Fashion moves at breakneck speed where the most ‘must-haves’ garments are forgotten by next week. Thus, a piece of clothing that has weathered the centuries holds profound importance. There’s a certain comfort in wearing something that can never be a temporary fad.
While a staple in most Bengali wardrobes, the Jamdani saree in Kolkata has made a massive resurgence in pop culture. From special appearances to the National Awards, the ethereal Jamdani has made its mark all over India. Let’s look at some of the most iconic Jamdani looks and how this weave captivates the world’s most photographed women.
Iconic Moments: When the Jamdani Stole the Spotlight
When we look at celebrity style, the handloom Jamdani saree often appears during moments of quiet luxury. Here, the wearer doesn’t need sequins or crystals to stand out. So, we’ve collected the moments that truly depicted the Jamdani’s place in modern fashion:
● Priyanka Chopra Receiving the National Award
Priyanka Chopra’s choice for the 2016 Padma Shri ceremony remains one of her most celebrated Desi Girl moments! We’re still gushing about it because it championed small-scale Indian artisans on a massive national stage.
Priyanka adorned this lime yellow-green Jamdani saree long before “Vocal for Local” became a mainstream movement. The saree from Madhurya Creations was a handwoven Muslin Jamdani, featuring delicate floral butis.
● Deepika Padukone Attending a High-Glamour Wedding
Back in 2018, Deepika Padukone managed to stop everyone in their tracks in her white silk Jamdani by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla that completely reinvented the traditional ‘lal par sada’ look. The real showstopper? A massive, seven-meter-long pallu that turned a classic weave into a total fashion statement.
But that’s not all, the borders were edged with a delicate zardozi lace border for a festive touch. The blouse was a sindoor red, which elevated this saree even further!
Why the Modern Woman is Still in Love with Jamdani
Browsing for a Jamdani saree today reveals a pretty clear shift in how we shop. We’ve reached a point of collective burnout with fast fashion. Now, there’s this deep, almost urgent hunger for something that feels real and holds a bit of history.
● Breathability: The Jamdani is a lifesaver in the Indian subcontinent’s sweltering heat. It’s lightweight enough to allow your skin to breathe.
● The “uncopyable” factor: Most Bengali traditional sarees online are hand-woven. That’s the beauty of it! Every single saree has its own DNA. Wearing a Jamdani means wearing something that isn’t mass-produced or predictable. It’s a bit of wearable art that no factory-line machine could ever hope to get right.
● Versatility: You can dress it up with a heavy choker for a wedding. Or dress it down with a simple Jamdani cotton blouse and silver oxidised jewellery for a simpler event.
Styling Your Own Jamdani Moment
The best part? You don’t have to be a Bollywood A-lister to rock a Jamdani from best saree shops in Kolkata. Before you head out on your next shopping trip, here’s how to make it work for you:
- Pair your saree with a high-neck blouse for a Deepika Padukone vibe or go for thinner straps on your blouse if you want a non-traditional look.
- Pearls go well with Jamdani sarees if you want an elegant look. Meanwhile, earthy terracotta jewellery is perfect for a more boho, artsy vibe.
- Never wash your Jamdani sarees at home! The weave is delicate, which needs the utmost care, so always dry clean it and store it wrapped in muslin to prevent the threads from snagging.
So, the next time you need to step out for glamorous reasons, skip fast fashion. There’s eternal beauty in a Jamdani, and the way celebs keep reaching for it over and over again is proof enough of its longevity! Choose a classic and feel gorgeous!
