Bollywood is betting on versatile styling this Diwali. Fussy lehngas are out, while slinky bandhani kurtas, chic shararas and quaint motifs are in. Kolkata-based designer Sarika Kakrania’s label Pink City has been on B-town’s radar this entire festive season, be it for Navratri, Diwali or Karwa Chauth. Kakrania updates heirloom elements to fit the urban, festive memo and has managed to modernise heritage textiles like gharchola, gota silks and bandhej.
Little Things star Mithila Palkar chose a spaghetti silk chanderi kurta by Pink City for Diwali, featuring striped dori, pearl embroidery, lotus motifs and tiny tassels. Palkar paired it with an intricate red bandhani dupatta and handcrafted chandbalis by Paksha by Tarinika. The piece is currently priced at Rs 28,000.
The designer has been working towards perfecting the direct-to-consumer model which seems to be working in favour of emerging labels post the pandemic. The designer sells through her website and also caters to orders and communication via WhatsApp and Instagram DMs.
“I have always connected with heritage artisanship like bandhej, leheriya and I worked out how great these would look as contemporary pieces. I feel millennials have really connected with my signature styling, especially the bracket between 20 and 25,” Kakrania shares.
Shamita Shetty, who's currently a part of Bigg Boss 15, chose Pink City’s hot pink bandhani one-shoulder cape for Diwali. The co-ord sharara features modernist design influences and can transition from daywear to cocktail attire seamlessly. It also features sleek mirror work and an asymmetrical hemline and is priced at Rs 25,200.
Huma Qureshi also opted for a Pink City number recently; she wore an anti-fit mirror work kaftan with a high slit and billowy sleeves. Huma paired the midnight black kaftan with vintage silver danglers from the Jaipur-based pret jewellery label Abhilasha.
After Shilpa Shetty wore Kakrania’s pink polka bandhani kaftan for Ganesh Chaturthi, the number has been flying off her shelf since the designer also sells internationally.
"I’m getting a lot of international orders, especially for pieces worn by celebrities, like the one worn by Shilpa Shetty recently. Many festive shoppers have bought more than one piece especially for Diwali, Karwa Chauth and festivals that were in close succession,” Kakrania shares.
The easiest way to shop from Pink City is via their website, but in case you need assistance with fitting or want to browse through the catalogue, get in touch with the designer via social media.
