Indian weaves define power dressing at recent G20 Summit

Ismat Tahseen

The 18^th G20 summit at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, will go down as one of the biggest political meet-ups to be held in India in recent times, but it’s also going to be known for the sartorial buzz it has created. President Droupadi Murmu’s dinner at the Bharat Mandapam saw heads and wives of foreign dignitaries showcasing a tapestry of everything from Benarasi and Chanderi to Dhakai Jamdani and Ikat weaves. In a political milieu, all eyes are on the way leaders and their spouses portray themselves and the tribute that some of the dignitaries paid to heritage Indian drapes, serving up a masterclass in luxe Indian pret was a delight to watch.

Sari-torial story: Who wore what

The palette was mostly light, with pastels and soft patterns. President Murmu was the picture of elegance in her beige saree that had a contrasting turquoise floral border. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chose to be seen in a beautiful lilac Dhakai or Jamdani sari that she accessorised with a pearl necklace.

Chikan was the choice of the night for First Lady of Mauritius, Kobita Jugnauth, wife of Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth that she paired with a navy and gold full-sleeved blouse.

It was all eyes on Yuko Kishida, wife of Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. She looked resplendent in a rich green Benarasi drape with zari brocade that she chose to wear with a pink satin blouse.

If there is a formal function, can Chanderi, with its effortlessly chic appeal, be far behind? While several guests chose to don the gauzy drape, Ritu Banga, World Bank president Ajay Banga’s wife, stood out in the look. Her light-hued grey Chanderi sari exuded sophistication.

Purple is considered to be a colour associated with royalty and power and royalty and it also made for the natural choice in this setting. IMF (International Monetary Fund) Managing Director Chief Kristalina Georgieva arrived at the Bharat Mandapam in a purple ethnic suit with embroidery and a golden dupatta, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s wife Tshepo Motsepe opted for an Indo-western outfit, adding a traditional touch to her ensemble with a gajra around her hair bun.

As they bid goodbye to India, Akshata Murty, a venture capitalist and wife of UK Prime Minster Rishi Sunak, made for a graceful figure in her pastel pink sari by Raw Mango, along with drop earrings and a simple bindi.

As videos and viral photos of the fashion swept the internet, one thing was clear: The sari, in its traditional form, is not going out of style, although there may be more than a dozen modern interpretations of it.

You may also like: 

From Notting Hill to Kala Ghoda: Aashni + Co arrives in Mumbai

Monica Shah on 15 years of JADE and designing the flagship Delhi store