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Vishal Khairnar
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Isha Ambani In Pink Bandhani: Another International ‘Saree’ That Doesn’t Look Like One
When it comes to fashion crossovers, no one makes headlines quite like Isha Ambani. This time, celebrity stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania teamed up with Italian fashion powerhouse Roberto Cavalli to create a rani pink Bandhani gown — a stunning marriage of Indian craft and European couture. The design draws inspiration from Cavalli’s earlier collaboration with Vogue India for Project Renaissance (2012), but this version is unmistakably tailored for Isha’s global yet rooted persona.
At the heart of the piece lies its Bandhani fabric — hand-dyed by artisans in Kutch — transformed into a gown with Cavalli’s signature sensuality. Styled to echo the drape of a saree, the outfit has quickly become the subject of heated online debate.
The Global Saree Conversation
DietSabya praised the look, calling it a “reimagined saree” and applauding the move to entrust Indian textiles to international fashion houses. But the conversation didn’t stop there. Fashion purists questioned whether these hybrid silhouettes dilute the cultural essence they claim to represent.
The critique is part of a larger trend. Alia Bhatt’s ‘Gucci saree’ at Cannes sparked a similar debate: was it innovation or oversimplification? Prada’s Kolhapuri-inspired sandals drew ire for glossing over origins, and TikTok was recently dragged for calling a dupatta-inspired design a “Scandinavian scarf.”
Yet, there are positives. Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2026 Men’s show showcased the Indian board game Snakes & Ladders as a cultural motif, while Nike’s collaboration with NorBlack NorWhite brought authentic Indian design to a global streetwear platform.
Representation vs. Appropriation
The Isha Ambani x Cavalli collaboration isn’t being accused of cultural erasure — credit has been given to local artisans, and the textile’s Indian origin is central to the narrative. Still, netizens remain divided. For some, the silhouette feels like a “mockery” of Indian heritage, stripping Bandhani of its traditional grace. For others, it’s a refreshing reinvention that proves Indian craft can live beyond its conventional forms.
The Bigger Picture
The debate surrounding Isha’s Bandhani gown underscores an important question: When Indian textiles go global, are they being celebrated or commodified? Perhaps the answer lies in intent and acknowledgment. In this case, credit was given, craftsmanship was preserved, but the silhouette left room for criticism.
One thing is certain — Isha Ambani, once again, has ensured that Indian textiles are at the center of international fashion discourse. And that, in itself, is powerful.
