The fabric used for the star’s outfit made by a Lebanese designer, was inspired by the chainmail used in battle armour
Shanaya Kapoor wore a sparkly blue metal mesh gown by Lebanese designer Jad Ghandour in a recently uploaded Instagram post, and it was a reminder of the original 2000s party girl Paris Hilton.
Kapoor belongs to the rising young clique of new Bollywood celebrities that include her contemporaries, Suhana Khan and Ananya Panday. While Kapoor may still be exploring her acting career, she definitely knows how to wield her star power, it is perhaps something that comes naturally. A scroll across Instagram will reveal Kapoor’s knack for emerging as one of the best-dressed at the biggest social events in the city and beyond. From attending big launches like that of the Jio World Plaza to an evening with David Beckham, Kapoor’s wardrobe at each event is a testament to Gen Z style.
It’s no great secret that part of Gen Z’s developing sense of fashion is massively influenced by the Y2K movement that resurrected from its grave just a few years back, and you’ll see this demonstrated in Kapoor’s stylistic choices as well. The star wore a slinky backless dress with a thigh-high split, but it was the bright blue of the dress that felt like a clear hallmark of the 2000s fashion.
Keeping with the theme, Kapoor opted for blown-out wavy hair and silver mini-hoops to go with her look. The fabric used to craft Kapoor’s gown has a very interesting provenance. The use of metal mesh as a fabric was pioneered by Gianni Versace in 1982 with the invention of an extremely light form of chainmail called Oroton. Inspired by the metal chainmail used in medieval military armour, Versace, whose bold designs shocked and provoked audiences, used it to create an almost fluid drape that has become popular as metal mesh today.
The designer of Kapoor’s gown Jan Ghandour is a Lebanese designer known for his glamorous evening wear. He crafted the outfit in metal mesh with cutout details, reminiscent of the styles popular in the 2000s.
Kapoor’s outfit was a visible tribute to the 2000s party girl Paris Hilton. From her Barbie girl moment to her hit show with BFF Nicole Kidman, The Simple Life, Hilton was the talking point of every conversation at the time. Her style involved loads of pink, but alongside that, she was the embodiment of the peak of 2000s style: denim capris, spaghetti strapped tops, sparkly sunglasses, Juicy Couture tracksuits, and crop tops in every shade of pink, icy blue and metallics.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 27: (TURKEY OUT) Socialite Paris Hilton poses for the media before the Miss Turkey 2008 beauty pageant March 27, 2008 in Istanbul, Turkey. Hilton is in Istanbul as a jury member for the Miss Turkey 2008 beauty pageant. (Photo by Getty Images) Getty Images
LONDON – MAY 3: Paris Hilton celebrates her 21st Birthday Party at the Stork Rooms in Swallow Street on May 3, 2002 in London. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images) Dave Benett/Getty Images
It seems like Kapoor has taken a page or two out of Hilton’s style diary and used it as inspiration for herself. The all-over sequinned dress is a Bollywood classic at this point. Kapoor’s peers like Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor have all been spotted in one version or another for various promotional activities and award shows. The perfect way to style a sequinned dress is to not go overboard with the accessories and keep your outfit as a statement-making piece.
Wear it for a night out and be the main character you’ve always wanted to be, or style it with sheer crop jackets to embody that ‘Paris Hilton getting out of a club at 4am in the morning’ vibe. Marilyn Monroe said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and while not everybody can be fortunate enough to have diamonds, sequins are always a good way to make your night shinier without spending a fortune.
