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For her latest look, Aditi Rao Hydari stunned in a red angrakha-inspired kurta from Anand Kabra’s 2013 collection. The flared kurta is paired with ivory palazzo pants.
Aditi Rao Hydari was styled by Manisha Melwani.
In an era obsessed with the new, Aditi Rao Hydari’s latest appearance reminds us of the quiet authority of the archive. The actor steps out in a striking red ensemble from Anand Kabra’s 2013 collection, proving that truly thoughtful design resists the pull of time. Rather than reading as retrospective, the look feels remarkably current, a testament to Kabra’s ability to fuse classical Indian silhouettes with architectural precision.
This is not nostalgia dressing. It is archival fashion used as a tool for contemporary storytelling.
A Kurta That Thinks In Lines And Structure
The hero of Aditi Rao Hydari’s look is the red kurta, designed with a high neckline that immediately lends it a poised, almost ceremonial presence. Its most compelling detail lies in the angrakha-inspired diagonal panel that cuts across the front of the bodice. Framed with dense gold embroidery, the asymmetric line introduces movement and visual tension, breaking the richness of the red into considered sections.
This diagonal construction does more than decorate; it sculpts. The eye is drawn across the body rather than up and down, lending the garment an architectural quality that feels intentional and modern.
From the waist, the kurta opens into a soft flare, echoing the grace of an anarkali without fully committing to its volume. Side slits allow the fabric to move freely, creating a sense of ease and flow as Aditi walks. The result is balance: structure above, fluidity below.
The ivory palazzo pants are anything but an afterthought. Finished with a wide chevron-patterned border in soft gold and rose gold, they introduce texture without competing with the kurta’s embroidery. Red piping at the hem subtly links the two pieces, creating continuity without repetition – a nuanced approach that elevates the ensemble into a cohesive whole.
Hair and makeup by Charlotte Wang remain intentionally restrained. Kohl-lined eyes, mascara, an even-toned base, and a muted lip allow the clothing to lead, while a small black bindi adds a sharp, graphic focal point. Styled by Manisha Melwani, the look is completed with ornate gold jhumkas with pearl detailing from Indriya Jewels, echoing the kurta’s embroidery without overwhelming it.
In choosing an archival Anand Kabra design, Aditi Rao Hydari doesn’t just wear a garment. She wears a philosophy that elegance, when designed well, never dates.
Delhi, India, India
January 16, 2026, 08:16 IST
