Bhumi Pednekar’s ivory Rohit Bal ensemble came with a structured jacket and pearl detailing

Bhumi Pednekar channelled the grandeur of a Mughal portrait at the Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore, wearing a three-piece Rohit Bal creation from his Kaaynaat collection. Styled by Manisha Melwani, the look came together in shades of ivory, elevated with jewellery by Anmol Sandhu.

Her ensemble featured a structured mulmul jacket, quilted into a sculpted peplum and embroidered with silk-thread botanicals. It was paired with a sheer silk-organza lehenga detailed with Chanderi-style appliqué and fine pearl work. The play between the jacket’s tailored silhouette and the skirt’s translucent volume created a sense of movement within stillness. A matching cap crowned the look, recalling the ceremonial dressing of Mughal courts.

Part of Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, Bal’s Lakmé Fashion Week 2024 showcase, the look distilled his long-held fascinations: the romance of Kashmir and the opulence of Mughal craft. The designer often described Delhi winters as a sartorial memory of that era—structured jackets, shararas, embroidered mulmul—and his return to the runway echoed that nostalgia in what he called “clotted cream” tones and botanical embroidery.

The jewellery consisted of circular studs with gold-toned intricate detailing and strings of pearls cascading down, which framed the face without overpowering the silhouette. Bhumi Pednekar wore her sleek and centre-parted, while makeup stayed defined: softly sculpted skin, precise eyes and a muted rose lip.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Ditch the lehenga and focus your Navratri look with the iconic backless choli. Opt for playful, contemporary designs from labels like Angi Wali, Same Sisters and more. Instead of a classic lehenga skirt, pair your blouse with a draped and fitted skirt in a fabric that flows or stretches, think jersey, satin or lycra blends. Elevate the ensemble (literally) with chunky, maximalist Indian heels to create an overall sleekness. Finish the look with a metallic mini bag and a smoky eye for that evening look,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.