Over the course of a five-decade-long career, Rekha has delivered what few other contemporaries can lay claim to: a signature style that is inimitable in its idiosyncrasy. Flip through her style files from the 1970s to now, and you will find the diva in full element with a refined sartorial palette that is divorced from fleeting fads and temporary trends. Gripped by snatches of eccentricity but never fully descending into unrealism—this is an icon whose style continues to find relevance today. Ahead, we take a look at her most fashionable outings onscreen:
Ivory elegance
Anarkalis have never fallen out of favour in the realm of fashion, but Rekha decisively stamped her signature on the style as the alluring courtesan, Umrao Jaan (1981). Through lustrous silks and shimmering pearls, her captivating kohl-lined gaze captures the heartbreak and tragedy that underlines her story. Be warned: her lexicon of vintage-inflected ivory will convince you to give saturated jewel tones a timeout in your festive wardrobe this season.
Bejewelled beauty
After two years of sequestering indoors, glamour is decisively back on the agenda. And there are few better places to look for inspiration than the erotica drama, Utsav (1984). Step within, and you will find yourself enamoured by the courtesan Vasantasena whose elevated take on layering temple jewellery will keep you sartorially inspired through the season.
‘80s maximalism
Having proven her stripes with anarkalis and saris, Rekha now proved her mettle with Western silhouettes in Khoon Bhari Maang (1988). The key looks? Head-to-toe metallics, outré outerwear and statement hairdos served with an ‘80s-inflected approach that will inspire you to indulge in the joys of dressing up again.
Head over heels
…for statement headgear. Through the pages of her cinematic history, Rekha has demonstrated her love for impactful headwear, ranging from embroidered berets in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) to lamé turbans so dramatic that people will have a hard time remembering what else you’re wearing.
Siren in red
Now in her 50s, Rekha continued to immerse herself in the finest that the world of fashion had to offer, famously grabbing eyeballs with her scene-stealing guest appearance in ‘Kaisi Paheli Zindangani’ from Parineeta (2005). While today’s generation recognises her by her signature Kanjeevarams, cinema-goers found her wardrobe inching closer to party girl territory with a cocktail-ready sari and coordinated hand mesh that you will want to keep at hand for the next invite-only soirée on your social calendar.
Also read:
10 times Rekha wowed us with her onscreen avatars
