Nita Ambani’s most recent ensemble was a tribute to Indian crafts. The businesswoman and philanthropist chose a style that reflected the store’s spirit for a puja held in advance of the launch of the Swadesh flagship store at Eros in Mumbai, a cultural endeavor dedicated to revitalizing India’s artisanal landscape and bringing it to everyday consciousness.
Craftsman Shri Rajshrundar Rajkot spent ten months handweaving Nita Ambani’s Madurai cotton gharchola sari. The ceremonial garment known as the gharchola, meaning “house sari,” is deeply ingrained in Gujarati wedding traditions.
It features grid-like zari checks dyed using the bandhani technique, with symbolic patterns such as lotuses, elephants, and peacocks—all of which symbolize wealth and divinity—adorning them. It was made with auspicious reds and vermilions and had ritual roots. However, in Ambani’s eyes, the sari was unexpected. The sari, in a new shade of fuchsia pink, told a tale of sartorial renewal and devotion to handloom craftsmanship. The border was accentuated with genuine zari hand embroidery, and each khat (square design) reflected patterns of sacred geometry and symmetry.
Manish Malhotra accessorized the sari with an old-world gold-embroidered firozi silk kanchali blouse. Her jewelry, particularly the gold bajuband on her arm, emphasized the story of heritage and ancestry. Nita Ambani wore the armlet, a priceless antique that was handed down from her maternal great-grandmother, on her wedding day. It carried layers of meaning and emotion, serving as a moving tribute to the matriarchs who came before her.
With a gorgeous necklace from Swadesh, she upped her accessories game. It was made of white gold and had several panels that were painstakingly hand-painted to represent holy occasions in Lord Srinathji’s life. Her jewelry ensemble was completed with a ring, kadas, and polki stud earrings. With a glowing complexion, well-defined eyes, and a subdued rose lip, her makeup was kept subtle, allowing the richness of her clothing to shine through.
