Rediscovering the Gharchola saree, courtesy of Bollywood celebrities

Trends and fads may come and go, but vintage heirlooms will always find a way to stay not just in our hearts, but our closets too, and the rise of the Gharchola fabric is a typical case of vintage fashion and here is where it comes from and how celebrities embraced it.

When has it ever been that Sonam Kapoor Ahuja posts something and it doesn’t turn into a viral trend? Well, as far as I remember- never! But this time neither was it couture nor was it Chanel or Dior, instead it was a piece from her mother’s closet that took us back to the aughts. Amidst the era of pre-loved fashion, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja quite literally shopped from her mothers’s closet and wore a 35-year-old Gharchola saree. India is one country brimming with crafts that may have gone, but never forgotten, and the Gharchola saree is one such case in point. Originated in Gujrat and Rajasthan, the Gharchola goes way beyond just a mere fabric, it represents the sentimental value of heirlooms in India and continues to hold a dominant spot in India’s book of crafts and culture. Loosely translated as ‘home apparel’ the fabric holds an intrinsic meaning behind it and ever since we saw it on Sonam, it stirred a conversation amongst us fashion connoisseurs.

The rise of the Gharchola saree

It represents the cyclic nature of fashion ‘what goes around comes around’; contrary to what we believe today, such pieces are the true representation of couture aka ‘one of a kind’. Contemporary silhouettes might take us a step forward, but one part of fashion will always belong to the vintage era. There is no better feeling than draping those age-old fabrics, the ones that look as good as new. Likewise, the Gharchola symbolises not just an heirloom, but also an auspicious symbol of goodwill and prosperity. Since it’s not every day that we witness such instances of vintage fashion, so here we have designer duo Rimple & Harpreet giving us a detailed insight into the craft of Gharchola.

“The Gharchola, a vibrant ensemble traditionally gifted to a newly married woman by her new family, is steeped in ancient tradition, particularly cherished in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Our own Gharchola saree’s timeless appeal was unmistakably evident when adorned by Deepika Padukone and Shloka Ambani during the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar, Gujarat” shares the duo.

“For nearly a decade, we’ve collaborated closely with a specialised crafts cluster in Kutch, Gujarat, and dedicated vendors who meticulously procure antique Gharcholas to craft our exquisite collections. The beauty of the Gharchola lies not only in its rich heritage but also in the intricate craftsmanship behind its creation. Employing the revered Indian tie and dye technique known as ‘bandhej’ or ‘bandhani,’ each 6-meter-long fabric takes about a month to complete, characterized by its distinctive grid-like pattern. Crafted laboriously on handlooms, the fabric is initially woven using fabric and zari threads to form the checkered motif. Subsequently, each box is meticulously adorned with bandhani motifs before undergoing a vibrant dyeing process in hues of red, pink, yellow, and green(and more), culminating in delicate hand embroidery. Though the creation of a Gharchola saree demands approximately two to three months, the end result—a testament to elegance and tradition—is immensely gratifying”.

Celebrities embracing the Gharchola fabric

Ever since Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was spotted in a Gharchola saree, it seemed like Bollywood caught the fever and from there on we witnessed a trail of this craft owned by the leading ladies of the industry. Especially the Ambani festivities were brimming with beauties in Gharchola Sarees and lehengas. Here’s the lookbook!

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja in a 35-year-old Gharchola saree

@sonamkapoor

Deepika Padukone in a red Gharchola saree by Rimple & Harpreet

Shloka Mehta in a pink Gharchola saree by Rimple & Harpreet

Shanaya Kapoor in red Gharchola saree by Rimple & Harpreet