Celebrity Saree Looks

Sarees. They are not just a traditional Indian garment, but a cultural symbol that signifies grace, elegance and heritage. They have been worn for centuries, and continue to evolve with time, adapting to the latest and modern fashion trends. 

They are especially popular among celebrities, because they blend tradition with modernity, and allow the celebrities to blend tradition with modernity, as well as honour cultural roots, and make a style statement. Seeing Bollywood celebrities in sarees at global events makes every Indian feel proud that their culture is being showcased in other parts of the world.

So, what kind of occasions call for a saree? 

• Traditional Events: Bollywood celebrities often choose sarees for weddings, religious functions, and cultural events to connect with their roots. Sarees are versatile, which means that they can be styled in various ways, making them suitable for everything, from simple ceremonies to grand celebrations. 
• Red Carpet Appearances: Sarees have become a go-to choice for red carpet events. They offer a different look that stands out among the usual Western gowns. Designers can create glamorous versions with elaborate versions with elaborate embroidery, modern cuts, and unique draping styles that appeal to celebrities.

Iconic Celebrity Saree Moments

Classic Bollywood Saree moments

• Sushmita Sen in ‘Main Hoon Na’: Sen’s iconic saree looks in this 2006 movie made a style statement. From her entry in the film, when a character very rightly remarks, “What a lovely saree!” to her final appearance in the end credits, every saree look was iconic! 
• Aishwarya Rai in ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’: The royal blue saree she wore in the song ‘Nimbooda’ was a fashion sensation and epitomised elegance with the intricate designs and colour choice. 
• Alia Bhatt in ‘Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahaani’: Alia Bhatt as Rani truly looked like a queen in her chiffon sarees. After the movie was released, the sarees she wore garnered the highest online search interest.

Modern Interpretations: 

• Deepika Padukone: Deepika Padukone frequently wears sarees for both traditional and modern looks. Her sarees are often pieces designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, that feature intricate work and luxurious fabrics. 
• Vidya Balan: Balan tops the list when it comes to celebrities in sarees. She is known for her love for sarees and often chooses traditional silk sarees, proving that classic textiles can also be fashionable and timeless! She can truly pull off the iconic celebrities in silk sarees. 

Hollywood celebrities in sarees

• Oprah Winfrey: Oprah wore a stunning gold and maroon saree during her visit to India. Her iconic look showed that the saree can transcend cultural boundaries. 
• Zendaya: During her visit to India, Zendaya wore a beautiful dark blue and gold saree, embracing a part of Indian culture during her time in the country. 
• Gigi Hadid: Hadid’s iconic gold saree look was the most talked about during her visit to India in 2023. 
• Lady Gaga and Naomi Cambell: Both Hollywood celebrities have donned the saree at different events at various times, showcasing the saree’s global appeal.

Celebrity Saree Trends

Pre-draped and Ready-to-Wear Sarees

Celebrities like Shilpa Shetty have made pre-draped sarees popular. These are easier to wear and move in, making them a practical and stylish event choice. 

Saree with capes and jackets

This trend adds a contemporary twist to the traditional saree. By incorporating capes or jackets, the saree worn by celebrities becomes more dramatic and modern. 

Experimental Fabrics and Drapes

A celebrity wearing a saree allows for experimentation with fabrics and drapes. From organza and chiffon to handwoven khadi and silk, celebrity designer sarees explore a wide range of fabrics that bring unique textures and draping styles. Stars like Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor have been seen in such experimental sarees.

Bollywood actress saree collection by designers

Designer Spotlights:

• Manish Malhotra: Manish Malhotra is known for his opulent and heavily embellished sarees. Actresses such as Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have been seen wearing his stylish saree collections. 
• Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Sabyasachi is one of the most popular designers of Bollywood; most celebrities in sarees often wear his designs. Sabyasachi is known for his use of traditional celebrities, vibrant colours, and intricate embroidery. They are a favourite among celebrities for weddings and red-carpet events. 

Custom-made celebrity sarees: 

Often, a Bollywood actress’ saree collection is made of customised sarees, often created for specific events or films. They have set trends in the fashion world. For example, Deepika Padukone’s wedding saree, designed by Sabyasachi, became a style icon for years! 

Colour-Specific Celebrity Saree looks

Celebrities in blue sarees: Blue sarees have been a popular choice, as they have a versatile appeal. From the traditional silk sarees worn by Aishwarya Rai to contemporary styles by actresses like Katrina Kaif, blue sarees are always the go-to colour for most celebrities!

Celebrities in golden sarees: Gold sarees are synonymous with glamour, and many stars have adorned gold sarees in various styles at different events. Take Deepika Padukone’s golden saree at the Cannes Film Festival; it was the major highlight of the event that left everyone talking about it!

Celebrities in Green sarees: Celebrities do not hesitate to try bold colour choices, such as emerald greens and other dark colours. They have made frequent appearances on stars such as Anushka Sharma.

Celebrity sarees for different occasions. 

• Red Carpet Sarees: Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor have set a style statement by wearing elegant and bold sarees at red carpet events, opting for embellished and designer sarees that rival even the most glamorous gowns!
• Wedding-inspired celebrity saree looks: Celebrities also wear luxurious sarees for weddings, whether they are a bride or a guest. Anushka Sharma’s reception saree, which was designed by Sabyasachi, became a trendsetter in the world of bridal fashion. 
• Casual Celebrity Saree looks: Stars like Vidya Balan and Rekha have pulled off the ‘casual celebrity in silk saree’ look effortlessly. Their regular use of sarees has showcased how these versatile garments can be a part of everyday wear. This actress’ saree collection comprises simple yet elegant sarees that are comfortable and stylish. 

Sarees by Material and Style

• Celebrities in Mysore Silk saree: Mysore silk is known for its fine quality in rich texture, and is a favourite among celebrities for its luxurious appeal. Stars like Sridevi and Aishwarya Rai have been seen in elegant sarees made from this fabric. Mysore silk sarees are also known for featuring intricate zari work and vibrant colours. 
  
• Celebrities in Banarasi Silk saree: This classic fabric is renowned for its opulent gold and silver brocade work. Actresses such as Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor have worn these types of sarees, known for their grandeur and timeless beauty. 
• Celebrities in cotton sarees: Cotton sarees are known for their comfort and breathability, and are ideal for casual or semi-formal occasions. Vidya Balan and Shilpa Shetty have worn these sarees for everyday events, reflecting their ease and elegance. 
• Celebrities in linen sarees: Linen sarees offer a sophisticated yet casual look, and stars like Rani Mukherji and Kajol have been spotted in linen sarees. These sarees are also appreciated for their lightness and drape. 
• Celebrities in Organza sarees: These are known for their lightweight and crisp texture, often used to create a floating effect. Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra have embraced organza sarees for their modern appeal. 
• Celebrities in sheer sarees: Mostly featuring delicate fabrics such as chiffon or tulle, sheer fabrics are contemporary for their graceful and contemporary look. Stars such as Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have worn sheer sarees to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to their look. 

Celebrity Saree Lookbook

Do you want to know how to recreate some iconic Bollywood celebrity saree looks? Then scroll through this lookbook and find your favourite saree-style options at Suvidha Fashions! 

At Suvidha Fashions, you will find a wide range of unique sarees so that you can also be as fashionable as Priyanka Chopra in her ‘Desi Girl’ look, or as beautiful as Sushmita Sen in ‘Main Hoon Na!’ 

How to Recreate Celebrity Saree Looks

Step-by-step guides:

• Draping Techniques: 
• Classic Nivi Drape: This is the most popular draping style that many celebrities in sarees have adopted. To achieve this look, you need to start by tucking one end of the saree into the petticoat on the right side and wrap it around your waist once. 
• Next, you make around 6 to 8 pleats and tuck them neatly into the petticoat, ensuring that the pleats face left.
• Drape the remaining fabric on your left shoulder and let it fall elegantly down your back. Secure it with a pin to get the structured look often seen on red carpets. 
• Bengali Drape: This draping style is mostly favoured because it is elegant. Tuck the saree at the waist on the right side and wrap it around, bringing the pallu over your left shoulder.
• Bring the pallu back around under your right arm and drape it over your left shoulder again, this time, pinning it in place.
• Create pleats in the front and pin them neatly at the shoulder.
• Pre-draped or Modern Drapes: Often seen on many celebrities wearing sarees, these are ready-to-wear sarees that often have structured pleats and unique designs such as capes or belts. These types of sarees provide a sleek and contemporary look while also eliminating the hassle of traditional draping. 
  
• Styling Tips:

• Jewellery: Match heavy sarees with minimal jewellery and lighter sarees with statement pieces. For example, you can pair a plain chiffon saree with oversized jhumkas or a bold necklace!
• Footwear: Go for heels if you wish to elongate your silhouette, especially if your saree has a lot of volume or is floor-length. Juttis or Kolhapuri chappals work well with traditional drapes like the Gujarati or Maharashtrian styles. 
• Make-up and Hair: Match the makeup to the saree’s vibe; bold eyes and nude lips for a glamorous look or soft pastels and floral hair accessories for a traditional or daytime look.

Affordable Alternatives:

• Budget-friendly sarees: Explore different brands known for selling stylish and affordable sarees. One such example is Suvidha Fashions. With a wide range of sarees inspired by celebrity saree looks, you will find great options within your budget and can recreate these looks effortlessly.
• Local Markets: Visit local markets like Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, or Mumbai’s Crawford market for good deals on beautiful sarees.

DIY Ideas: 

• Customisation: Add embellishments like borders, tassels or sequins to a plain saree, and give it a designer look at home! 
• Mix and Match: Pair a saree with a contrasting or designer blouse; experiment with trendy blouses like off-shoulder, crop tops, or even jackets.

Saree accessories worn by celebrities

• Statement Jewellery: Celebrities often pair sarees with statement jewellery pieces that highlight the overall look. For instance, heavy necklaces perfectly complement simpler necklines. For example, Aishwarya Rai has paired traditional sarees with heavy chokers or long temple jewellery, thus enhancing the classic vibe of her look. 
• Traditional V/S Contemporary: 
• Traditional jewellery: This category includes Kundan, Polki, temple jewellery and pearls. These types of jewellery pair well with traditional fabrics like the Banarasi silk or Kanjivaram sarees. 
• Contemporary Jewellery: Minimalist gold or silver pieces, trendy oxidised earrings and geometric designs work well with modern sarees like pre-draped or organza sarees.

Clutch Bags and Footwear:

• Clutch Bags: Celebrities often carry embellished clutches or potli bags with sarees. These can be richly decorated with sequins, beads or embroidery to add an extra touch of glamour. For modern saree looks, simple yet elegant clutches or small sling bags can give a more chic finish. 
• Footwear: Traditional sarees pair well with juttis, kolhapuris or mojris, adding an ethnic feel. For more glamorous or contemporary sarees, go for strappy heels, stilettos or wedges as they add height and help maintain the drape. 

Unique Angles and Untapped Content

Celebrities supporting traditional weavers:

• Promotion of Handloom Sarees: 
• Celebrities like Vidya Balan and Dia Mirza frequently support handloom sarees, emphasising on the importance of preserving traditional weaving techniques. 
• This actress’ saree collection features sarees from regional handlooms, such as Chanderi, Maheshwari or Ikkar, promoting sustainable fashion and supporting artisan communities. 
• Awareness Campaigns:
• Many stars are part of initiatives that raise awareness about the struggles of weavers and the importance of buying handmade and sustainable sarees.
• Examples also include #SareeTwitter and other social media movements where celebrities showcase handloom sarees to promote and support local weavers.

Sarees in International Media:

• Global Portrayal: 
• International celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid and even The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have embraced sarees during their visits to India or at other global events. 
• Fashion Magazines and global runway shows have featured sarees, highlighting versatility and appeal beyond South Asian culture. 
• Fashion Shows and Red Carpets: 
• Sarees have made appearances at International fashion events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala, where celebrities like Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt have showcased exquisite sarees, blending the traditional Indian attire international glamour with their celebrity saree look!

Influencer and Social Media Impact: 

• Instagram Trends: Social Media influencers set trends by mixing traditional sarees with modern twists, like pairing them with crop tops or sneakers. This has inspired young audiences to embrace sarees in everyday wear. Influencers also collaborate with brands, showcasing the various ways to style sarees; from casual brunches to festive occasions. 
• Social Media Campaigns: Collaborations between fashion brands and celebrities or influencers are driving saree trends with brands launching specific collections that cater to modern tastes, while still retaining the essence of traditional draping. Social media platforms are also used to debut new celebrity designer sarees, making it easy for fans to draw inspiration and recreate them at home at an affordable price.

Conclusion

Today, sarees are still the most worn garment among celebrities. Take the biggest event of the year for example: at the Ambani wedding in July 2024, many celebrities in sarees graced the event: from our very own Deepika Padukone to international celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian, who wore some unique sarees that took the fashion world by fire. 

If you want to recreate these looks, go for it, but remember to give preference to your style and comfort. Express your individuality and a new style by experimenting with sarees.

To help you with that, visit Suvidha Fashion’s online store or the complete family store in Dadar, Mumbai, where you can explore the wide range of sarees inspired by the various sarees worn by celebrities. Who knows, perhaps you will be the next trendsetter in the world of sarees, inspiring people to replicate your celebrity saree look!