In a refreshing departure from Bollywood's grand wedding spectacles, Alia Bhatt chose profound simplicity when she married Ranbir Kapoor on April 14, 2022. The ceremony, held quietly at their Mumbai residence, Vastu, was mirrored by a bridal ensemble that prioritized personal comfort over opulent tradition. Instead of the customary red lehenga, Alia stepped into her new life in an ivory organza saree designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
The Philosophy Behind the Iconic Saree Choice
Nearly three years later, and now a mother, Alia Bhatt has shared the intimate reasoning behind her choice in a candid conversation for Vogue's Life In Looks series, featured in a video released on December 18. The decision, she revealed, was rooted in authenticity and ease. During her first consultation with Sabyasachi over a Zoom call, Alia's directive was clear: she wanted comfort and she wanted a saree.
For Alia, a saree is the garment where she feels most like herself. On her wedding day, she rejected the idea of being weighed down by heavy layers or external expectations. "She wanted to move easily, breathe easily, and feel like herself," as she explained. This desire for genuine comfort became the non-negotiable foundation for the entire ensemble.
Creating the "Chai-Dipped White" Hue and Minimalist Design
With the silhouette decided, the conversation turned to color. Alia expressed her inclination towards white and gold, seeking a soft, non-harsh palette. Sabyasachi's genius response was the suggestion of a "chai-dipped white"—a warm, lived-in shade that was neither stark ivory nor simple beige. The fabric choice of organza was strategic: light, simple, and inherently elegant, requiring no forced drama.
The design philosophy was one of restrained luxury. The embroidery was subtle, the sheen gentle, and the drape intentionally effortless. "Let the fabric fall. Let the embroidery breathe," was the guiding principle. The final saree was minimal yet rich, a testament to the power of understatement.
Personal Touches and an Unforgettable Beauty Look
The saree was deeply personalized with details meant for the couple alone. Sabyasachi customized it with a long train embroidered with the wedding date. A coat-style element bore the playful, private inscription "Mrs Hipster"—an inside joke between Alia and Ranbir. Her jewellery, comprising uncut diamonds from Sabyasachi's collection, was traditional yet not overwhelming.
Alia's beauty look complemented the attire's ethos. Her makeup was soft with fresh skin, a hint of blush, and nude lips. Her hair was styled in loose waves, foregoing the typical stiff bridal bun. The overall effect was one of relaxed radiance, allowing her to fully inhabit the joy of the moment.
Alia Bhatt's wedding look has endured as one of the most discussed in recent celebrity history, not for its extravagance but for its heartfelt honesty. It stands as a powerful reminder that the most memorable bridal choices are often the quietest ones, born from dressing for oneself rather than for expectation.