Sonam Kapoor does it again, champions India’s traditional attire in a Tangkhul Kashan-inspired set from Manipur

Styled by sister Rhea Kapoor, the set included a black shirt paired with a skirt, also known as kashan, and a wrap tied at the back. In shades of rich maroon, light pink and black, the intricate handloom embroidery stood out. Sleek gold accessories, smoky kohl-smudged eyes and pin-straight hair accentuated the look, styled with a pair of black pumps.

Sonam Kapoor with Amy Astley (Source: Instagram/@archdigestindia)

About Tangkhul textile

Professor Pankaj Jain, Director of The India Centre, FLAME University told indianexpress.com that the loin-loom technique in Manipur is much more than a weaving method; it is central to the region’s cultural identity. Tangkhul Naga, one of the main tribes residing in Manipur, are known for their craftsmanship and culturally-rich textiles. Weaving techniques are not just a creative past-time or source of income for them, but a way of carrying forward their history and legacy for generations to come.

“Traditional textiles such as the iconic Moirang Phee and other loin-loom fabrics are used in marriage rituals, festivals, and community ceremonies, and are deeply connected to local mythology and cosmology. The loom traditionally sits in the home of Meitei women, symbolising dignity, continuity, and self-reliance, with weaving passed down through generations as a living craft,” explained Jain, adding that these textiles embody “threads of identity” and form a vital part of India’s intangible cultural heritage, not merely decorative fashion.

Nikasha Tawadey Khemka, designer and founder of Nikasha, added that the traditional Tangkhul Naga loin-loom weave speaks of honesty and intimacy in the way it is created, because the act of weaving is done so close to the body. “It carries with it the rhythm of daily life, the stories of families, and the quiet resilience of the women who practise this craft,” she elaborated, adding that the motifs are never merely decorative. They are expressions of identity, memory, and a deeply rooted cultural language that have been passed down with patience and devotion.

This is not the first time Kapoor has spotlighted India’s traditional ensembles. In March 2024, during Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities, the Aisha actor had slipped into Ladakh’s traditional attire: The Mogos, the primary garment, paired with the Bok cape for warmth. Heritage jewels from her mother and mother-in-law’s closets completed her look.

When it comes to championing lesser known crafts in and around the country, Jain believes authentic representation begins with centering artisan voices and recognising craft as lived knowledge. With roots deeply etched in folklore, their signature weaves narrate stories that require preservation besides adding to the social and cultural capital of the tribe.

“Brands must pursue ethical collaboration, transparent value-sharing, and long-term partnerships that sustain communities, while media and creators can invest in documentation and contextual storytelling that highlight the people, processes, symbolism, and histories behind the craft,” he concluded.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.