30 April,2026 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Natasha Poonawala (Pic/Instagram)
Natasha Poonawalla made heads turn at the King Charles Charity Ball in New York, where she wore a custom couture ivory silk ensemble by Arpita Mehta. The outfit featured intricate and traditional motifs made using the Kantha technique, but still looked modern and fluid. She was styled by Rhea Kapoor.
Natasha's outfit was crafted in warm ivory muga silk and intricately hand-embroidered using the traditional Kantha technique, marking the designer's first exploration of this heritage craft.
Rooted in Bengal, Kantha embroidery originates from a deeply personal and sustainable practice, where layers of worn saris and dhotis were hand-stitched together using a simple running stitch. These textiles served as intimate memory pieces, often carrying fragments of family histories across generations.
Each motif and stitch narrates a story, drawing from nature, daily life, and folklore. Floral and vine patterns symbolize growth and continuity, while birds and animals evoke freedom and companionship. Elements like the sun, circles, and mandalas reflect energy, protection, and the cyclical nature of life, while fish motifs represent prosperity and abundance.
Staying true to Kantha's essence, the embroidery embraces irregularity where no two stitches or motifs are identical, lending the garment a sense of individuality.
The sari is a modern interpretation of the classic Indian silhouette, paired with an exaggerated Chanderi silk cape that adds a contemporary, sculptural dimension. The ensemble comes alive with a riot of colours, baby pinks, mauves, lime, olive tones, peaches, violets, and reds delicately embroidered across the ivory base, creating a soft yet striking visual narrative.
Conceptually, the look is envisioned to feel ethereal, modern, and fluid, while remaining deeply anchored in Indian textile heritage.
The look is completed with custom earrings by Sri Paramani Jewels, designed in collaboration with Arpita Mehta, and paired with traditional Indian jadau jewellery, adding a final layer of richness and cultural depth.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the look, Arpita Mehta shares, "When Rhea and I imagined this look, we wanted to do something fresh for the summer, something ethereal yet powerful. We wanted to use a craft that was less explored in Indian Couture, yet rooted in our culture, but with global appeal - Kantha was just perfect for that. As a brand, we had never worked with Kantha, but Rhea pushed us in that direction, and as a designer, it's always exciting to try new things."
