Bhumi Pednekar channels retro romance in custom Anavila

Channelling the sartorial codes of the ’70s, Bhumi Pednekar stepped out in a look that fused retro tailoring with contemporary Indian craftsmanship. For the India Today Conclave, the actor wore an Anavila ensemble styled by Manisha Melwani. The look was accented with brooches from Tribe Amrapali, earrings by Moi, rings from Bijouri, a hair brooch by Golecha Jewels, a custom purse by Meera Mahadevia and Oceedee brogues. The florals, as Pednekar noted, were a nod to the women she’s embodied across a decade in cinema—each with her own story, her own sari, her own truth—woven here into a look that felt nostalgic yet modern.

The sari itself—a plaid linen sari highlighted with zari—was from the brand’s prelude-to-festive collection. A soft purple and muted pink Madras check, draped traditionally, it provided a grounding contrast to the tailored jacket layered on top that featured the label’s signature Luna scallop finish, whose rose-strewn print evoked vintage upholstery florals. The Peter Pan collar was punctuated with a slim green-and-pink scarf, tied loosely like a cravat, building up the retro mood while softening the structured silhouette.

The accessories drew from a variety of influences, blending multiple aesthetics. The tapestry-style evening pouch, which was on a short chain strap, echoed the jacket’s pattern, while gold embroidery and sequin edging lent it a delicate ornamentation. On her feet were heeled Rebecca brogues: closed-toe Oxford-style lace-ups with stitched panel construction, pointed toes and chunky low heels. Crafted from patented leather with a matte finish, the structured shoes added a utilitarian edge to the sari. Striped stockings peeking out from beneath the drape introduced another textural layer.

Jewellery choices extended the narrative with two brooches around the neckline and shoulder: a butterfly-shaped piece in rhinestones fastened between the collar tips and a dragonfly in pink stones pinned on the pallu—both lending a touch of whimsy to the tailored top. Earrings were stacked—Promise earrings (purple amethysts, diamonds and emeralds) and Thea earrings (rose-cut diamonds, and pachchikam-set emeralds). She completed her accessorising with a set of Masand rings, crowned with rubies and emeralds, on her fingers, and a vintage-style gold watch over a jacket sleeve.