The 7-month long wedding festivities of billionaire heir Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant has been widely discussed on blogs and social media. Clothing and jewellery of epic proportions have been worn, thus warranting the prolonged commentary. However, there were three key looks worn by the family members (during or after the festivities) that include picture jewellery. Those are the ones that I would like to discuss. Here is a closer look at the Picture jewellery worn by Ambanis.
Isha Ambani’s jewelled blouse
Isha Ambani made a stunning appearance at her brother Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding, in March 2024. Her look which was styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania. She donned a Ghagra and a Choli, which a special jewelled blouse created by the designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. The ensemble not only captured the essence of luxury and unparalleled craftsmanship but also became the gold standard of reuse and reinvention.
In the early 2000s, when I was studying Fashion Design, it was mandatory to embellish or ornament our Garment construction final submissions. While the pre-planners built in delicate pin tucks and tucks into the pattern, I resorted to quick sequins work and attaching 3D embellishments. These would often be bits of broken jewellery, an odd earring or a pendant – none of which was considered “designer” back then. So imagine my surprise when the high and mighty of the online fashion world gushed over Isha Ambani’s blouse.
What was so special?
The blouse featured components from several pieces of jadau jewellery previously owned by Isha. There were several vintage and antique hand painted picture jewellery components, featuring the likliness of Shrinathji and other Hindu deities, some of which would atleast be a century old. Furthermore, it featured an assortment of diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones meticulously sewn into the fabric, creating a dazzling effect.
Photo aigrette brooch
Aigrette ornaments are common bridegroom jewellery in Western and Northern Indian. But what was different about Anant Ambani’s aigrette brooch was that it had a slot to hold a photograph. Through the photo of Dhirubhai Ambani (grandfather of Anant Ambani and the founder of the Reliance empire) the brooch which was a symbol of wealth, power and masculinity became a symbol of sentiment. By wearing a brooch with the portrait photo of his grandfather, Anant Ambani paid respects to the legendary business icon.
Shrinathji’s Kanthala
While this hand painted necklace was not worn during the wedding celebrations, it was worn by Nita Ambani at an exhibition shortly after. The origins of Hindu picture jewellery in India are linked to the establishment of the Shrinathji’s temple at Nathdwara. Linked to the ideas of darshan (worship by seeing), these paintings are a part of ritual worship through art. You can see various temple rituals as paintings in the necklace.
While the particular necklace that you see Nita Ambani wearing was made by Amrapali, the design is typical and made and sold by a variety of brands.
I am really glad that picture jewellery being a 350+ year old tradition in India is once again getting the attention that it deserves. While picture jewellery is for everyone, the rich and the royal give it visibility leading to better adoption and diffusion in the market place. I hope that it continues. What do you think about the Picture jewellery worn by Ambanis? Tell me in the comments.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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