Bhumi Pednekkar’s Ritu Kumar look blends brocade, velvet and metallic threadwork

Bhumi Pednekkar’s Diwali look offered a striking reinterpretation of Ritu Kumar’s design language. Styled by Manisha Melwani, her ensemble—complete with jewellery by Anu Merton and custom heels by Preet Kaur—bridged the designer’s archival craftsmanship with a contemporary silhouette.

The cropped jacket and flared skirt formed a dialogue of textures. The high-neck jacket, densely embroidered with zardozi, resham and metallic threadwork, featured diagonal motifs and floral butis across a burnished amber base. Its sleeves alternated between gold and navy embroidery, creating rhythm and contrast. Below, the skirt unfolded in rich panels of brocade and velvet, each carrying a distinct archival motif in shades of rust, ochre and sage. The surface shimmered softly with gota and zari detailing that caught the light without overpowering it. A gauzy dupatta quilted with gold thread and edged with tasselled corners tempered the structured silhouette.

Pednekkar’s accessories mirrored the outfit’s maximalist character. Around her neck sat a mix of layered pieces: a polki, ruby and pearl choker framing the collarbones, a sculpted torque-style necklace with interlinked plaques, and a longer polki strand glimpsed beneath the jacket. Tiered jhumkas and silver rings completed the look, while embroidered gold heels extended the craftsmanship narrative from head to toe.

Bhumi Pednekkar’s beauty look stayed close to earthy tones with softly contoured skin, a neutral peach lip and cat-eye wings, while hair was left open in loose waves, completing the craft-led look.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“This Ritu Kumar ensemble is sharp and opulent. Ditch the dupatta and heavy jewellery. Let the suit and skirt set be the focal point focusing on the textiles and richness of the colours and handwork. Pair with a structured mini bag and a ponytail to complete the look,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.