When Deepika Padukone first made a splash on the big screen, her fashion choices made little or no impact. Wait, are we talking about the same woman who practically breaks the internet with every look now? Yup. As a rookie, she went full-glam and was always OTT – bejewelled saris, heavy lehengas, satin-finished bodycon gowns with her signature bouffant became routine. It wasn’t until her 2012 on-screen appearance in the movie Cocktail, which simultaneously transformed her reel style and lead to a revamp of her off-screen style as well. Her character in the film was a free-spirited-party-starter who dressed purely for fun – an approach Deepika continued to apply even after the film was over.
Her choice of ensembles consciously changed from trend-based to more individualistic and sharply defined her personality. Solid classics, fewer embellishments and statement pieces found their way into her closet. Later, her stylist Shaleena Nathani further polished her aesthetic and together they created some of her most iconic looks. Whether it was her extravagant fuchsia pink Ashi studio gown for Cannes or her stripe-on-stripe chic Prada look in Davos – she’s learnt the art of threading both routes tastefully. On the occasion of her 36th birthday, take a look at her complete evolution over the years.
1. Om Shanti Om Premiere (2007)
Throwing it way back to one of her first-ever movie premieres – Deepika Padukone twinned with the red carpet in a heavily bedazzled crimson lehenga.
2. Chandni Chowk To China Premier (2009)
Back when she was still committed to opulent dressing, the model-turned-actor sported a peach, ornamented gown by Tarun Tahiliani, layered with a faux-fur jacket.
3. Cannes Film Festival (2010)
Deepika and the six yards were always a match made in heaven. Case in point: the star in her gold and white embroidered Rohit Bal sari at the Cannes Film Festival.
4. Awards Night (2011)
Deepika in a structured scarlet Gauri & Nainika gown? Sold! Making the most of her tall stature, the actor looked like she finally found her mojo when it comes to red carpet dressing.
5. Fashion Awards (2013)
Deepika ditched the regular voluminous gowns for a detail-oriented nude silhouette by Sabyasachi, and the side-part waves with a red mouth punctuated the look. We love.
6. VMA’s (2016)
That time when Deepika was a first-time presenter for an international award show. To make the most of the occasion, she opted for a customised Monisha Jaisingh couture attire – which received mixed reviews but showcased her experimental side in fashion.
7. Met Gala (2017)
While Met Gala is popular for its avant-garde fashion, Deepika chose the minimal route for her debut appearance. A simple Calvin Klein satin dress with a risqué back detail worked effortlessly for the global star.
8. BOF Event (2019)
After a dreamy wedding, where she exclusively wore Sabyasachi for most of her events – Deepika further professed her love for the label in this sunshine yellow, subtle ruffled sari by the Kolkata-based conglomerate for a fashion event by Business Of Fashion.
9. Cannes (2019)
And then came the moment, where Deepika went all out in this shocking pink Ashi Studio gown and single-handedly stole the show on the Cannes red carpet.
10. Davos (2020)
Taking a complete 360-degree turn from her last Cannes appearance (because she can) Deepika showed up at the World Economic Forum in a deep violet, waist-cinching, cape sleeve detailed gown by Alex Perry.
Over the years, Deepika not only understood the assignment – but time and again, she broke the rules and changed the curriculum.
If scouring through glamorous fashion moments get you through the day, here are some more red carpet wonders.
