Malaika Arora's Latest Lehenga-Sari Look Is the Ultimate Red Carpet Inspiration

Malaika Arora's fashion choices have always been a source of inspiration. Ranging from ultra-chic red carpet looks to stunning party ensembles, her style is impeccable. Bollywood’s OG fashionista aced the style game once again with her appearance at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024. Malaika wore a custom-designed pewter tulle Swarovski saree by Manish Malhotra at the prestigious event. The glittery saree combined delicate tulle with the sparkle of Swarovski crystals. The drape featured a mermaid silhouette, a fit-and-flare design and a floor-sweeping hem. The six-yard wonder was embellished with shimmering Swarovski crystal beads all over it. Malaika draped the saree in a traditional style, with pleats at the front and the pallu gracefully hanging down her shoulder. The sleeveless blouse featured a plunging neckline and a short, midriff-baring hem.

The Lehenga-Sari Trend

Lehengas and saris are ubiquitous for occasion wear. But its hybrid iteration straddles the line between the two silhouettes. For a red carpet appearance at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August 2024, Malaika Arora opted for the same crafted by Manish Malhotra. Displaying her fondness for form-fitted outfits, she donned the ivory lehenga-sari, comprising a mermaid-esque skirt that afforded a sculptural look and added volume. A close inspection reveals its attached tulle sari with a dramatic trail that is festooned with a lavish dose of Swarovski crystals, sequins and glass beads.

The look is paired with a sensual blouse with a scoop neck and embellished with the same KiraKira-friendly work. The lehenga-sari is inspired from the veteran couturier’s archival collections. “It’s more than a decade since the Tulle Swarovski was conceived and with time it’s become our classic signature. It’s so good today that red carpet and appearances are embracing archival and signature pieces,” revealed Malhotra, describing this indelible creation.

The Rise of the Lehenga-Sari

A lehenga-sari is a ticket to feeling comfortable and chic, which is why it’s become a festive favourite. In March 2024, Radhika Merchant championed a custom Tarun Tahiliani lehenga-sari with kasheedakari craftsmanship for her hastakshar ceremony in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Mira Rajput Kapoor, too, has taken a liking for the silhouette. One of her most memorable looks is the easy-on-the-eye hybrid creation crafted by designer Arpita Mehta. She wore this champagne coloured outfit for a wedding reception with gemstone jewellery. A neutral palette, à la Rajput Kapoor and Arora’s looks, serves as a blank canvas for vibrant accessories, like a jewel-toned clutch or coloured-stone jewellery. Arora went tonal with her pewter look, sporting the Basbas and Dawlat CZ diamond necklace set by semi-precious label, Anayah Jewellery.

Completing the Look

Malaika Arora complemented her look with bold jewellery pieces, including two choker necklaces and a crystal-encrusted ring. For her makeup, she opted for sparkling smokey pink eyeshadow, darkened eyebrows, brown lip colour, a touch of mascara on the lashes, rouge-tinted cheeks and a gleaming highlighter. She completed her look by leaving her long, wavy hair loose with a centre parting.

Earlier, Malaika Arora captured our attention with a stunning black lehenga at India Couture Week 2024, where she served as a muse for designer Siddartha Tytler. Her lehenga was nothing short of a work of art. It featured a structured sleeveless blouse with an alluring plunging neckline and a cutout in the middle. The cropped blouse was paired with a floor-length lehenga skirt adorned with a sequined wavy motif throughout. From the accessory aisle, Malaika Arora picked bangles, earrings and rings. Malaika Arora also wore a tiara on her head to look like a true princess. The makeup artist accentuated her eyes with glittering and smokey eyeshadow. Pink blush and glossy lips added shine to the star’s look. Her hair, styled in soft waves, was left open.

Malaika Arora’s Lehenga-Sari Style: A Trendsetter

Malaika Arora's latest lehenga-sari look is a testament to her impeccable style and ability to make even the most traditional outfits look chic and modern. The silhouette is gaining popularity among both celebrities and fashion enthusiasts, and it is easy to see why. It is a comfortable, stylish, and versatile option for any occasion.