Filipino designer Michael Cinco’s luxe powder blue ballgown encrusted with Swarovski crystals makes the cut. Characterized by layers of chunky tulle gathering & icy blue thread work, this Elsa meets Cinderella look was surely one for the books. The paparazzi was agog, the fashion circuit was buzzing & fans back home were blessed with another look to worship. Nothing out of the blue for Mrs. Bachchan.
Valentino Pink Print
Pierpaolo Piccioli knows how to market, sustain & propel a brand to newer heights. And doing so with just a color? Man’s a visionary. This specific shade of pink, now also known as Valentino pink was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s armour of choice from top to toe for this year’s Cannes outing.
The Butterfly Effect
Having taken over 3000 hours to make, this Michael Cinco gown reflected the dream sequence of a butterfly metamorphosis. Featuring a long, floor sweeping trail, the intricate scallops of embellishments in hues of blue and violet surely make this one of her best sartorial serves.
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