While Disney was creating magic onscreen with their live-action retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale, Indian artisans were weaving their own form of magic offscreen through Belle’s wardrobe.
Sinéad O’Sullivan, assistant costume designer of the movie, will have you know that doing justice to the eighteenth century aesthetic is no small feat. When it came to commissioning exquisite French floral designs for Belle’s costumes, she spread her web wide and of course, caught on to the good artisans of Bhuj, Gujarat.
As part of her commitment to the ‘Who made my clothes’ initiative, O’Sullivan shared the story of the artisan brothers Kasam and Juma who brought the beautiful Aari work alive. The fine chain stitch embroidery, native to the Kutch area, eventually made its way to Belle’s bodice in the movie.
And the Indian connect doesn’t end there. Watson’s famous red cape was crafted using 12 different fabrics that were sourced from fair trade co-operatives in India.
How’s that for your daily dose of patriotism?