Made In Heaven 2: Costume Stylist Bhawna Sharma Discusses Crafting Empowering Looks, ‘Had To Stick To The Character Arcs…’
The show, produced by Zoya Akhtar, revolves around the complex lives of Tara Khanna (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan Mehra (Arjun Mathur), best friends in New Delhi struggling to maintain their wedding planning business.
Aside from the captivating storyline, ‘Made in Heaven’ has earned the reputation of being India's most visually appealing show, thanks to the characters' cutting-edge fashion choices. To delve deeper into the intricacies of the show's costume design, in an interview with Bhawna Sharma, the stylist for the second season of ‘Made in Heaven’.
“When Zoya (Akhtar) spoke to me about the show and asked me to design the costumes, I was thrilled. I'm a Delhi girl, so I know this world intimately. Marriages are also such an integral part of our culture; I had seen season 1 and thought it was such a refreshing show so I was excited to come onboard,” says Sharma.
Given that the series revolves around opulent weddings in each episode, Sharma faced the formidable task of meticulously crafting costumes for every character, all while coordinating elaborate bridal ensembles for the wedding scenes. She painstakingly selected outfits that conveyed narratives through color palettes, jewelry, and accessories. In an interview she revealed her work. Read on to discover the creative process behind her work.
When asked what kind of research did you conduct before designing the characters' styles? She said that Season 1 provided a solid foundation for her. It was refreshing to build upon that style vocabulary and infuse it with a new sense of novelty. She had to stay true to the character arcs, as each one undergoes a unique journey from start to finish—considering their origins, social backgrounds, and more. Depending on whether they were experiencing highs or lows, So she chose colors that mirrored their emotional states and tailored their looks accordingly.
For instance, while dressing Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala), the lead character, who gains more power in season 2, she took into account her evolution. In the previous season, she navigated life's challenges and uncertainties. In this chapter, she fully embraces her strength while continuing to persevere. Her wardrobe reflects this transformation; you'll see her in commanding power suits and cinched waistlines that embody 'power woman.' Karan (Arjun Mathur), on the other hand, wears more formal attire as his personal and professional journey unfolds. Even characters like Jazz (Shivani Raghuvanshi), hailing from a lower-middle-class background, strive to elevate their fashion sense. In essence, her research was centered around aligning with the script and character trajectories, rather than merely chasing the latest fashion trends.
She also discussed the bridal ensembles. And how did she manage to execute those looks? She replied to the interview that she collaborated with India's foremost design houses, presenting a distinct color palette for each bride and a clear vision for the desired outcome. She approached top-tier wedding couturiers such as Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Gaurav Gupta, Gaurang Shah, and Manish Malhotra to bring these looks to life. It's important to note that the designs showcased in the series weren't ready-made; they were exclusively tailored for the show. Our collaboration extended beyond the bridal outfits, encompassing the family portraits as well. The directors, production design team, and multiple designers formed a cohesive creative alliance to curate the costumes, resulting in an enriching experience.
When asked about bridal outfits and jewelry go hand in hand. She said that they collaborated with numerous jewelers across India, and the jewelry pieces adorning the family members in the portraits are authentic, precious pieces! Their aim was to evoke an aura of opulence and sophistication, which would have been impossible with costume jewelry. For the brides, they partnered with esteemed names like Kalyan Jewellers and Sreehari, known for their traditional Indian wedding jewelry. As for the other characters, we sourced exquisite pieces from luxury brands like Bulgari. For instance, Faiza (Kalki Koechlin) is often adorned with Bulgari jewelry, mirroring her affluent background.
She was also asked amid all the creative endeavors, was there a particularly challenging look she had to create. She also revealed her personal favourite, she can't recall a specific challenge, but one of her most cherished yet demanding creations was Tara's look when she signs her divorce papers. That was a truly exhilarating project for her.
The much-anticipated ‘Made in Heaven’ season 2 premiered on Prime Video on August 10. As a part of your Prime membership, you can enjoy Prime Video's offerings for ₹1,499 annually or ₹299 monthly.
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