From Priyanka Chopra’s surprising look at the MET Gala to Deepika Padukone shining on the red carpet at Cannes, the world of fashion saw divas create the right ripples this year

Manpriya Singh

nyone who looks down upon fashion should know this — the jungle print-themed dress donned by singer-actress Jennifer Lopez for the 2000 Grammy Awards was the impetus for creation of Google Image Search! The most iconic fashion look ever was recreated when Lopez closed the Versace spring 2020 runway show at the grand finale of Milan Fashion Week. As for the dress, in the past 20 years, it went a little more risqué, yet so historic.

As for the uppity world of fashion, in the past 12 months a lot of drama unfolded; on the ramp, and off it. From the debate over Nike introducing plus-size mannequins this year, to Priyanka Chopra’s Met Gala look — that sent meme-creatives into a frenzied tizzy! Closer home, designer Manish Malhotra and actress Twinkle Khanna kept their annual date with the City Beautiful.

Gala affair

First things first, it’s only the first Monday of May and time for the red carpet reports from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Benefit in New York — MET Gala to be precise; too much drama to take stock of. But who minds when Deepika Padukone walks the red carpet in a voluminous pink Zac Posen gown. But did she not look more like a Disney princess and less befitting for a MET Gala dress? Some argued. Until, of course, pictures of Priyanka Chopra being every inch the global, bold, diva trooped in. Dressed in Dior and accompanied by hubby Nick Jonas, she shocked and stunned at the same time. Afro undone hair, white frosted brows, white dot in the forehead, statement lashes… just the right masala for creative teams behind memes, who had a field day —from Veerappan’s moustache to the look-test for a Ramsay brother film, every possible reference was brought in. Post script: Isha Ambani walked the red carpet too.

Take a bow

Arguably more of a fashion extravaganza and less of films, the 72nd Cannes Film Festival took place amidst the ever-increasing desi representation. Remember Deepika Padukone’s larger-than-life black bow on a white gown with a life-size trail? Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra arrived one after the other in back-to-back appearances on the same day, almost joining the festival veterans now — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor.

Sabyasachi in dock

In the meanwhile, it’s only the beginning of July and the trollers ensured that Sabyasachi apologised for his comment, that otherwise was a call to focus beyond just exteriors. In his post, Sabyasachi spoke about, “overdressed, caked with make-up and armoured with jewellery women,” who, “most likely were wounded.” His intentions may have been at the right place, seeking to attack culture of narcissism, but trolls wouldn’t have any of it.

Going ethnic

Around the middle of the year, there was another moment for the bharatiya naris to take pride in — when Priyanka Chopra donned a nude pink saree at Sophie Turner’s and Joe Jonas’ wedding at Chateau, France. Indian ethnic attire at a white wedding was a first for many; perhaps, one of the reasons the Quantico star later took to her Instagram account to explain the choice of outfit. “It’s my go-to for every special occasion.” Once a desi, always a desi!

manpriya@tribunemail.com