Ranbir and Raha join her, celebrating conscious style, stylist Ami Patel wrote on Instagram.
Alia Bhatt brought a refreshing twist to festive fashion this Diwali by wearing a custom sari from Receremonial, a brand known for merging sustainability with heritage craftsmanship. Her choice? A silk organza sari dyed with marigold extracts sourced from Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple, as revealed by her stylist Ami Patel.

“@aliaabhatt brings her love for repurposed fashion to Diwali in a custom @re_ceremonial sari, plant-dyed with marigold from Siddhivinayak temple. Recently honored with Vogue India’s Craft Revival’ award, Receremonial captures heritage and sustainability with a modern twist. A big thank you to @ateevanand 🤍 PS: Ranbir and Raha join her, celebrating conscious style,” she wrote on Instagram.

As the brand describes, the silk organza Bibi sari combines heirloom fabric fragments with modern design. Hand-embroidered with panels from vintage Banarasi saris, this piece celebrates India’s rich textile heritage and seeks to make traditional weaves more wearable. “We wanted to preserve the beauty of heirloom weaves that are either too heavy or fragile to drape, so we plant-dyed them and applied fragments onto airy organza to craft drapes for modern ceremonial wear,” the brand wrote on Instagram.

Bhatt chose the Ruhani choli to complement the sari, a blouse crafted in aged metal gota with adjustable side seams. This design allows the garment to adapt to the wearer’s changing body, extending its longevity and making it a perfect piece to be shared among friends and family. Such thoughtful adjustments underscore the label’s commitment to sustainability-preserving materials and creating timeless pieces meant to be cherished and passed down.

Caring for plant-dyed fabrics: Expert’s tips
Plant-dyed fabrics, like Alia Bhatt’s sari, with their unique colours and sustainable production process, require specific care to retain vibrancy and structure. Prof Suniti Vadalkar, Faculty of Design, Art & Performance at FLAME University, emphasises that these textiles, tinted with natural plant extracts, are delicate yet offer a wide range of beautiful earthy tones.

1. Gentle Washing Techniques: Hand washing in lukewarm water with a pH-neutral detergent is best for plant-dyed fabrics, as it helps preserve the fabric and the dye’s natural vibrancy. Avoid hot water and strong detergents, which can cause the colours to fade and the fabric’s integrity to weaken. Prof. Vadalkar also recommends not using bleach and stain removers, which can harm the dye.
2. Storage and Drying: Sunlight can act as a natural bleaching agent, so drying these fabrics in a shaded area is crucial. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for long-term storage, which can fade the colors over time.
3. Ironing and Handling with Care: Ironing plant-dyed fabrics at low temperatures can protect their delicate craftsmanship. Placing a thin cloth between the fabric and the iron helps avoid direct contact, which can alter the dye’s appearance.
4. Sustainable Design and Environmental Impact: Plant-dyed fabrics contribute significantly to sustainable fashion, reducing chemical waste associated with synthetic dyes. As Prof. Vadalkar notes, consumers who choose such fabrics support a greener fashion cycle and honor artisans skilled in traditional dyeing methods.
5. A Timeless Addition to Creative Arts: Plant-dyed textiles represent a unique blend of art and sustainability, with their earthy tones and intricate designs capturing the skill and dedication of artisans. Embracing such fabrics contributes to an eco-friendly revolution in fashion, supporting long-lasting style and environmental consciousness.

In conversation with The Indian Express: Prof. Suniti Vadalkar, Faculty of Design, Art and Performance, FLAME University.