There are a few red-carpet constants in India, and Sonam Kapoor is one of them – a fashion force who turns even intimate cultural events into moments of couture storytelling. On Friday evening in Mumbai,
the actor arrived at the Swadesh store to celebrate the holiday season and the country’s craft legacy, all while gracefully embracing her second pregnancy. What followed was a masterclass in how traditional Indian textiles can look powerful, modern, and deeply personal at the same time.
Sonam Kapoor’s appearance, styled by her sister and long-time collaborator Rhea Kapoor, set a tone that felt both rooted and regal. The look wasn’t just an outfit; it was a quiet nod to the artisans behind India’s heritage textiles, and to the evolving narrative of maternity fashion that refuses to compromise on identity or drama.
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A Banarasi Masterpiece In Black And Gold
For the evening, Sonam wore a handwoven black Banarasi saree from Swadesh, crafted in collaboration with the designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The choice of colour alone made a statement. The depth of black lent the silhouette gravity, while the gold motifs added a soft luminosity that caught the light with every movement.
The saree featured an elaborate beige-gold and silver zardozi border, an unmistakable signature of the designer duo’s maximalist aesthetic. Rich without being loud, the embroidery framed Sonam’s baby bump with a sense of celebration rather than concealment. In a landscape where maternity fashion often leans toward minimalism, this look stood apart for its unapologetic indulgence.
Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s Golden Vision
The designers described the ensemble as ‘a celebration of heritage in all its glory,’ and the phrase held. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have long championed the revival of classic Indian textiles by pairing them with intricate, time-honoured embroidery traditions. Here, their philosophy came alive: the saree wasn’t merely crafted; it was curated – a piece of living textile history made contemporary through proportion, palette, and styling.
Styling That Honoured Craft And Culture
Rhea Kapoor’s styling completed the narrative with understated elegance. She allowed the saree to dominate the frame, pairing it with minimal jewellery and a clean beauty look that highlighted Sonam’s radiance. The overall effect felt ceremonial, celebratory, and deeply aligned with the evening’s theme of honouring India’s craft ecosystem.
In a world where celebrity fashion often gets reduced to trends, Sonam’s look served as a reminder: heirloom textiles still hold unrivalled emotional weight. Her appearance at Swadesh wasn’t just about a saree, but it was about visibility, craftsmanship, and the evolving vocabulary of what maternity style can look like when heritage takes centre stage.
