Yes, copying Sonam Kapoor’s lehenga design is great, but have you ever tried emulating a real queen? They say, fashion is cyclical, so why not indulge in a throwback moment at BFF’s upcoming shaadi. We are talking 19th century realness. Indian history offers rich reference material for budding fashionistas who are preparing to ‘slay’ during the wedding season. Our queens lead battles, ruled states, and dressed to impress while doing all that. Even if you think monarchies are exploitative constructs, you can admire these exemplary women and the way they dressed themselves. Those of us who do not have a tiara as a family heirloom, can easily sub in some costume jewellery to recreate these vintage, regal vibes. So, step in to our time capsule, and let’s take a ride with the queens.
1. Maharani Gayatri Devi
We are starting off with the queen who dominated our public imagination for almost a century. Gayatri Devi of Jaipur remains a fashion muse to designers like Sabyasachi Mukerjee, thanks to her signature style. All you need is a pale chiffon and some faux pearls to recreate this magic!
2. Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda
AKA ‘The Indian Wallis Simpson’. This jet-setting queen had one of the most envied jewellery collections in the whole wide world.
3. Princess Karam of Kapurthala
A Schiaparelli muse, this Indian royal captivated the European elite with her love of fashion. She was photographed by Cecil Beaton for a spread in Vogue magazine.
4. Princess Karam in a brocade-bordered saree
The Indian beauty was one of the most photographed Indians in the early 20th century, mixed her sarees with creations by couturiers like Mainbocher.
5. Princess Niloufer of Hyderabad
One of the last princesses of the Ottoman empire, Niloufer was a famously free spirited fashionista, who introduced Hyderabad to the world. She designed her own sarees, and her signature included, a brocade border sewn into her chiffon drapes.
6. Princess Durru Sehvar Of Hyderabad
Th elder sister-in-law of princess Niloufer, and a Turkish royal by birth just like her, the princess is still revered for her elegant style. A decade after she passed away in London (her second home), Niloufer remains a muse to Hyderabadi designers.
7. Maharani Usha Devi of Kapurthala
The Punjabi beauty’s photographs depict a serene woman, with a crown of braided hair accentuating her stunning features. We told you, you do not need jewellery worth millions to look like a queen.
8. Mehtab Kaur Sahiba of Patiala
The mother of Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, Mehtab Kaur offers a study in restrained elegance. Sometimes a chiffon saree and an updo is all a queen needs (a tiara never hurts too).
9. Sajida Sultan Of Bhopal
That is Saif Ali Khan’s grandmother you are looking at, and Kareena Kapoor re-wore this elaborate sharara to her own wedding in 2012.
10. Maharaj Sudha Rani Of Burdwan
If minimalism is not your thing, emulate the princess of Burdwan who accessorised like there was no tomorrow. Make sure, you look as good as her though!