Nita Ambani looked ethereal in the beautiful Ashavali saree on Swadesh's first anniversary. Here's everything you need to know about the gorgeous weave.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleNita Ambani has once again left everyone mesmerised with her beautiful saree. The businesswoman has one of the finest saree collections, and she once again brought her fashion game to celebrate Swadesh's first anniversary. Nita wore a beautiful Ashavali weave to honour her Gujarati roots.
Nita Ambani's saree collection is one we have all wanted to get our hands on. Her attires are not just garments, but stories woven into fabric, honouring the intricate history of the country's textiles. Nita often brings long-forgotten heritage weaves of India to both the national and global stage, reminding everyone that an outfit is more than just a fashion statement.
So this year, for the first anniversary of Swadesh, the businesswoman once again channelled her inner fashionista and gave the world one of the rarest and most complex weaves from the state of Gujarat. For those who are unfamiliar with Swadesh, it is an artisan-focused retail and cultural initiative helmed by Nita Ambani. For the occasion, she wore an Ashavali brocade saree by Royal Brocades, a brand launched by a third-generation weaver and textile revivalist Paresh Patel.
The deep magenta pink saree with a rich maroon and gold border was handwoven in Gujarat's Ridrol village and took five months to create. The weaver behind the creation, Paresh Patel, revealed that two artisans poured their hearts into the weave, taking charge of dyeing, warping and weaving. Talking about the weave itself, the Ashavali weave was developed in the 9th century in the Ashaval kingdom. According to reports, it was a region on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati River, in modern-day Ahmedabad.
Nita Ambani's saree was woven on a traditional jala loom, a traditional handloom mechanism used in India to weave intricate figurative patterns and extra-weft designs. Apart from Ashavali, these machines are also used for Banarasi and Baluchari sarees. Nita's saree also features heritage motifs of elephants and peacocks, called hathi mor jangla.
Paresh Patel revealed this was the same pattern that his grandfather used to weave, with paisley buttas and geometric lattices. The border features parrots in a meenakari-inspired leitmotif, which is also true to the saree's heritage style. Meanwhile, the pallu featured a symbolic tree-of-life design with vases, replete with meenakari detailing.
Nita Ambani paired the beautiful saree with a custom blouse from designer Manish Malhotra. The old velvet koti-style blouse added a sense of regality to the entire outfit without taking away from the magnificent creation of Paresh Patel. The blouse piece carried beautiful embroidery. Manish reimagined the antique embroidery with intricate gold floral designs.
Nita completed her look with statement jewellery, including geometric diamond danglers, a tiered red stones necklace, bangles and a ring encrusted with rubies from her personal collection. She kept her hair adorned with gajra to complement the saree's grandeur. Nita Ambani kept her base natural, while finishing the look with kohl-rimmed eyes, a soft pink lip and a red bindi.
Talking about the price of the saree, the weaver or any verified source has not disclosed the cost. However, according to market estimates, these sarees can range anywhere from Rs. 36,000 to over Rs. 52,000 depending on the work, fabric, design and maker costs. Nonetheless, since the typical saree takes 15-20 days to complete, and since Nita Ambani's saree took months, it's safe to say its price has to be in lakhs.
The businesswoman is known for her collection, and the most intricate gemstone-encrusted work is estimated to be Rs. 40,00,000.
What are your thoughts on Nita Ambani's Ashavali brocade saree?
Next Read: Tobey Maguire Kissed Ice Spice At Ex-Wife Jennifer Meyer's Wedding? Viral Picture Sparks Buzz