All the festive fashion lessons I learnt after watching 'Ramayana'

If there's one thing that deserves as much attention as the grand sets and visual spectacle in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, it is the costumes. Designed by Rimple and Harpreet Narula, the film's wardrobe draws from Indian textiles, traditional embroidery, temple art, and historical paintings to create distinct looks for its characters. Sai Pallavi's Sita, Rakul Preet Singh's Surpanakha, and Yash's Ravana, in particular, have some rather interesting fashion moments. From Sita's intricately embroidered wedding saree and regal jewellery, to Surpanakha's elaborate gold ornaments, there's plenty to admire.

Watching the film also got me thinking about how some of these looks could translate into our festive wardrobes. With wedding invitations, Diwali parties, and family celebrations giving us enough reasons to dress up, here's what I am taking away from the film's costume and jewellery choices.

A Banarasi saree is always a good investment

Sai Pallavi's Sita has several beautiful looks, but her wedding saree deserves a special mention. The handwoven Banarasi silk creation features intricate gold embroidery, complemented by archival embroidery patches that give the garment its richness. The earthy tones, lotus pinks, and floral motifs seen across Sita's wardrobe also add to its visual appeal. This is your reminder to invest in a well-made Banarasi saree this festive season. Pair it with a traditional blouse, gold earrings, and a neat bun, and you have an outfit that will outlast several fleeting trends.

More is more when it comes to gold jewellery

Rakul Preet Singh's Surpanakha is easily one of the most interesting characters to look at from a styling perspective. Her elaborate antique gold jewellery includes layered kasu mala-inspired necklaces, ornate armlets, statement earrings, and, not to miss, the dramatic matha patti and gold body chains when she sees Ram for the first time in the forest. Paired with her sculpted metallic corsetry and deep crimson drapes, the look makes a strong case for going all out with festive jewellery. You could borrow elements of this styling with layered necklaces, a kamarbandh (waist chain), or a statement maang tikka. You don't have to wear everything together, but there's certainly room to bring out those heirloom pieces.

Indian maximalism is having its moment

If the current fashion mood is any indication, Indian maximalism is very much back in focus. Think layered jewellery, rich colours, intricate embroidery, ornate accessories, and outfits that aren't afraid to make a statement. The costumes in Ramayana offer plenty of inspiration for this aesthetic. Singh's Surpanakha is a particularly striking example of how multiple elements can come together without losing their impact. Even Pallavi's jewellery is as elaborate as it gets before the trio eventually sets out on their exile. The film's visual language celebrates the richness of Indian craft, from detailed embroidery to traditional jewellery-making techniques. For festive dressing, this is a cue to have a little more fun with your styling. Pair a heavily embroidered blouse with a silk saree, layer necklaces of different lengths, or bring out those heirloom earrings you've been saving for a special occasion. Indian maximalism is about letting the details do the talking, and there's no need to hold back.

Give embroidery the attention it deserves

Another detail worth noticing is the zardozi and marodi embroidery across the film's costumes. Sita's wedding ensemble, with its intricate gold detailing, is a particularly good example of how traditional handwork can elevate an outfit. If you are shopping for festive wear, consider a lehenga with detailed hand embroidery, a richly worked dupatta, or even a statement blouse. You can keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple and let the craftsmanship do the talking.

Men can have their jewellery moment, too

Yash's Ravana makes a rather convincing case for men experimenting with jewellery beyond the occasional wedding ring or watch. His elaborate breastplate, statement neck ornaments, and arm accessories give his character a distinctly regal identity. Ranbir Kapoor's Ram, meanwhile, is seen wearing armlets and royal ornaments that complement his traditional attire. For festive dressing, men can take inspiration from gold-toned kadas, engraved cuffs, statement brooches, layered necklaces, and even traditional armlets. Jewellery doesn't have to be reserved for the women in the room.

Don't underestimate the power of a good drape

Sita's wedding look is all about grandeur, but her exile wardrobe takes a completely different approach. The natural fabrics, earthy colours, and relatively uncomplicated drapes give these outfits a lived-in quality. At the same time, when Pallavi's character sets out to face the enemy in the forest, she is seen to have draped her saree in a dhoti style, akin to how female warriors would wear their sarees while going to war for ease of movement. Even Kapoor's simpler dhoti and draped upper garments demonstrate how much character a traditional silhouette can have without excessive embellishment. For smaller festive gatherings, a handloom saree, an understated silk kurta, or a well-draped dupatta can be just as effective as a heavily embellished ensemble.

Ramayana is a reminder of how much Indian fashion has to offer. From traditional weaving and embroidery to jewellery-making and the art of draping, our heritage has plenty of inspiration to draw from. And sometimes, the best festive outfit is simply one that lets these crafts shine.

Lead image: Spice PR

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