Sometimes, it’s not the dress but the details that steal the spotlight. At the world premiere Afterparty of The Bluff held at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the global icon made a statement that went far beyond fashion. While cameras flashed for her bright yellow gown, fans couldn’t stop zooming in on a tiny accessory that perfectly matched her on-screen pirate persona.
Wearing a custom couture creation by designer Gaurav Gupta, she embraced a look that blended Indian tradition with modern tailoring. The gown featured a pleated drape inspired by a saree pallu, which she styled over her head — a clear nod to her character Ercell Bodden’s first appearance in the film.
She shared on Instagram:
“Wearing this is an ode to Ercell Bodden, my character in The Bluff. In the opening of the film she appears with a dupatta over her head, a subtle but meaningful marker of identity and strength.
I love a saree. And when I saw this piece walk down the couture runway last month, it felt like a saree with a modern twist. We immediately called Gaurav and asked him to hold it for me.
There’s a quiet power in its simplicity. The precision of the tailoring, the way it drapes and moves, felt both rooted and forward looking, and the bright yellow is so synonymous with the colorful palette of India.
To me, this piece is a testament to the growing global scope of Indian fashion and how beautifully our heritage continues to evolve.”
But she made sure fans didn’t overlook the real conversation starter. She added, “PS: Don’t miss my treasure chest.”
True to her fierce pirate character ‘Bloody Mary’ Bodden, she carried a Sunken Treasure Chest bag by Judith Leiber (worth around Rs. 6 lakh). The palm-sized clutch, crafted in brass and covered in crystals, featured colorful gemstones and a heart-shaped padlock, resembling an actual pirate’s treasure box.
Completing the pirate-chic vibe, she chose strawberry-toned makeup, soft curls, and golden crystal-strapped stilettos. Fashion experts say the look was a perfect blend of storytelling and style — proof that sometimes, red carpet fashion can be an extension of the character itself.
