Sanya Malhotra in Sunflair: The Black Banarasi Couture Gown at Filmfare
At the Filmfare Awards, where glamour often leans towards the extravagant, Sanya Malhotra, winner of the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor (Female), Web Original Film, chose an outfit defined by clarity and controlled drama at the same time. Wearing the Black Sunflair Gown from Aisha Rao’s Wild at Heart collection, the actor stepped into a silhouette that didn’t overpower the room but undeniably owned it.
Sunflair, typically imagined in luminous gold, transforms entirely into black. The gown becomes more sculptural with its details coming alive only when the light chooses them. Crafted in Banarasi tissue, the bodice features Aisha Rao’s signature appliqué and embellishment, each motif placed with intention to create depth rather than shine. Up close, the handwork reveals itself layer by layer; from afar, it reads as a liquid texture.
The sculpted bodice is anchored by a black taffeta satin skirt that moves with the body. Full but never heavy, the skirt adds volume without swallowing the silhouette, creating a striking balance between structure and flow. This interplay is what makes Sunflair a continued standout of the Wild at Heart chapter.
On Sanya, the gown finds new meaning. Her styling, clean and centred on the craftsmanship, allows the garment’s architecture to hold focus. The look feels celebratory but not traditional. It mirrors the modern red-carpet mood emerging across global awards: silhouettes that honour craft without relying on spectacle.
Sunflair has travelled widely this festive season, seen across Diwali parties and evening celebrations in global cities. But in black, it becomes something else entirely. It translates an expression of strength, softness, and power delivered through detail.
Handcrafted using Banarasi tissue and upcycled materials, each Sunflair gown carries variations in embroidery and texture. These differences are not inconsistencies, but the markers of handmade couture, where no two pieces are ever identical.
In an evening filled with sequins, metallics, and maximalist shimmer, Sanya Malhotra’s Sunflair moment stood apart because it trusted the craft to speak for itself.
FAQ's
1. What makes the Sunflair gown unique?
Sunflair combines Banarasi tissue with appliqué, embellishment, and a sculpted bodice paired with a voluminous taffeta satin skirt. Its design focuses on texture and movement rather than overt shine.
2. Is the black Sunflair gown different from the champagne version?
Yes. While the original Sunflair is often interpreted as “liquid gold,” the black version brings a more sculptural, moody aesthetic. The details become tonal, allowing the silhouette and appliqué work to take center stage.
3. Is the Sunflair gown suitable for red carpets and festive occasions?
Absolutely. Its combination of structured elegance and fluid movement makes it ideal for award ceremonies, receptions, cocktail nights, and global festive celebrations.
4. What fabrics are used in the Sunflair gown?
The gown uses Banarasi tissue brocade, tulle, intricate applique, embellishment, and a black taffeta satin skirt. Each piece is handcrafted using artisan techniques and often includes upcycled materials.
5. How does the fit and silhouette of the gown flatter the wearer?
The sculpted bodice shapes the upper body while the full skirt adds balanced volume. Together, they create a striking silhouette that enhances movement without adding heaviness.