Latest news with #AasthaSharma
NDTV
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Velvet Kaftans To Vibrant Sarees, How Zeenat Aman Pulled Off Timeless Elegance In The Royals
The ultimate fashionista, veteran actress Zeenat Aman just dropped her looks from the Netflix popular series The Royals and she just redefined elegance and sophistication at 72. Her wardrobe in the series is a masterclass in merging old-word charm with contemporary couture, proving that the actor still got solid game when it comes to fashion. The actor, who first burst into the scene in the 1970s, plays Maji Sa in The Royals. She made heads turn back in the 70s with her bold and fearless fashion choices, and she continues to do the same decades look with her latest release. A Breakdown Of Zeenat Aman's Looks In The Royals First look: Bringing regal touch to the look is none other than label Poshaks & Sarees by Meera. Handcrafted to perfection, this outfit features aari tari, zardosi, gota patti wrapped in luxurious fabrics and vibrant colours. Bringing the look together is the heirloom jewellery pieces from Amrapali Jewels. And the stylish walking stick is by VALLIYAN jewellery. Second look: Zeenat Aman in a rust velvet Kaftan by Seeaash serves royalty. The jewellery, featuring pearl and emerald strands, an uncut necklace, earrings, rings, and bangles, brought some character to the outfit. Third look: If you were amazed by Zeenat Aman's entry in the show, you're not alone! The burst of colours in this look makes her stand out, and we love every bit of it. The beautiful saree by House of Masaba makes the legendary actress look ethereal, and the custom-made jacket over it makes the ensemble stand out. The jewellery from the House of Masaba gives the outfit a regal touch, and the glasses take it up a notch. Fourth look: Yet another beautiful saree look, this one is a custom made outfit and we love the intricate detailing on the jacket. The jewels, sunglasses and even the walking stick complement the look perfectly. Fifth look: Stylist Aastha Sharma chose Seeshah for another iconic look for the yesteryear diva. The rust velvet kaftan set along with exotic jewels and glasses is pure elegance. This is as regal as it gets! Sixth look: Keeping it simple yet stylish in a pink Kaftaan by RajiRamniq, Zeenat looks beautiful. The contrasting green jewels look amazing with the Kaftaan and the signature glasses elevate the outfit. Seventh look: Bringing sassy back with yet another black outfit, Zeenat exudes regal elegance in this custom creation by Alpana Neeraj. The outfit is perfectly complemented by stylish jewels from the House of Rambhajos. Eighth look: Dripping in sartorial elegance, the 73-year-old looks like a dream in a Falguni Shane Peacock creation. The feather detail on the shoulders elevates the look, and the jewels are a perfect addition to the overall look. Let's not forget the iconic glasses! Ninth look: We can't get enough of Zeenat Aman in a Kaftaan, and neither can her stylist Aastha Sharma. She styled the icon in another Kaftaan, but this time by designer Sureena Chowdhri. While there is too much going on with the jewellery in this one, we are not complaining. And who can ignore the custom walking stick and signature sunglasses? Zeenat Aman in a stylish Kaftaan. Photo: Instagram/thezeenataman Last look: Redefining fashion, Zeenat Aman looks elegant in an archival red lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The beautiful Zardosi hand-embroidered lehenga makes the look iconic. The jewels by The Gem Palace and the Jimmy Choo glasses seal the deal for us. The icon never fails to impress with her sartorial choices, and the style was on point with these looks too!
India Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
The real star in Netflix's 'The Royals'? Kavya Trehan's edgy wardrobe
Fashion is one of the true MVPs of Netflix's new series The Royals – aside from Ishaan Khatter's much-discussed (and drooled-over) chiselled abs, of course. Just kidding. Sort an ensemble cast that includes Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Lisa Misra, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Milind Soman, and more, the series unfolds as a rom-com between a Rajkumar (prince) and an 'Aam Kumari' (commoner). While the story and script haven't exactly won over audiences, the sartorial drama is a show in itself – with both weak and strong Royals almost stereotyped royals by dressing the Morpur women in heavy sarees, heavier jewellery, and even heavier makeup (even when they are at home, simply having lunch), and showed Bhumi's character attending a board meeting in a sports bra – but it redeems itself by introducing a fashion force like Kavya Trehan (who plays Jinnie). Kavya Trehan as Jinnie in The Royals. Trehan plays a modern-day princess who wears her personality on her sleeves (quite literally). Vibrant, eclectic, full of drama, yet rooted in tradition – Jinnie's wardrobe is a near-mirror reflection of her homegrown labels are her sartorial soulmates. Be it Huemn, boho champions Saaksha & Kinni, or eccentricity promoters Doh Tak Keh – it is a wholesome mix depicting the modern cultural fashion movement taking shape she slips into a saree, it is not without a hint of edginess. Or, when she wears a bandhani – it is not a usual saree or a dupatta, but a belted drape worn over a crisp white shirt and paired with black she navigates a chaotic world of secrets and inheritance disputes, she finds an accomplice in her regal-yet-rebellious fashion. This sartorial style, must we add, makes her stand out in the show. Oh, and she doesn't take her accessories lightly either. Stacks of bangles, necklaces and rings serve as her additional armour. Kavya Trehan as Jinnie in The Royals. (Photo: Instagram/AasthaSharma) We don't believe anything should stop you from taking fashion cues from Kavya Trehan's Jinnie. So read on as we break down some of the most striking fashion moments from The Royals – and uncover the styling lessons they have to white shirt needs a styling upgradeYes, a white shirt is a wardrobe staple. And yes, it looks great with a pair of jeans. But if you think that's the only way to wear it, it is a a major fashion lesson to steal from Princess Jinnie. In one prominent scene, she rocks a white shirt featuring embroidered collars with a contrasting red Saaksha & Kinni bandhani drape cinched at the waist with a belt. She adorns the cuff of her sleeve with a chunky silver bangle, and also adds layers of pearls on the neck. In an edgy twist to the anyway neo-traditional look, she rounds up the look with pointed black boots. Bandhani, but make it contemporary ft. Kavya Trehan in The Royals. (Photo: Instagram/AasthaSharma) In another scene, she uses an oversized white shirt as a canvas for a burst of floral prints. The result? See for yourself here: Floral dress on a white shirt supremacy (Photo: Instagram/AasthaSharma) advertisementEdge-up your saree gameLife is too short to not experiment with sarees – that's the mantra Jinnie probably swears by. In one scene, she is a modern maharani clad in an electric blue saree with double pallus, styled with a cropped blouse with a gloved sleeve. Kavya Trehan in a contemporary saree from Huemn (Photo: Instagram/AasthaSharma) Do you see the flowing drama!?Another saree look features her flaunting a unique hybrid – a saree dress by Ka Sha. Mixed metallic accessories, embellished heels, and a statement belt serve as allies, adding sharpness to the otherwise flowy ensemble. A saree dress (Photo: Instagram/AasthaSharma) Boho is not passeJinnie's heavily textured Anamika Khanna outfits paired with chunky jewels signal a bold and unapologetic revival of bohemian dressing. Meet the boho queen, Jinnie. (Photo: Instagram/AasthaSharma) advertisementOh, on a parting note: a beauty lesson worth taking away? Keep the makeup minimal when the outfit is loud (if you desire a balanced look). Minimal makeup + bold-coloured outfits = Balanced look. Characters in The Royals on Netflix have been styled by Aastha Sharma and her Reel
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
What The Royals gets right about Jaipur's legacy
In Netflix's The Royals, it is not just the palaces and politics doing the talking — it is also the jewellery. While the show plays fast and loose with plot, its styling leans into Jaipur's royal past, using jewellery to quietly hint at power, legacy, and shifting identities. What makes the jewellery in The Royals stand out is how little it tries to stand out. It is not flashy. It is worn with intent, rooted in place and character. Jewellery becomes less about opulence and more about context — who belongs, who is pretending, and who is finding their place. From heirloom-inspired aad necklaces to sleek brooches worn with bandhgalas, every piece was carefully plotted out in advance, yet left room to evolve on set. 'For a show like this, jewellery is very, very important,' says Aastha Sharma, the costume designer for the show. 'We make sure we put our boards together, character-wise, and decide who wears what kind of jewellery, whether it's archival, more current, or something in between.' Aastha and her team started by building visual boards for each character, sketching out their jewellery journey across the show. Once they had a sense of how much they would need, they began sourcing from some of Jaipur's best: Amrapali Jewels, The Gem Palace (founded in 1852 by the Kasliwal family, began as court jewellers to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur), and Rambhajo (a name synonymous with kundan, meena, jadau, polki and fine diamonds), formed the core. 'Between the three big jewellers, we knew we would find what we needed,' she says. But it was not just heritage houses. The team also brought in younger, more contemporary brands like Valliyan to balance things out. 'We wanted to bring in a mix — something that felt lived-in and rooted, but also fresh,' adds Aastha, adding, 'We worked with Valliyan to design Zeenat Aman's stick, since she's holding it in almost every scene.' Historical context In Jaipur, jewellery is never just about sparkle. It is memory, power, continuity, and in many ways, resistance. While the world has often seen jewellery as a woman's domain, in Jaipur, it has been a tool of both feminine agency and patriarchal control. For Rajput women, jewellery functioned as a visual archive of caste, class, and marital status. Pieces like the borla (the Rajasthani equivalent of the maang tikka), rakhdi, and hansli (a torque-like necklace) were coded with meaning. But, it should be noted that as in much of pre-colonial India it was men who initially held the spotlight when it came to jewellery in Jaipur. Sarpechs (turban ornaments), necklaces, rings, ear studs, and armlets were all commonly worn by royal men. They were markers of rank, honour, and divine favour. Navratna jewellery, which incorporated nine auspicious gems tied to celestial forces, was often worn by male royals and courtiers to signal cosmic alignment and protection. Jewellery also featured heavily in Rajput miniature portraits, where kings are shown laden with elaborate gem-studded regalia, often outshining their female counterparts in ornamentation. So yes, in 18th- and early 19th-century Jaipur, the male body was a canvas for displaying wealth and power. This visual grammar of masculinity was part of the broader South Asian tradition where ornamentation was associated with prestige — not femininity alone. Sparkle and shine At the heart of this visual storytelling is Jaipur-based Amrapali Jewels, whose pieces were central to several defining moments in the series. 'We've always seen ourselves as custodians of Indian craftsmanship,' says Tarang Arora, creative director and CEO of Amrapali. 'The Royals gave us an opportunity to explore that within a new narrative frame.' Interestingly, none of the jewellery was made specially for the series. 'We didn't create any custom pieces,' says Tarang. 'But we did lend jewellery we wouldn't usually part with, especially some of the finer pieces. The fact that it was shot in Jaipur, and that Aastha [Sharma] and Pacho [the current Maharaja of Jaipur] are both close friends, made this collaboration feel personal.' The styling throughout the show relies on traditional craftsmanship — polki settings, meenakari work, and stone inlay — applied to characters in ways that subtly map their positions and transitions. Ishaan Khatter's coronation look features layered emerald and polki necklaces, vintage brooches, and a feathered headpiece, all echoing the grandeur of early 20th-century royal portraiture. Bhumi Pednekar wears a restored vintage choker with Basra pearls and uncut diamonds — quiet but layered, much like her character's journey from outsider to insider. Zeenat Aman's look is steeped in legacy: a classic borla and a necklace of emeralds and rose-cut diamonds — pieces that feel inherited, not acquired. Sakshi Tanwar's ensemble leans heavily on Rajput aesthetics — aad choker, nath, hatphool, and full regalia — conveying authority, tradition, and ceremonial weight. And, Vihaan Samat's panchlada necklace, worn across formal scenes, reflects a more gender-fluid reading of heritage, while Kavya Trehan's bold aad necklace fuses a bridal silhouette with contemporary edge. In real life, members of India's erstwhile royal families still wear jewellery, though in more intimate, personal ways, says Tarang. 'It depends on the outfit and the occasion,' he says, adding, 'But yes, royals absolutely still wear jewellery, especially pieces that carry emotional weight.' These are not flamboyant accessories for display. They are heirlooms — grandfather's coronation buttons, a grandmother's ring, ceremonial brooches — each with a story tied to personal history. 'That kind of significance lives on,' Tarang notes. 'It's deeply connected to memory and family lineage.' He also points to a notable shift: men are embracing jewellery again. 'It was always maharajas' jewels,' he says. 'Historically, it was the men in the spotlight — wearing layers of necklaces, facing the court, leading processions. If you look closely today, especially in tribal communities, men still get their ears pierced and still wear jewellery as part of everyday culture. Notably, men from the Banjara, Bhil, and Sahariya tribes in and around Jaipur still wear jewellery. 'That tradition never went away entirely,' Arora adds. 'Now it's just on the rise again. You see it in The Royals — men wearing elaborate pieces, not just on their wedding day, but for other occasions too. And they're enjoying it.'
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Deepika Padukone to Bella Hadid: As Cannes Film Festival bans nudity and naked dresses, a lookback at top 5 sheer looks
The Cannes Film Festival announced a new dress code for the attendees regarding the gala screenings at the Grand Theatre Lumiere, set to take place from May 13 to May 24, 2025. The organisers have prohibited the outfits which promote 'nudity' for 'decency' reasons, and dresses with long trains, or a particularly voluminous silhouette, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theatre. Also Read | The Royals' stylist Aastha Sharma on styling Zeenat Aman, working with Aishwarya Rai for Cannes and handling criticism An official document by Cannes Film Festival on its website said, 'For the Grand Theatre Lumiere gala screenings taking place around 7 and 10 PM, which are attended by the artistic teams, evening wear (long dress, tuxedo) is required. Alternatively, you may also wear 'a little black dress', a cocktail dress, a dark-colored pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants; elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel (no sneakers); a black or navy-blue suit with bow-tie or dark-coloured tie.' In recent years, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet has seen its fair share of the most famous sheer/see-through gowns. As the international festival begins today, here's a look at some iconic naked looks sported by celebrities on the red carpet that everyone loved: Before she became a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival, Deepika Padukone walked the international red carpet multiple times. In 2018, she wore a completely sheer gown designed by Zuhair Murad. She styled the ensemble with striking jewels from Lorraine Schwartz. The detailed embroidery on her gown brought a touch of old-world glamour. Meanwhile, the floor-length cape and the plunging neckline made it an outstanding look. Bella Hadid walked the Cannes red carpet in 2024 dressed in a gorgeous brown look straight out of Saint Laurent's fall 2024 runway show. The bodycon midi dress - made from a see-through fabric - featured ruching and knots on the front and a plunging neckline. Also Read | Simi Garewal announces her Cannes debut at 76 with 'iconic' video: Internet says 'it's over for everyone' Meanwhile, in 2021, she wore a naked dress from Schiaparelli's autumn/winter 2021-22 haute couture collection. The black gown with a deep-cut neckline and a lung necklace with gold pulmonary veins to cover the chest was one of Bella's most unforgettable looks. In 2018, Kendall Jenner walked the prestigious Cannes Film Festival red carpet in a gown from Schiaparelli's autumn/winter 2017-18 haute couture collection. The supermodel proved that the 'naked dress' doesn't always need to be tiny with this ivory look. The trompe-l'œil belt, plunging neckline, and ruffled skirt added a feminine touch to the ensemble. During the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Irina Shayk dazzled on the red carpet in a leather top and skirt by Mowalola. It features a criss-cross blouse that just covered her bust and a low-waisted skirt with a floor-sweeping train. She accessorised the ensemble with a diamond necklace.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Blend of art & glamour makes inter-college fest a lively affair
Lucknow: The final day of the inter-college fest Insula ended on a high note, offering a perfect blend of art, glamour, and energy on Wednesday. From powerful performances to vibrant celebrations with more than 10,000 students participating in the three-day fest organised by Lucknow University 's department of psychology and Psyche Hub Club. "From theatre to DJ night, every event at Insula had its own charm. I've made so many memories in these three days. It was great to finally see our hard work come alive on stage." said, a student of BA Psychology, Aastha Sharma. "Insula wasn't just a festival, but an emotion. The energy, the crowd, and the cheers made it feel like we were part of something truly special,." said a student of BA psychology, Garima Singh The day began with a gripping theatre act by PRAAN, setting an impactful tone. This was followed by a stunning Ramp Walk, which brought bold fashion and creative expression to the stage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Remarkable Oscar Outfits Ever Interesticle One of the standout highlights was the soulful Mehfil, featuring the renowned Shukla Brothers from Delhi. The atmosphere then shifted to pure energy with a lively Flash Mob, showcasing rhythm, coordination, and the enthusiasm of the participating students. As the sun set, the energy reached its peak with a DJ Night, where students danced, laughed, and celebrated the spirit of Insula.
