Festive & Traditional Costume Styling
Creating authentic, vibrant wardrobes for festive campaigns that bring regional Indian traditions and high-energy celebrations to life on screen.
This is the complete wedding film for Blinkit and Havells, where I managed the wardrobe for the entire cast. The styling ranged from traditional bridal and groom attire to quirky, rock-inspired looks for the guests.
A close-up of the bride's look from the Blinkit x Havells wedding film. I chose a beautiful dusty pink lehenga with intricate embroidery and paired it with elegant jewelry.
To add a fun twist to the wedding film, I styled these guests in full rocker gear, contrasting with the traditional setting.
A fun moment from the baraat scene, where I styled one of the guests in a printed kurta with a floral safa and cool sunglasses for a modern festive look.
The bride dancing with her friends, showcasing the different festive outfits I curated, including a stunning mint green lehenga for the bridesmaid.
A shot of the wedding guests, where I blended traditional Indian attire like kurtas and turbans with modern touches to create a vibrant scene.
This was a super fun project styling for a Starsports IPL ad set during a Rajasthani wedding. I designed and sourced a wide range of traditional Rajasthani attire for a large cast to create an authentic and colorful celebration.
A joyful still from the Starsports IPL ad, where I styled the photographer character in a vibrant floral print shirt, fitting the festive wedding theme.
Creating a realistic and humorous moment in the Starsports ad by styling this couple in traditional Rajasthani attire, complete with a ghunghat for the woman.
A heartwarming shot of the grandmother from the IPL ad, styled in a traditional saree and borla, looking on with love.
About Festive & Traditional Narratives
When I style a festive campaign, the biggest challenge is not just making the scene look grand, but ensuring the costumes feel authentic to the region and hold up under long shooting hours. I have to balance the visual demand for vibrant, traditional attire—like Rajasthani bridal wear or Maharashtrian festive sarees—with the practical needs of the actors, who might be dancing or running for twelve hours straight. Getting that weight, fabric movement, and cultural nuance right is where the real work happens.
Bringing Traditions to Life
Festive storytelling in advertising requires a deep understanding of local aesthetics. Whether I am curating looks for a StarSports IPL ad set in Rajasthan or a Honda festive campaign celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, my process is rooted in research and sourcing.
I don't just pull random traditional clothes. I work to ensure every element—from the specific style of a turban to the choice of jewelry—feels grounded in the setting of the ad. If the script demands a specific cultural backdrop, I spend time sourcing items that honor those traditions while ensuring they photograph beautifully under studio lights.
The Technical Side of Styling
Commercial styling is often misunderstood as just 'playing dress-up'. In reality, it involves strict technical management. Here is what I focus on during production:
- Continuity: On high-production sets, consistency is key. My team and I monitor every take to ensure that accessories, pins, and garment draping remain exactly the same throughout the shoot.
- Performance Comfort: Actors need to perform, dance, and emote. I select fabrics and cuts that allow for movement, avoiding stiff materials that might restrict the talent or look awkward on camera.
- Team Logistics: For large-scale projects like wedding films or automotive commercials, I bring in my team, including assistant stylists and dressmen, to manage quick changes, steam ironing, and last-minute fixes between shots.
My goal is to handle the wardrobe logistics so the director and the talent can focus on the performance. If you have a festive narrative that needs a cohesive, culturally accurate look, I am here to help build those characters from the ground up.
Shreya Singh
Festive styling is where I get to deep-dive into the rich details of Indian tradition. I love working on projects that require that perfect blend of cultural authenticity and modern, polished aesthetics for the camera.
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