By Simran Sukhnani
Copyright timesnownews
As the team Homebound touched down at the Toronto International Film Festival, all eyes were turned to Janhvi Kapoor as they glistened with the beauty they adored. She single-handedly transformed the elegance of the red carpet to the sophistication of runway dripping heritage and artistry. Her look took us back to the roots that’s woven with care and remains as timeless as ever. In a world where global glamour often takes the way of ‘contemporary’ and ‘futuristic,’ Janhvi took the road less travelled by and made history with it. She stepped out to grace the red carpet in a resham sari by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla which was inspired by the detailed colors and intricate motifs of jamavar, also known as one of India’s most treasured traditional weaves. And just as one might think it was just a sari, there was another surprise hiding. The piece was elevated with an antique jamavar shawl from the stylist’s own collection and adorned with hand-made silk resham tassels. The entire outfit echoed centuries of textile artistry. Adding an eloquent layer of depth to what was known to be a vintage men’s jamavar jacket from the 1980s, it was hand-embroidered and upcycled by the designer’s unique art and vision. The jacket’s reinvention expanded the ever-so-reaching boundaries of couture while emphasizing the enduring relevance of Kashmiri textiles in contemporary fashion. Read More: Top Looks From Venice Film Festival 2025 Next up were her accessories that also reflected the same philosophy of heritage binding contemporary. The silver earrings were inspired by the traditional Kashmiri dejhur, reimagining the traditional bridal ornament as a contemporary homage to heritage. A bold ‘chabi ka gucha’ from the same label, Apala by Sumit, added a different layer to the whole outfit. A statement bangle from Amrapali Jewels, and a custom-made bag by Meera Mahadevia completed the look. Together, they formed a narrative of revival, where history meets today’s artistry without losing its soul. The thoughtful details are a testimony that Janhvi’s look wasn’t simply style, it was curated and weaved together to become one. Each detail in a conversation with the next. The stylist, Sanya Kapoor, ensured the ensemble was progressive and still rooted in tradition and legacy. At the same time, the beauty by Savleen Manchanda and hair by Marce Pedrozo lent the touch of final polish that made Janhvi look ethereal. It was a fashion moment that transcended trend, arriving instead as a declaration: heritage is haute. Read More: From Doja’s Diamond Play to Tate’s Naked Dress: The Boldest VMAs 2025 Looks Jamawar: A legacy woven in threads The tradition, beautifully adorned by Janhvi is Jamawar, derived from the Persian words “jama” (robe) and “war” (yard). This is one of the most intricate and lavish weaves of the Indian subcontinent. This style was traditionally crafted in Kashmir and jamawar shawls were handwoven using pashmina and silk, and would often take as long as years to complete a single piece. Known for their elaborate paisleys, florals, and Mughal-inspired motifs, jamawars are as much a piece of history as they are of fashion. But there’s something delicate that truly lends them extraordinary beauty and nature. It is their duality; at once delicate in craftsmanship yet powerful in presence. Till today, jamawar continues to influence contemporary couture, symbolizing a gorgeous blend of timeless style, culture and artistry at its best.
