Alia Bhatt wears a stark black Murshidabad silk sari to celebrate 25 years of Sabyasachi

Alia Bhatt arrived for Sabyasachi’s quarter-century celebrations clad in the designer’s signature silhouette—the sari, restricting his quintessential maximalism to her bejewelled blouse. No less than a culture-defining regalia, the burgeoning designer’s 25th anniversary held at the Jio World Convention Centre, witnessed over 100 models, and 600 guests, encompassing decor as well as Deepika Padukone and Christy Turlington walking together for the show’s close.

The line-up witnessed an array of an expected yet astounding dose of maximalism rendered to everyday staples such as trenches, short skirts, wide-legged trousers, and even high-neck knits. Surprisingly, the more ethnic silhouettes were kept minimal, allowing the billowing fabrics to do the majority of the heavy lifting.

Alia Bhatt’s ensemble, also plucked from the show’s collection, played around with one of Sabya’s signature and original design codes: the plunging neckline blouse often countered with its full-sleeved more modest sister. Styled by Ami Patel, Bhatt’s pure-silk sari was a perfect example of what Sabya mentions about craft in his conversation with fashion authority, Suzy Menkes. “The living culture of craft is supported by women because they’re the biggest consumers of craft. Whether it’s jewellery or clothing, women love their maximalism and traditional clothing. Women in India wear traditional clothing more than the men do and have been the true propagators and supporters of craft,” the visionary designer shares with Menkes.