Heritage meets glam: Sonali Bendre’s Patan Patola saree is nothing less than a masterpiece
When Sonali Bendre steps into a saree, it isn’t just about fashion, it’s about storytelling. Her latest look in a customised Patan Patola creation from Jigyam label is one of those rare couture moments where tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance collide beautifully.The saree, designed by Jigya Patel, carries the weight of heritage on its shoulders yet moves effortlessly into the realm of high-fashion. For those who know, Patan Patola isn’t just another weave. It is India’s pride, a painstaking double ikat art form from Gujarat that takes months, sometimes years, to create. Its precision, its geometry, and its rich, jewel-like colours have always held a regal aura. Seeing Sonali draped in this legacy is nothing short of a visual treat.
But this wasn’t just Patola left in its purest form, it was reimagined. Jigya Patel explains the intent behind the look: “When it came to dressing her, our vision was clear, to celebrate the heritage of our weaves while creating something timeless. Patan Patola has always been our first choice, and for this look we crafted a double ikat Patola base in organically dyed fabric. Intricately embellished with mirrors and our signature Mochi embroidery, and paired with a blouse finished with a vintage pearl border at the back, the ensemble became a true couture moment. It was a dream saree, embodying both tradition and the festive spirit with a modern, high-fashion sensibility.”The magic, truly, lies in the details. The organically dyed Patola base set the canvas, while the vintage pearl finish on the blouse and delicate mirror work elevated the look into something rare and exquisite. Mochi embroidery, with its fine stitches, added yet another layer of artistry that whispered of Gujarat’s rich craft traditions. This wasn’t just a saree, it was a palette of handwoven stories.
And then there’s Sonali herself. Over the years, she has embraced Indian textiles with a grace that feels effortless. On her, the saree didn’t feel heavy or intimidating, it radiated warmth, beauty, and a sense of belonging. It was celebratory yet intimate, grand yet wearable. That balance is what made this look stand out.Fashion often struggles between honouring heritage and embracing modernity, but this ensemble proves it doesn’t have to be a choice. It can be both. Sonali Bendre’s Patola moment reminds us why our handlooms will never go out of style, they aren’t trends, they are timeless legacies.
