Exclusive: Everything You Need To Know About Alia Bhatt’s Rimple & Harpreet Narula Sari

Alia Bhatt just made a huge return to the big screen after a long break, courtesy of the pandemic. The dynamic actor's much-awaited biopic ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ hit the cinemas on February 25, 2022, and the run-up to the release was exciting to say the least. From the film’s energetic trailer that left fans hooked, to the star’s white wardrobe for the promotional rounds that defines grace and poise, Alia surely has grabbed everyone's attention.

While each of her looks have been well-thought out, one that recently caught our attention ought to be the bespoke Rimple & Harpreet Narula white couture sari that Alia wore to the Berlin International Film Festival. When taking a film internationally, it means only one thing: It’s the perfect excuse to flaunt the Indian drape, and that's exactly what the designer duo delivered. After multiple conversations Rimple and Harpreet Narula conceptualised the look and feel of the sari.

Keeping in sync with the essence of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, the designer duo created a pristine ivory silk chiffon sari with subtle detailing. Flowy fabric choices and championing the less is more approach, the designers wanted to keep the look young, modern and in sync with Alia's personality.

It took many man hours and a team of master karigars to complete the sari, which features delicate handcrafted embroideries. Speaking on what went behind creating the gorgeous ensemble they said, "We conceptualised an ivory sari with tonal embroideries and shimmering sequins, which was in a way our interpretation of her reel character on the red carpet. We wanted the sari to have a very sublime and ethereal feel, so our love for collecting vintage textiles from the world over became the catalyst in designing it. For the embroideries, we referenced Edwardian and French lace shawls that are part of our personal archives. A team of approximately 30 skilled karigars worked through days and nights over a span of around two weeks to get the sari ready on time. The embroideries were deftly crafted on the fragile chiffon base using various techniques such as shadow work, jaali ka kaam, aari ka kaam and were further layered with hand cut sequins, mother of pearl paillettes and imported pearls. The scalloped palla was edged with a hand knotted macrame fringe and the look was completed with a sequin encrusted blouse. To keep the Berlin-chill at bay the look was complemented with a plush lamé-pashmina shawl with pearl-work borders and a handcrafted minaudière,” the designers reveal to Khush.


Elegant and iconic, this sari is the perfect pick for a bride-to-be. Be it a beach wedding or an intimate wedding party. The designers suggest, “An ivory sari is an eternal classic, reminiscent of vintage portraiture of erstwhile royals and celluloid stars. This particular sari, with its European motif language, can be worn on multiple occasions, be it a champagne brunch with modern Art-Deco inspired jewellery, a cocktail party with vintage Victorian jewellery or to a reception night paired with elegant diamonds and pearls.”

Instagram Credits:
Aliaa Bhat: @aliaabhatt
Outfit: @rimpleandharpreet
Jewellery: @abfjewels
Styled by: @stylebyami