After two, fashion-wise backward years during the pandemic, red carpet dressing returned in all its glory. Embracing the maximalism, glitz, and glam, were celebrities who picked up the voluminous of all silhouettes to dress themselves up. This return of the Disney-princess aesthetic brought a new perspective to how we love these dreamy gowns. As wild, and large as they stay rested in sealed packages on the topmost shelves of our cupboards, gowns arrived more often than ever this year. The change was how they cut and tailored themselves to suit the liking of their wearers. From criss-cross, risqué fits to easy flounce, stars embraced this silhouette in a shape, they loved.
What brought a season-specific update to the Cinderella-adored style was an addition of an anti-fit coverup. Not the ones you’ve seen Helen, wear in a 70s Disco songs, which come loaded with snazzy feathers. These coverups were like a cousin to old-school long jackets, that were teamed up with luxurious capes to form an interesting new silhouette. From the Met Gala to red-carpet events, that were closer to home, celebrities packaged a lively gown with a long or at times a tiny jacket to embrace the idea of party layering. A winter delight, as it may look like, these gowns made themselves available for shoppers, who loved to embrace a Disney look, but not freeze to death in them.
An example of the growing popularity of this team-up was seen on two actresses at the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival this year. One amongst the two was actress Priyanka Chopra, who channelled a sunshine look in a sprightful Nicolas Jebran gown. The radiant number on Chopra, matched her sunny persona with the shade yellow, and a jacketed format, which was a unique addition to her wardrobe. The Nicolas Jebran couture gown featured a cowl neckline and was styled by Chopra’s longtime stylist–Law Roach using a similar fabric jacket with tiny lapels, and a little trail.
Proof of Chopra’s growing love for the silhouette was seen at the next event for Bulgari, which she attended as the brand ambassador. The actress picked Pantone 2023’s new favourite shade–Viva Magenta and wore a two-piece gown to the event. This, one again, was a jacketed number, featuring a slim-fit, halter-neckline gown, teamed with an overtly voluminous jacket with balloon sleeves.
A more grand version of Chopra’s attire was later seen on actress Sonam Kapoor, who wore a similar silhouette at the Red Sea Film Festival. On Kapoor, we spotted a spicy red gown by designer–Rami Kadi. Styled by sister/stylist/film producer–Rhea Kapoor, Sonam picked the powerful ruby red, which was interestingly teamed with a Duchesse cape with bell sleeves. The actress displayed the maximalist side to herself, by picking the silhouette-style and sealing it all with Chopard jewellery.
Just recently, actress Bhumi Pednekar tutored us on a new way of wearing jacketed gowns in a Siddartha Tytler design. The gorgeous, ash grey piece on Bhumi was a part of the designer’s couture collection and was masterfully styled by–Mohit Rai. Much like Sonam Kapoor’s ruby red ensemble, Bhumi indulged in extensive fabric play, by placing a sequin-mesh gown, under a taffeta-finish, voluminous jacket. Here again, the monumental sleeves played the protagonist and gave the ensemble the grandeur it required. To balance it out, Pednekar skipped on jewellery, painted her lips with a shade of chocolate brown, and sealed the look with open curls.
Many versions of a jacketed gown were seen on momentous occasions like this year’s Met Gala, as well. One of the two sightings was offered by beauty mogul–Kim Kardashian, who layered her controversial Marilyn Monroe gown, with a fur-loaded pear-hued jacket. Besides her, Hailey Bieber also romanticised the silhouette with a satin, pearl white gown, which she teamed with a floor-sweeping satin jacket, embellished with feather trims.
And while most of these celebrities played around with monochromatic techniques, Rita Ora took a two-colour approach. Her idea of styling a gown with a cape for the Vanity Fair gala was exhibited through a bejewelled gown by designer–Sohee Park. Curated in collaboration with Dolce And Gabbana, the column gown in black was further layered under a collared, long-embellished jacket in the shade white. The embroidery story on the entire look was the winning factor and perhaps a new way of styling a jacketed gown.
Also Read: The Red Carpet Favourite Disney Gowns Are Back In New Shapes, And Shades For Modern-Day Princesses
Again closer to home, actress Nora Fatehi twinkled like a star in a structured outerwear for the FIFA fan event. The actress chose designer Falguni Shane Peacock to design her statement ensemble for the evening. Here, Fatehi exchanged her gown for a bejewelled catsuit in a see-through design and punctuated it with a bright fuchsia pink signature Falguni Shane Peacock outerwear.
This trick of layering evening gowns is not just an interesting twist to add more volume, but also a great tip to dress appropriately for the weather. With the arrival of both winter and the party season, the technique can be used for occasion dressing.
Image Credits: Instagram