Sushmita Sen’s hand-embroidered ivory Rohit Bal jacket is tonal threadwork at its finest

Sushmita Sen’s latest outing balanced power and poise in equal measure. Styled by Theia Tekchandaney, she wore an ivory Malta silk jacket by Rohit Bal that was hand-embroidered with tonal florals that climbed delicately across the surface. The longline silhouette, marked by a high collar, fitted bodice and flared panels, spoke to the designer’s approach to tailoring, while the threadwork added dimensional richness. Beneath, a layer of black offered visual depth, underscoring the luminosity of the ivory base. It’s the kind of construction and surface detail that has long defined Bal’s vocabulary.

Her jewellery delivered a counterpoint: diamond and gold chains, cascading into a sculptural pendant set with rubies and aquamarines. The layered composition created movement and opulence without excess, the saturated stones cutting through the monochrome palette. A wavy updo with loose tendrils framed Sushmita Sen’s face, while makeup was defined by sculpted brows, smoky eyes and a bold, matte rose lip that completed the arresting look.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“When wearing an anarkali jacket/ coat as subtly decadent as this ivory Rohit Bal number, why not pair with a lace ivory sari inside to create layered opulence. Work with a tone-on-tone layering. Ditch any neck or wrist jewellery, instead don a subtle pearl or diamond earring. The coat ought to be your focal point and let the silhouette do all the talking,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.