Janhvi Kapoor channels modern maharani in Jayanti Reddy’s regal blush lehenga
If there’s one thing Janhvi Kapoor knows how to do, it’s command a runway. On Day 6 of India Couture Week 2025, the talented actress turned showstopper for Hyderabad-based designer Jayanti Reddy, and the result was nothing short of spellbinding. Draped in a dreamy blush pink fish-cut lehenga with saree-style pleats, Kapoor brought her signature blend of youthful glamour and old-school grace to the stage and made it abundantly clear: bridalwear is evolving, and she’s leading the charge.The look was part of Reddy’s latest couture offering, aptly titled ‘Reclaimed Opulence.’ True to the name, the collection leaned into antique grandeur while speaking to today’s bride, one who values tradition but refuses to be boxed in by it. Kapoor’s lehenga was the perfect embodiment of that narrative. While the fish-cut silhouette and soft tone spoke of understated elegance, the pleated drape mimicking a saree pallu added fluidity, making it feel both familiar and fresh.
What truly elevated the ensemble, however, was the blouse design. With a deep sweetheart neckline and delicately cut-out cold-shoulder sleeves, the blouse struck that tricky balance between sensual and sophisticated. The detail that stole the show? A pair of pearl-beaded chains draping gracefully across her upper arms, giving the illusion of jewellery built into the garment. It was reminiscent of royal armour but make it haute couture.Her dupatta, long and lightly embellished, was styled in a fuss-free, modern drape that didn’t overwhelm the look. It felt like a gentle nod to traditional bridalwear while confidently moving into contemporary territory. This wasn’t a bridal outfit designed for the stage, it was meant for movement, for memories, for modern ceremonies under starlit skies.Jayanti Reddy, known for her craft-first approach and maximalist aesthetic grounded in vintage textiles, leaned heavily into heritage motifs this season. “Reclaimed Opulence” saw a celebration of age-old artistry – Dori embroidery, paisley and floral motifs, Baroque art flourishes, and Deco-inspired grids, brought to life through luxe fabrics, clever construction, and plenty of texture. Tassels, fringes, khada dupattas, and layered silhouettes gave the collection a romantic, almost cinematic quality.In many ways, Reddy’s couture this year is redefining what ‘Indian luxury’ means. It’s less about overt flash and more about depth, about owning one’s culture with intention and pride. Janhvi Kapoor, with her rising fashion icon status and ability to oscillate between Gen Z glam and vintage charm, was the ideal muse for this message.India Couture Week 2025 has already seen a dazzling line-up: Rahul Mishra’s opening show set the tone with intricate threadwork and his signature storytelling pieces. Roseroom by Isha Jajodia and Suneet Verma dazzled on Day 2, while Falguni Shane Peacock and Amit Aggarwal added their futuristic flair on Day 3. Tarun Tahiliani and Manish Malhotra brought the drama on Day 4, and Ritu Kumar and Shantnu & Nikhil layered heritage with edge on Day 5. Day 6 gave us Jayanti Reddy’s quiet opulence alongside late Rohit Bal’s timeless grandeur.
Yet, it was Janhvi Kapoor’s runway moment that left a lasting impression. With each step, she embodied the modern Indian bride – unafraid of shimmer, unbothered by rules, and entirely in her element.Whether you’re a soon-to-be bride or just someone who appreciates the finer details of design, Janhvi in Jayanti Reddy is one of the fashion week’s defining images. And if this is what the future of couture looks like, equal parts nostalgic and new, we are ready to walk that aisle.
