Nivedita Saboo Reveals Ajit Pawar's Signature Style: A Perfectionist's Eye for Detail
Designer Nivedita Saboo, the niece of the late Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, has opened up about her uncle's distinctive fashion sense, describing him as a perfectionist who never settled for anything less than flawless. In a heartfelt reflection, she emphasized how Pawar's meticulous attention to detail extended beyond his wardrobe to every aspect of his life, influencing those around him.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Subtlety
For over 15 years, Nivedita Saboo designed Ajit Pawar's outfits, with her brand, The House of Nivedita, becoming his go-to source for occasion-wear and special appearances in recent years. Based in Pune, Saboo specializes in creating understated yet powerful clothing for political leaders, business executives, and policymakers, tailoring each piece to reflect their personality and social standing. She noted that Pawar's style was characterized by astute craftsmanship and quiet elegance, avoiding flashy elements like bling or gold in favor of self-coloured thread-work and high-quality fabrics.
The Perfectionist's Standards
Saboo recalled how Pawar would notice the smallest imperfections, whether in his clothes or his surroundings. "He paid extreme attention to detail in his outfits and accessories, and everything had to look and feel perfect," she said. "Whether it was having a meal with him, travelling with him, or designing his outfits, everything had to be done with the utmost perfection because he would notice the smallest things. You couldn't ever argue with him because he was so observant." This perfectionism rubbed off on the entire family, as Pawar would often point out dust on railings or misplaced tiles, urging others to maintain high standards.
Building Trust Through Precision
As an award-winning designer who graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology at age 19 and worked with Arvind Brands before launching her label, Saboo gained the confidence to approach Pawar with her designs. "As my work gained momentum and my processes became more perfect, I had the guts to go up to him and say that I would like to make something for him or show him something that I had done," she explained. Pawar was particular about every aspect of his attire, from the fit of his kurta to the placement of his pen pocket, and Saboo's ability to meet these exacting requirements built a strong bond of trust between them.
A Testimonial of Faith
This trust was evident when Pawar enlisted Saboo to design all his outfits for his son's wedding, rejecting offers from other designers. "He said, 'Nivedita knows my style, what I am particular about and what is not to my liking,'" she shared. "That kind of trust in me and my craft was like a testimonial." Pawar's clothing was an extension of his personality, always well-put-together with a focus on crispness, fabric quality, and carefully chosen accessories. Saboo added that designing for him was a rewarding experience, even as it required her team to double-check every detail to ensure perfection.
Reflections on a Lasting Influence
In one of his final public appearances on January 26, Pawar wore a light mauve bandhgala crafted by Saboo, a subtle piece that exemplified his refined taste. Following his tragic passing in a plane crash on January 28, Saboo fondly remembered how his standards shaped her own approach to design. "It made me a stickler for perfection," she said, highlighting how Pawar's legacy lives on through the meticulous craftsmanship and quiet elegance he championed in both fashion and life.
