The late Sridevi had emerged as the first female superstar in India with her remarkable acting chops. However, besides her onscreen antics, her sartorial choices also always made heads turn. Right from elegant Indian looks in the six yards, to her fashion-forward play with opulent contemporary gowns--the actress had created a distinct fashion identity. So much so, that even years later, she continues to inspire generations with her fashion sense. On her birth anniversary today, ETimes takes a look at the trendsetter she was:
Golden queen
While Sridevi’s film ‘Mr India’ is considered to be one of her most memorable films, her looks in the film are just as iconic. Everything--from the blue saree in the song ‘Kate Nahi Katate Ye Din Ye Raat’ to the metallic gold gown in ‘Hawaa Hawaii’, and the shimmery bodycon dress with bronzed up high-fashion look--looked straight out of a contemporary magazine cover shoot.
Chiffon chic
Chiffon sarees have been the go-to for several Bollywood heroines over the decades but no one has managed to make it look quite as alluring as Sridevi. Her yellow chiffon saree paired with a matching blouse look in 'Chandni' is the stuff Bollywood dreams are made of. Taking every Indian woman's wardrobe essential and spinning it into a timeless statement, the actress must have singlehandedly boosted the chiffon saree business manifold.
Undying love for the Kanjeevaram
Sridevi's love for sarees was evident from the number of times she draped one for an outing. And while she might have reinvented the chiffon saree, South Indian weave Kanjeevaram was closet to her heart. It was her chosen ensemble for every event that called for elegance. In fact, daughter Janhvi Kapoor had also worn her mother’s special drape for the National Award ceremony, insisting just how much relevant a classic traditional Indian ensemble is, even in modern times.
Headgear
Much before it was cool to flaunt a bob haircut with twinning outfits and headbands, it was Sridevi who invented the style in ‘Gumraah’. Chic headbands with colour-coordinated dresses became a staple at the time and continued to inspire several actress's looks in films, eventually emerging as a trend.
Luxury first
While Bollywood actresses of today wear brands from head to toe, it was Sridevi who took the first step in the direction, every time she made a splash in Manish Malhotra lehengas, printed sarees from Sabyasachi, magnificent gowns from Elie Saab and her famous designer bags.
