Shilpa Shetty Kundra has long been a benchmark for effortless elegance, seamlessly switching between contemporary silhouettes and timeless Indian drapes. Whether she’s commanding the red carpet or sharing glimpses from personal appearances, her fashion choices consistently strike the perfect balance between tradition and modern glamour. Her latest ethnic look is yet another reminder of her impeccable style sensibility.
A Desi Moment Done Right
Taking to Instagram, Shilpa shared her look from a recent awards ceremony, where she embraced her desi side in a striking Patan Patola saree. Set against a black base, the saree stood out for its riot of colours—vibrant yellows, soothing blues, bold greens, and pops of pink and orange—making it an ideal pick for weddings, festive soirées, and grand celebrations.
The saree, sourced from Mavuri Silks, reflects the brand’s commitment to working directly with traditional weavers who continue to preserve age-old textile practices. Its scalloped border and rich colour play added depth and drama to the ensemble, elevating it from classic to statement-worthy.
Where Patola Meets Banjara Craft
What made Shilpa’s saree truly special was its intricate fusion of crafts. While the drape showcased classic Patola-style motifs such as elephants and parrots, it was interlaced with Banjara embroidery—a hand-stitched folk art from Rajasthan known for its vibrant hues and mirror embellishments. This blend of Gujarati Patola weaving with Banjara detailing created a visually rich and culturally layered piece.
The Legacy of Patan Patola
Patan Patola sarees boast a legacy that dates back over 700 years to Patan, Gujarat. Traditionally woven by the Salvi community, these sarees were once symbols of prestige, worn exclusively by royalty and aristocrats. Their defining feature is the painstaking double ikat technique, in which both warp and weft threads are dyed before weaving, making the saree reversible and exceptionally valuable.
Known for their symmetrical floral and fauna-inspired motifs, Patan Patolas are also celebrated for their vibrant colours, often achieved using natural dyes. According to Mavuri Silks, each saree is considered a bearer of good luck, with the double ikat process taking nearly six months of meticulous craftsmanship to complete.
Styling That Lets the Saree Shine
Shilpa paired the colourful saree with a gold sleeveless blouse featuring intricate embroidery and a deep V-neck, adding a touch of understated glamour. Keeping the focus firmly on the saree, she opted for soft, neutral makeup with nude lips and brown smoky eyes. Gold dangling earrings, a bejewelled kada, and a statement ring completed the look with just the right amount of opulence.
Jay-Ho Glam
With this Patan Patola ensemble, Shilpa Shetty Kundra once again proves that traditional handloom sarees can be both timeless and trend-forward. Perfectly suited for shaadi season, her look is a masterclass in celebrating heritage crafts while keeping the styling fresh, elegant, and unmistakably modern.
