Sonali’s Society: From the runway to the races

Global desi

What is fashion and what isn’t? According to Sanjay Garg, that fundamental question is too often answered beyond our borders. The gent who calls himself a textile designer — we prefer to call him the genius behind Raw Mango — rues the fact that India doesn’t define this narrative. As ambitions go, his is a lofty one: he hopes to change that. And let’s just say he’s already on his way. 

Sanjay Garg

Last week, The New York Times Style Magazine listed Sanjay as one of ‘Six Rising Fashion Designers Who Have Our Attention,’ and yesterday he showed us why. His was the first show on the final day of London Fashion Week — the closing slot reserved for legendary British brand Burberry. Suffice it to say, Sanjay’s craft-forward collection sparked wonder, making an emphatic statement as his LFW debut.

‘For India, by India,’ has always been the quiet manifesto behind Sanjay’s work — but this season, it was delivered to the world. And that world appears ready to receive it.  For too long, modern Indian fashion has sought Western validation like a reluctant rite of passage. Thankfully, a fair few trailblazers are fighting to flip the compass, with Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Rahul Mishra, and Gaurav Gupta at the forefront.

Heavenly harmonies

Without intending it, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma finds himself firmly on our radar — first for his fashion choices and now for something more sublime. Having already ascended significant heights as a sitar star, we spotted Sharma mid-climb on a far less musical stage on Monday.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

At Babulnath Temple, while on the steps, the young musician found his prayers intercepted by several star-struck fans. Despite the venue, the crowd did not keep it holy: devotees, selfie-seekers, and the casually curious all going absolutely wild. 

Kudos to Rishab who kept his calm composure intact and indulged his audience, navigating the chaos like a pro. It seems some days you plan one darshan and end up with another entirely.

Couture, crowns and a cute cameo

Silver is skyrocketing again, with Alia Bhatt making her BAFTA debut in a mesmerising metallic gown on Sunday. And yes, we’ve been Gucci-gushing ever since.

Last year, Mission: Impossible star Michelle Monaghan wore a sequinned stunner by the Italian fashion house — a similar sparkling homage to old Hollywood glamour. Creating red-carpet magic in consecutive years is no small feat, especially with one look delivering cinematic sparkle, while the other roared with modern radiance. But the brand’s clean sweep of the BAFTAs doesn’t stop there.

Alia Bhatt

Bedecked in a bespoke blush-toned gown, in a category of her own, was the Princess of Wales — making an appearance at the awards after a three-year hiatus. Catherine’s glorious Gucci gown has my heart for being a rewear: she first wore it in 2019.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

And yet, if we’re talking scene stealers, one more creature — culled of couture — simply cannot be ignored. Handing over the Best Children’s & Family Film BAFTA to Lakshmipriya Devi for Boong was Paddington Bear. A great honour for India, presented by Britain’s best loved bear.

Secret soiree

Triptii Dimri

Away from the paps and any other prying eyes, Triptii Dimri brought in her February 23 birthday with a secluded soirée on Sunday night. While her guest list could easily have featured Bollywood’s biggest and brightest, the actor chose instead to limit her celebration to the clique closest to her.

With her parents in attendance, Triptii took to cutting at least half a dozen cakes, while her friends sang with gusto. Once the majors and the minis had hit the sack, we hear the party continued — fun, frolic, and high jinks running into the wee hours. A well-earned bash for the blossoming beauty, with a film in theatres and a new home to toast.

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