Cocktail 2 is all over our Instagram feeds, and for all the right reasons. Whether or not you have watched the movie already, you will agree that it’s definitely got its fashion quotient right. In fact, that takes center stage in this movie, just as it was the case in its first installment. The stars are dropping a bunch of looks—from Rashmika Mandanna’s girl-next-door aesthetic, to Kriti Sanon’s boho-chic, free-spirited style, and Shahid Kapoor’s easy and effortless swag. Our favourite stylish character, though? Kriti Sanon! She essays the role of the young and carefree Ally, in the coolest ensembles throughout the film. What’s recently caught our eye? Her vibrant multi-panel lehenga with mirror-work, which she styled with a colourful parandi!
The lehenga, a Mayyur Girotra creation, is of course gorgeous, but the parandi holds attention, single-handedly elevating her look by several notches. The long braid adds a fun, bold touch to her vibe and makes it way edgier than it already is. Brides-to-be, this is your sign to take a cue from Kriti Sanon’s style, and add a parandi to one of your pre-wedding looks!
The usual mantra of adorning the braid with elements like flowers and jada patti is great, but the sheer drama of the good old parandi is unparallelled. Hairstylist Nitin Sankla shares more: “Wearing your hair in a braid styled with a parandi is the perfect pick for the kind of bride who wants to keep things traditional, while also wanting to make a statement. It’s beautiful and earthy, but also very striking. Not to forget, a well done braid stays intact for hours.”
Parandis come in lots of different styles and embellishments to choose from. You can go all out with a multi-colored parandi with tassels, mirror-work, ghungroos, shells etc., or keep it simple with a classic three-strand parandi with fringes at the ends. Our top brands to check out for the most beautiful parandis are Ziddi, Amama, 5 Elements, Diaries of Nomad, Heena Kochhar, and Torani.
Brides, the parandi is not a fashion trend that will come and go, but a part of our heritage, and will remain timeless. When you look at your wedding photos 20 years from now, the hairstyle will have aged well; so don’t shy away from embracing it as a bride. Although you can totally rock a parandi on your wedding day, we’re particularly loving it for a playful mehendi look.
Expanding on the versatility of parandis, Nitin explains, “You can style parandis with a salwar suit, sharara, gharara, lehenga, or even a sari! My top tip would be to experiment with braid styles. Instead of opting for a traditional braid, you can go for alternate styles like french braid, fishtail braid, or a 4 or 5-strand braid to make things more interesting. You can also pair the braid with jewellery pieces like maang tikka, sheeshpatti, or kanautis.”
Even if you don’t have the long and thick hair that parandis are usually associated with, don’t let it come in the way of embracing this beautiful accessory. “Naturally, the parandi works very well with long and voluminous hair. However, if you have short or really fine hair, you can always wear extensions. What’s important is to personalise your braid according to the texture and nature of your hair.” adds Nitin.
Genelia Deshmukh