After delivering a striking archival fashion moment a few days back, Alia Bhatt shifted gears entirely – proving once again that her style strength lies in range, not repetition. For the Indian Television
Academy Awards in Mumbai, the actor embraced restraint over drama, stepping out in a custom Anamika Khanna lehenga set that championed craft, lightness, and quiet confidence. The look didn’t demand attention; it earned it.
Rendered in a nuanced shade of ivory, the three-piece lehenga set unfolded in layers of fine, semi-sheer fabric that felt deliberately unforced. The blouse featured a clean scoop neckline and minimal structure, allowing delicate floral threadwork to remain the focal point. Rather than relying on architectural tailoring, the silhouette was softened. It felt intimate, almost poetic.
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The lehenga itself followed a fluid A-line that moved naturally with the body, eschewing volume for ease of movement. What elevated the piece, however, was its unexpected detailing: embroidered aeroplanes and parachutes scattered across the skirt. The playful motifs introduced a sense of narrative, injecting whimsy into an otherwise serene palette.
Layered over the ensemble was a sheer cape, finished with antique-gold embroidered borders. The addition brought depth without weight, offering a relaxed alternative to traditional dupattas. It framed the look beautifully, adding movement and texture while maintaining the ensemble’s soft-spoken mood.
The most striking element of the styling was the jewellery – specifically, the haathphool by The Rah Jewels. Draped across the hand and wrist, it introduced a distinctly Indian sensibility to the otherwise contemporary silhouette. The piece grounded the look in tradition without overwhelming it, working in perfect harmony with her delicate Amrapali earrings. Notably, Alia chose to leave her neck bare, allowing the negative space to act as an accessory in itself. A touch of highlighter across her collarbones added dimension, subtly catching the light with each movement.
The glam echoed the outfit’s measured elegance. Makeup focused on luminous, even-toned skin, with soft peach warmth on the cheeks and gently defined eyes in brown and rose hues. Pink lips added freshness without disrupting the tonal balance. Her hair was worn loose in a natural centre part, falling effortlessly around the shoulders.
In an era of maximalism, Alia Bhatt’s Anamika Khanna look made a compelling case for fashion that whispers instead of shouts. It was an exercise in proportion, detail, and confidence.
