Janhvi Kapoor’s red-carpet appearances have always carried an element of surprise, and her outing at the Toronto International Film Festival was no exception. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the actor stepped away
from predictable gowns and embraced a piece of fashion history from Prada’s Spring 2004 collection.
The collection, first unveiled by Miuccia Prada two decades ago, explored femininity with an unconventional lens. At its heart lay an interpretation of the saree reimagined through a 1950s silhouette: an East-meets-West dialogue that spoke of timeless elegance. Janhvi Kapoor’s look tapped directly into that narrative. She wore a golden silk ensemble that fused the drape-like fluidity of the saree with the structured grace of vintage couture, creating an arresting visual that resonated both culturally and sartorially.
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The strapless bodice cinched her frame with precision, highlighting her shoulders and collarbone, while the draped skirt cascaded with a quiet sheen, catching the light at every angle. A matching longline coat, left casually over her shoulders, added an air of nonchalance and modern layering. The ensemble was more than archival; it was an homage to how fashion reinvents tradition while preserving its poetry.
In keeping with the India-meets-global spirit of the outfit, Janhvi paired the look with sleek gold heels inspired by the kolhapuri chappal from Aparajita Toor. Handcrafted in India, the footwear choice grounded the archival Prada with a contemporary nod to homegrown artisanship. Minimal jewellery and softly styled hair allowed the textures and silhouette to command full attention. Her makeup, a dewy base with flushed cheeks and nude lips, further underscored the freshness of the archival revival.
The styling bore Rhea Kapoor’s unmistakable imprint: elevating a vintage runway piece into a modern red-carpet statement while weaving in Indian cultural nuances. In doing so, Janhvi not only revisited Prada’s exploration of feminine codes but also embodied them for a global audience. At TIFF, her look wasn’t just about cinematic celebration; it was about bridging worlds – Italian couture, Indian tradition, and a contemporary star who continues to carve her place in both.
