by The Indian royalty has had some really charming icons who left their marks in history not only for their work but also for their style. They have continued taking the world by storm with their sophisticated and elegant choices even after India gained independence.Here’s a list of the top 5 personalities who carved a niche in the world of royal fashion:
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Maharani Gayatri Devi
Her style was a personification of her modest yet appealing beauty. The chiffons accessorised with her pretty pearls became her trademark. The prints and colors evolved as she matured into an older self yet the poise was constant. She was recognized by the Vogue in the ‘Most beautiful women in the world’ in the 60’s. She will thus always be remembered as the ultimate example of effortless royal fashion.
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Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda
The flowy silk robes, ornate turbans studded with jewels and multiple strings of pearls made the King look nothing less than a deity to his subjects. The Gaekwads had a special fascination for pearls. The accessibility of the Baroda kingdom to the Indian Ocean helped them collect numerous such beautiful and exquisite pearls.
He graciously wore diamond necklaces designed by Cartier. His other collections comprised of the magnificent ‘262-carat Star of the South’ diamond.
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Maharani Sita Devi of Kapurthala
Having been called the ‘latest secular goddess’ by Vogue, she has managed to enamor various European photographers by her style. Her spectacular taste in saris inspired an Italian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli who named her 1935 collection inspired by Sita Devi’s Saris.
She impressively carried the various pieces of jewelry gifted to her by her loving husband including the ones from Cartier Van Cleef & Arpels.
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Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Now known as the father of Saif Ali Khan to most people of the younger generations, the late Mansoor Ali was a man of impeccable taste in fashion. He derived his sense of style from his Nawabi origins and also from his time in Winchester. The balance between the two is evident from his dapper English look at times and the Nizami attire of the achkans and safaas at the others.
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Princess Niloufer of Hyderabad
Fondly remembered as the ‘Kohinoor of Hyderabad’, she was not only a fashion icon but also the face of Hyderabad globally. Her taste became the talk of the town wherever she visited. The international press cherished her.
It’s to her credit that a new Persian touch was now added to the traditional Indian sari. Specially crafted by Madhav Das in Bombay, she dazzled in chiffons and crepes matched with benarasi brocade borders.
Her wardrobe still remains to be a subject of study at the New York Institute of Fashion Technology.
These people have left a heritage for the world of fashion. They have defined and redefined the art of expressing through one’s attire. They have maintained their royal legacies but have still managed to make a statement. They will continue to inspire us for decades to come.
