Purple and gold is the festive colour story of the season, and Rashmika Mandanna has given it one of its most detailed looks yet. At the first-anniversary celebration of Swadesh in Mumbai, the actor wore a purple sari by Itrh that Vogue India said "gleams with antique zardozi, mirror and intricate thread work," and almost every inch of it rewards a closer look.

Vogue India published its breakdown of the look on October 14, 2026, and it's a useful guide for anyone planning a maximalist Diwali or wedding-season outfit.

The occasion: Swadesh turns one

The event marked the one-year anniversary of Reliance's Swadesh flagship store at Eros in Mumbai, held on October 10, 2026, according to News18. Spearheaded by Nita Ambani, the celebration doubled as a festive Navratri evening and turned the carpet into what News18 called "a living museum of Indian textiles," with bandhanis, master-weaves and zari work everywhere.

It was the same night we covered in "Sara Ali Khan's Royal Blue Bandhani Lehenga With a Backless Halter Blouse Stole the Ambanis' Navratri Night." Kriti Sanon, Aditi Rao Hydari and Ranveer Singh were also among the guests, News18 reported.

The sari and blouse: purple crepe, Chanderi buttas, antique gold

Rashmika wore Itrh, the label founded by celebrity stylist Mohit Rai and designer Ridhi Bansal. According to Vogue India, the base is a purple crepe sari scattered with Chanderi brocade buttas, small woven motifs that read almost like polka dots from a distance. News18's report from the night described the sari as deep wine-toned, with delicate polka dots and an elaborate gold zari border.

The real drama is in the border and pallu. Vogue India describes intricate floral gold work with tiny accents of red, and motifs of birds, flora and fauna made with gold beads, sequins and mirrors. Mathrubhumi English, in its own write-up of the look, joked that it was the kind of detail that makes you lean closer and ask, "Wait, is that a tiny bird?" (It is.)

The contrast blouse is where the craft is most concentrated. Vogue India says the V-neck, half-sleeve blouse is fully hand-embroidered in antique gold, with sequins and metallic threadwork in floral and vine patterns. Pairing a heavily worked gold blouse with a purple sari is a classic festive move, but here the blouse and border are so detailed that they work almost like jewellery.

Jewellery, hair and makeup: rich, but restrained where it counts

Rashmika wore long earrings attached to kaan chains and finished with clusters of pearl drops, Vogue India reported, and stacked gold kadas on her wrists, alternating gold and diamond.

Her beauty look stayed soft so the sari could do the talking: a small bindi, a nude lip, defined eyes and long hair tied into a low bun. Mathrubhumi put it simply: "go big on the sari, keep the face soft, and let the zardozi do the talking."

Why purple and gold is everywhere, and how to wear it

Vogue India noted that the same combination has shown up across the festive season. Sara Ali Khan wore it in a Manish Malhotra lehenga, while Deepika Padukone and Kriti Sanon wore it in kurta sets from Mayyur Girotra.

The appeal is easy to see. Purple feels regal without being as expected as red, and gold embroidery lifts it at night. It also photographs well under both warm indoor light and camera flash.

Vogue India's fashion features editor Ashwini Arun Kumar shared her own tweak for festive occasions and weddings: "I would add a choker and choose simpler earrings. I would also accessorise with metal hand bags or clutches that are all the rage these days."

Here's how to borrow the look:

Keep the base quiet. Rashmika's purple crepe stays simple so the border, pallu and blouse can carry the detail.

Use gold as the bridge. Gold embroidery, gold kadas and a metallic clutch tie purple to the rest of the look.

Keep the face soft. A nude lip and defined eyes balance heavy embroidery better than a bold lip.

A busy week for Rashmika

The look comes just before a big release. Ranabaali, her period action drama with husband Vijay Deverakonda, opens in theatres on October 16, 2026, the Times of India and NDTV reported. Rashmika plays Jayamma, the wife of Vijay's title character.

FAQ

Who designed Rashmika Mandanna's purple sari?

Itrh, the label founded by stylist Mohit Rai and designer Ridhi Bansal.

Where did Rashmika wear the Itrh sari?

At the first-anniversary celebration of Swadesh's Eros flagship in Mumbai on October 10, 2026.

What embroidery is on the sari?

Antique gold zardozi, sequins, metallic threadwork, beads and mirrors, with Chanderi brocade buttas on the purple crepe base, according to Vogue India.

How should I style a purple and gold sari?

Vogue India suggests adding a choker, simpler earrings and a metallic clutch.

Cover photo: Bollywood Hungama / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0