New Delhi: Fusing the worlds of couture and costume, renowned design powerhouse Rimple and Harpreet recently collaborated with fashion disruptor Uorfi for an exquisite shoot in the galis of Old Delhi.
With a rich history designing costumes for cinematic masterpieces, the brand has played a critical role in shaping period fashion narratives on-screen, from Padmavat to Heeramandi, and Ramayana set to release in theatres later in the year. This campaign underscores a concept often misunderstood in the film industry—the fine distinction between couture and costume.
“Costumes are high-end garments designed for a specific reason—be it for a character or a period piece. Couture, on the other hand, is fashion at its most extravagant and artistic,” explains Rimple Narulah. “With this shoot, I wanted to bring the two together in a way that felt both theatrical and luxurious.”
The location, steeped in history, serves as the perfect backdrop for this merging of period aesthetics and contemporary couture. Set against a rustic, recently restored haveli in the quaint, narrow lanes of Chawri Bazaar, the campaign pays homage to India’s rich textile and design heritage.
To craft these one-of-a-kind ensembles, Rimple & Harpreet reimagined and tweaked archival pieces and paired them with more recent collections, blending heritage embroidery, artisanal craftsmanship, and avant-garde silhouettes to create a uniquely high-fashion, costume-inspired couture narrative.
In an exquisite display of creative harmony, Uorfi transforms into a theatrical muse, donning five meticulously curated ensembles amalgamating couture and costume.
Highlights include the Satrangi Leheria Lehenga, a revival of a rare seven-colored leheria once crafted for Rajasthani royalty, layered with an archival marodi and resham-embroidered cape. The Pomegranate Pink Lehenga draws from archival brocade and Mughal inlay work, paired with a crystal-encrusted blouse, while the modern Gharchola saree is reimagined with semi-precious stones and glass bead embellishments, styled over archival pants. The dark, regal looks push the boundaries of couture—featuring an oxblood velvet lehenga with a jeweled bustier and embroidered topi, and a gota and marodi work lehenga styled with a sequin bustier, men’s bandhgala jacket, and zardozi-embroidered topi, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
