When it comes to rewriting the rules of celebrity style, Natasha Poonawalla rarely misses. On a breezy spring evening in New York, she delivered a look that felt both rooted and radically modern. Draped in a custom warm ivory muga silk sari ensemble by Arpita Mehta, detailed with intricate kantha embroidery, her outfit was less about fleeting trends and more about storytelling.
This wasn’t just fashion but it was fashion craft at its most personal. By pairing heritage textiles with striking navratan stones and layered jadau jewellery, Poonawalla created a visual dialogue between past and present. Think heirloom sensibilities with a bold, contemporary twist which is exactly the kind of styling that keeps her firmly at the forefront of global fashion conversations.
Heritage As The Single Creative Brief
At the heart of this look lies kantha embroidery, a centuries-old craft from Bengal. Traditionally created by layering and stitching together worn fabrics, it speaks of sustainability long before it became a buzzword. Here, it’s reimagined on muga silk, giving the ensemble both depth and quiet richness.
Photograph: (via Instagram @rheakapoor)
What makes it compelling is how seamlessly heritage is elevated into high fashion. Rather than overwhelming the silhouette, the embroidery adds texture and narrative. It’s proof that fashion craft doesn’t need reinvention but just a thoughtful reinterpretation.
Ivory Does The Hard Work
The choice of ivory muga silk is deliberate — it allows everything else to shine. Against this quiet base, the jewels come alive, their colours intensified, their presence amplified without competition.
Photograph: (via Instagram @rheakapoor)
Emerald choker and Navratan stones shine brighter on ivory muga silk, and the effect is nothing short of luminous. The restraint of the fabric lets the richness of kundan jadau jewellery breathe, creating a balance that feels both opulent and effortless.
Rules Are Broken Precisely
This is where the look truly disrupts expectation. A voluminous saree imagined as lehenga shifts the silhouette entirely, adding drama while retaining fluidity. It is not just styling but it is structural rethinking.
Photograph: (via Instagram @rheakapoor)
Add to that a balloon sleeve and a Navratan choker worn as a bajuband and the rules of traditional dressing are rewritten with precision. It is bold, yes, but never chaotic — each choice feels intentional, pushing boundaries without losing cultural coherence.
The Earrings Bridge Dress And Jewellery
Custom-designed earrings by Shri Paramani Jewels, in collaboration with Arpita Mehta act as the perfect connector. They don’t just accessorise, they complete the narrative. Drawing from traditional jadau jewellery, they echo the craftsmanship of the sari itself.
Photograph: (via Instagram @rheakapoor)
Their design feels architectural yet ornate, bridging textile and ornament effortlessly. It’s this synergy that elevates the entire look, ensuring that nothing feels like an afterthought.
Scale Is The Spectacle
If there’s one thing Poonawalla understands, it’s impact. The scale of her jewellery, especially the statement choker and layered pieces that turns the ensemble into a spectacle without overshadowing the craftsmanship.
Photograph: (via Instagram @rheakapoor)
It’s a masterclass in balance. The grandeur of the accessories meets the quiet luxury of the sari, creating a look that commands attention while staying deeply rooted in heritage.
FAQs
How can I identify authentic Kantha?
Authentic kantha embroidery features hand-stitched, slightly uneven running stitches, often on layered, repurposed fabrics. Look for visible texture, irregular patterns and a soft, quilted feel — machine-made versions appear too uniform and lack depth.
What is the significance of Navratna jewellery?
Navratna jewellery features nine gemstones, each linked to a planet in Vedic astrology. It is believed to bring balance, protection and positive energy, making it both spiritually significant and visually striking.
Are Polki and Jadau the same?
Not exactly. Polki refers to uncut, natural diamonds, while Jadau is the traditional technique used to set stones, like Polki or others that are into jewellery, often with gold.
Also Read,
The Signature Style Of Natasha Poonawalla: Embodying Boldness And Elegance In Every Outfit
