Isha Ambani’s wardrobe is an eclectic mix of Indian and Western couture, paying homage to the rich heritage and talent of both sides of the world. Whether it’s her family’s wedding celebrations or the iconic steps of the Met Gala, Isha never misses a chance to shine a special spotlight on Indian artisans and craftsmanship.
Last night, Anaita Shroff Adajania took to Instagram to share the stunning results of her latest collaboration with Italian couturier Roberto Cavalli — a custom pink Bandhani gown, inspired by a 2012 project.
Sharing insights into this collaboration, the stylist wrote: “A really special collaboration with Roberto Cavalli creating a couture gown for Isha that elegantly fused Indian craftsmanship with Italian couture. Handmade over months using classic Bandhani traditionally from Kutch, crafted by local artisans.”
Designed by Fausto Puglisi, the look drew inspiration from Cavalli’s 2012 collaboration with Vogue India for Project Renaissance – a “very special” piece of work for Adajania.
Isha Ambani in custom Robert Cavalli (Source: Instagram/@anaitashroffadajania)
Inspired by the original design, which featured a halter-neck fishtail gown in maroon with golden brocade embroidery panels stitched along the expanse of the fabric, Isha’s hot pink ensemble featured similar golden embroidery. For accessories, she chose pink and white diamond-shaped earrings, dainty finger rings, and a sleek wrist charm, and kept her hair loose and voluminous. A wash of soft pink on her lips and eyes, and rosy blush accentuated her look.
“Assigning Indian textiles to global fashion houses and asking them to reimagine tradition? Genius,” digital creator and fashion critic Diet Sabya wrote on their Instagram. “When Anaita Shroff Adajania recreates one of those iconic looks today, it’s not just a throwback but a love letter to a moment in time (pre-Instagram) when magazines and publishing reigned supreme and the fashion editorial was gospel. Before content became “content,” before stylists had to chase engagement metrics, and before the AI-fication of design-at-large.”
Netizens, too, were highly impressed with many of them responding with comments like: “Stunning,” “Epic,” “What a spectacular fusion of heritage and haute couture. The Bandhani detailing adds such soul to the silhouette, a true celebration of Indian artistry meeting Italian drama. Loved seeing Cavalli’s legacy reimagined with such depth and meaning. Bravo, @anaitashroffadajania ,” and “Absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️.”
Story continues below this ad
Isha Ambani’s love for Bandhani is nothing new, though. For her brother’s wedding celebrations last year, she wore a custom Arpita Mehta tier ruffle Bandhani sari with signature mirror, thread, and cut danna hand embroidery to craft motifs.
Roberto Cavalli’s 2012 design (Source: Instagram/@dietsabya)
A little about Bandhani
Kolkata-based Naina Jain, the creator of #EvergreenBandhanis, provided us with a glimpse into the traditional art of Bandhani, a piece of history, culture, and storytelling with deep roots in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
“Bandhani is the hand-tying process of fabric into a desired pattern, where each small portion is picked minutely and tied using cotton thread,” said Naina. These knots are the foundation of bandhani’s intricate beauty, each symbolising life events like birth, marriage, and celebration.
Artisans from remote Kutch villages are the true craft masters, tying each knot with precision to ensure uniformity and symmetry. This labour-intensive craft can take days, weeks, or even months to complete. Unlike mass-produced fabrics, true bandhani is all about the slight imperfections.
Story continues below this ad
“In real bandhani, no two dots are exactly alike. That’s the mark of a hand-crafted piece,” said Jain. The slight irregularities, the dots that don’t quite align, and the patterns that seem to dance across the fabric are what give authentic bandhani its charm.
