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While everybody is buzzing about the rise of fashion bloggers and stylish social media stars, there are a number of indisputable fashion icons that have withstood the test of time – the women of the royal family. In modern times, the Kate Middleton effect that changed the shopping culture of UK and the prompt sell out of Meghan Markle coats are well documented proofs of how people continue to look to the ladies of royalty for sartorial cues. Women of royal families have set the legacy as trend setters and sources of inspiration for generations of designers and ordinary people alike.
For the purpose of their college project which was a calendar shoot, few students from NIFT Delhi came together to recreate the iconic styles of 6 prominent royals of India with their brocades, kaftans and pearls. They sourced their clothes from their friends and family while the jewellery was sourced from a local market in Delhi.
Known as the ‘pearl of India’ in the fashion circles of Paris, London and New York during the Jazz Age, Rani Sita Devi of Kapurthala was delineated as a secular Goddess by Vogue. One of India’s most glamorous royals of all time, her fine sartorial choices bespoke the royalty in her wardrobe. Rani Sita Devi was the muse for Cecil Beaton, Man Ray and even the muse for Elsa Schiaparelli’s 1935 collection of sari inspired evening gowns. Wearing Cartier and Arpels, she was known as the princess who was equally at home in Kapurthala and Paris.
Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur
Born as the princess of Cooch Behar, Maharani Gayatri Devi married the Maharaja Sawai Mann Singh II of Jaipur. As the daughter of Rani Indira Devi, a style icon in her own right, Gayatri Devi was someone with impeccable and worldly taste. Her wedding trousseau boasts of sheets from Czechoslovakia, shoes from Florence, and nightgowns in Mousseline De Soie from Paris. While she favoured pastel chiffon sarees for her official appearances, as an avid equestrian, she did not shy away from wearing black slacks and bobbed hairstyles in public as well. Delicate floral prints, dainty leheriyas, discreet bandhinis; she made every unobtrusive print her own, coupling them with slightly puff-sleeved blouses and a dot of a bindi.
Kota Rani of Kashmir
The Hindu ruler of Kashmir in Medieval Kashmir, Kota Rani ruled until 1339. She continues to be known throughout history as Kota Rani even though her husband later converted to Islam and came be known as Sadaruddin. The royals of Kashmir used to wear their Pherans long, stretching up to their feet with narrow sleeves cloths which is turned on the bottom side. Along with the skullcaps which were decorated by the embroidery made by gold thread, Kota Rani used to wear silver earrings, anklets and bangles along with her distinct love for ornate shawls.
Maharani Chimnabai of Baroda
Maharani Chimnabai was the Maharani of the princely state of Baroda and grandmother to Rani Gayatri Devi. The intelligent and open minded woman was an advocate of education for girls and the main reason for Baroda becoming the first state to discard the Purdah system. According to Maharanis: Women Of Royal India, she was “famous for roller-skating through the royal palace of Baroda, leaving behind ripples of her sari and a delicate trail of perfume. A woman of impeccable style, she is said to have advised her daughter, Indira Devi Raje, ‘never wear emeralds with a green sari… they look so much better with pink.”
Maharani Jind Kaur of the Sikh Empire
Known as the famous rebel queen who struck fear into the British for waging two wars against their rule, Maharani Jind Kaur of the Sikh Empire was regent of the Sikh Empire from 1843 until 1846. An Indian queen wearing a crinoline over her traditional clothes, and emeralds and pearls under her bonnet, Jind Kaur style was traditional and yet timeless. The Punjabi ghagra also known as tewar was the traditional apparel for the royal women before the advent of the Punjabi suit. The dernier cri in her time was choli, odhani and tewar. Her jewellery consisted of emeralds, seed pearl necklace and chokers. Her jewellery collection was exquisite and a few pieces were recently auctioned off in London, including a pair of golden earrings.
The royal women of India have always been known for their conviction and their impeccable grace. They are timeless symbols of a muse, those who brought out inspiration, intuition and higher vision through their timeless beauty and style.
Credits:
Styling: Aayushi Singh Baghel, Saumya Singh, Shudita Ahluwalia
Art Direction: Saumya Singh
Photography: Gaurav Kumar, Swastik Acharya
Post Production: Swastik Acharya
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