There are some Bollywood divas we can safely label as fashion connoisseurs and some as trend chasers. And then there's Sonam Kapoor. Sonam not only made a career out of wearing clothes that everyone talks about long after the event is over but has constantly been inspiring us with her sartorial finesse. Whether she's walking the red carpet in Paris or attending an intimate family celebration, the actor has an uncanny ability to take traditional Indian fashion and give it a fresh, fashion-forward spin.
So when she stepped out for Anshula Kapoor's mehendi celebrations, expectations were sky high. Naturally, she didn't disappoint. Instead of reaching for another heavily embellished lehenga or a classic saree, Sonam turned to Jaipur based designer Punit Balana for a custom outfit that celebrated heritage with a thoroughly modern twist. The result? Easily one of the most memorable mehendi looks of the wedding season.
The Mehendi Look That Had Everyone Zooming In
At first glance, the outfit felt familiar. Look closer, and every detail challenged the usual wedding guest formula.
Inspired by the traditional Punjabi lacha, Sonam's custom three piece outfit swapped the expected choli for an oversized button down shirt worn like a kurta. The relaxed silhouette was paired with a beautifully pleated draped skirt that echoed the elegance of the lacha while feeling completely contemporary. Instead of relying on excessive sparkle, the outfit let clever tailoring and thoughtful layering do all the talking.
It was equal parts timeless and trend setting, proving that festive fashion doesn't always need more embellishment. Sometimes, it simply needs a better idea.
Punit Balana's Craftsmanship Spoke Volumes
Punit Balana has built a reputation for bringing Indian craftsmanship into the present, and this ensemble was a masterclass in exactly that.
The slate blue shirt featured delicate floral motifs, intricate zardozi embroidery running along the placket, mirror accents that caught the light beautifully, and a softly ruffled collar that added just the right amount of romance. Paired with it was a silk Chanderi skirt enriched with resham embroidery and a coin embellished border that introduced texture and graceful movement.
Every handcrafted detail felt intentional, creating a look that celebrated Indian artisanship without ever feeling overwhelming.
Two Dupattas Were Better Than One
If there was one styling trick worth bookmarking, it was the double dupatta.
Styled by Rhea Kapoor and Sanya Kapoor, Sonam layered a luminous powder blue satin dupatta with a contrasting emerald green dupatta adorned with floral buttis and a scalloped border. Together, they added depth, movement, and a refreshing pop of colour that transformed the outfit into something truly unforgettable.
It was proof that layering can feel light, elegant, and incredibly fashion forward.
Accessories That Knew When to Shine
Sonam has always believed that accessories should elevate an outfit, not compete with it, and this look followed that philosophy perfectly.
Peacock inspired hoop earrings from Golecha Jewels, stacked bangles from Abhilasha Jewelry and My Motif, a statement ring, and a metallic clutch by Meera Mahadevia embraced a maximalist mood while staying beautifully balanced.
Then came the biggest surprise. Instead of embellished stilettos, Sonam completed the look with classic Kolhapuris, making comfort look every bit as chic as couture.
Beauty That Let the Outfit Take Centre Stage
With a look this detailed, understated beauty was the obvious choice.
Makeup artist Namrata Soni created glowing skin, softly flushed cheeks, defined lashes, and delicate pink lips that enhanced Sonam's natural features. Hairstylist Alpa Khimani finished the look with a sleek centre-parted bun, allowing the embroidery, jewellery, and layered dupattas to remain the stars of the show.
It was polished, effortless, and perfectly in tune with the outfit.
Sonam Kapoor Just Rewrote the Mehendi Dress Code
Wedding fashion often falls into predictable territory, but Sonam Kapoor reminded us that the most memorable looks are the ones willing to rewrite the rules.
Her custom Punit Balana masterpiece brought together the richness of the Punjabi lacha, impeccable Indian craftsmanship, contemporary tailoring, and thoughtful styling in a way that felt fresh without losing its roots. It wasn't just another celebrity wedding outfit. It was a reminder that heritage silhouettes still have endless room for reinvention.
If this look is any indication, expect oversized festive shirts, layered dupattas, and fusion silhouettes to dominate mehendi mood boards in the months ahead. Sonam Kapoor may not have worn the usual lehenga, but she certainly wore the next big wedding trend.
Love Sonam Kapoor's Punit Balana Moment? These Are Our Favourite Picks
If Sonam Kapoor's effortlessly regal mehendi look has you rethinking your festive wardrobe, Punit Balana's collections are filled with the same blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary silhouettes. Whether you're dressing for a mehendi, sangeet, wedding, or festive celebration, these standout designs deserve a spot on your wishlist. Shop our favourite Punit Balana picks below and bring home the label's signature modern Indian aesthetic.
