With festivals coming in at a fast and furious pace in October, they become a great excuse for dressing up. You can make a superb impression by choosing festive looks that infuse traditional craftsmanship with modern styling. This is especially true now as Indian handicrafts and traditional craftsmanship are being reinvigorated. And here, you can take inspiration from actress Shanaya Kapoor, whose effervescent personality shines through her style. Have a look at the impeccable styling showcased by Shanaya Kapoor in her ethnic look. These dresses can serve as inspiration for a number of festive outfits for you.
Shanaya Kapoor in a traditional anarkali. The most beautiful part was the rich gold brocade, which served as a golden canvas for intricate detailing. The captivating tactile embroidery covered the sleeves, the neckline and the dupatta, inspired by Indian heritage. Shanaya Kapoor wore this antique gold and royal purple attire at Swadesh’s first-anniversary celebration in October 2026. The vivid colors of royal purple and dark blue were accentuated by the lustrous brocade.
Shanaya Kapoor stepped out as a vision of regal beauty in Manish Malhotra’s imperial mulberry saree set. The sleeveless blouse showcased eye-catching antique Marori embroidery design, while the silk of the saree gave the ensemble a deep, luxurious sheen.The look highlighted the richness of Indian textiles.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Anita Dongre lehenga was a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of hand-painted Pichhwai art. It was from Anita Dongre’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. A strappy blouse was beautifully embellished with hand-painted Pichhwai artwork, depicting a lively forest. The artwork continues onto the lehenga, creating a tapestry that resembled a nature-inspired painting. Pichhwai is a 17th-century painting tradition associated with Nathdwara, Rajasthan, and depictions of Lord Krishna.
Shanaya also wore a butter-yellow and blush-pink lehenga that exuded youthful charm and a little sass. The strapless bralette was paired with a shimmery dupatta that lent a modern flair. It was accompanied by a bluish-pink lehenga, with a very quaint design and bordered in gold, as was the dupatta. This gave a festive sheen to the entire ensemble.
This lavish anarkali showcased Indian handicrafts at their best, with a traditional, old-world appeal. Detailed mirror work was paired with brilliant gold detailing for a festive-ready look. The colors were vividly captivating, representing joyful celebration. The scattered arrangement of shimmer, embroidery and tassels showed very attentive design choices aimed at minimal sparkle.
You can draw inspiration from Shanaya Kapoor's ethnic looks showcased here to drape yourself in festive glamour too.