Nita Ambani marked Swadesh’s first anniversary in a rare Ashavali brocade sari by Royal Brocades, a heritage weave from Gujarat that took five months to handcraft.

Nita Ambani has consistently used fashion to spotlight India’s rich textile traditions, bringing centuries-old crafts into the contemporary spotlight. For the first anniversary of Swadesh, her artisan-focused retail and cultural initiative, the Reliance Foundation founder and chairperson chose an exquisite Ashavali brocade sari from Royal Brocades, celebrating Gujarat’s rich weaving heritage.

Created by third-generation weaver and textile revivalist Paresh Patel, the sari was handwoven in Ridrol village, Gujarat. The intricate piece took five months to complete, with two artisans overseeing the processes of dyeing, warping and weaving.

Rooted in a weaving tradition believed to date back to the ninth century, Ashavali brocade originated in the historic Ashaval region on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati river, in present-day Ahmedabad. Ambani’s sari was crafted on a traditional jala loom and features the heritage hathi mor jangla pattern, depicting elephants and peacocks. The design, which Patel’s grandfather also used to weave, is complemented by paisley buttas and geometric latticework.

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The border showcases parrots in a meenakari-inspired pattern, staying true to the sari’s traditional aesthetic. Its pallu features a symbolic tree of life motif with vases, detailed with meenakari-inspired elements that echo the intricacy of the borders.

Nita Ambani’s custom blouse and jewellery

Ambani paired the heritage drape with a custom blouse designed by Manish Malhotra. The inspiration came from an antique velvet koti, or vest, from her personal collection, distinguished by its ornate embroidery. Malhotra reinterpreted the vintage detailing through intricate gold floral embroidery, creating a blouse that complemented the sari’s elaborate craftsmanship.

She completed the look with geometric diamond danglers, a tiered necklace featuring red stones, and ruby-encrusted bangles and a ring from her personal jewellery collection.

Keeping her hair and makeup understated, Ambani allowed the intricate brocade, archival-inspired embroidery and statement jewellery to take centre stage. The ensemble was a celebration of Gujarat’s textile legacy, bringing traditional craftsmanship into the spotlight through a contemporary sartorial statement.