The Ambani family arrived in Venice for the grand inauguration of the National Pavilion of India at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. The occasion marked the unveiling of Geographies of Distance: Remembering Home, an exhibition celebrating the evolving language of contemporary Indian art and its growing influence on the global cultural stage.
While the art world gathered to witness India’s creative talents, it was the Ambani women who stole the spotlight. Nita, Isha and Radhika Ambani wore different takes on saree, making even luxury brands like Givenchy and Chanel create saree gowns as hand-down the best Venice Biennale garment, blending Indian silhouettes with European haute couture.
Radhika’s Givenchy Saree Gown
For the opening ceremony, Radhika Ambani opted for modern couture, picking a custom Givenchy Haute Couture saree. The powder blue saree gown styled by Rhea Kapoor was inspired by the style of evergreen icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Maharani Gayatri Devi, and Indira Devi.
The saree gown featured delicate silver embroidery along the borders. Paired with a one-shoulder blouse with satin gloves, it lent the outfit an old-world Hollywood charm with a contemporary edge. A sleek 1960s-inspired ponytail, soft smoky eyes, and sculpted brows kept the styling understated, allowing Radhika’s ig diamond earrings and traditional bajubandh to stand out as statement accessories.
Isha’s Chanel Saree Gown
For the inaugural dinner, Isha Ambani turned to Chanel Haute Couture. She chose a deep burgundy saree-gown, which was a custom adaptation of the fashion house’s iconic Look 72 from its Spring/Summer 1989 collection.
Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the look featured a structured corset-inspired bodice with delicate gold jewellery accents woven into the design. The silhouette merged the fluidity of the saree with clean couture tailoring, creating a look that felt both regal and modern.
Nita champions Swadesh
Meanwhile, Nita Ambani spotlighted Indian craftsmanship by opting for a Banarasi brocade Kaduwa saree by Swadesh, for the dinner. Handwoven over five months by master artisans Ashfak Ansari and Habiburrahman, the saree celebrated traditional weaving techniques while being paired with a delicately structured lace blouse by Manish Malhotra.
Nita elevated the ensemble with the Ratna Rivière necklace. It was curated from her personal collection featuring Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds, and white and yellow diamonds. Completing the look was a hand-carved temple-inspired purse embellished with gold and rubies.
For the Biennale opening earlier in the day, Nita opted for a chiffon-georgette saree styled with a lace blouse featuring hand-embroidered Banarasi motifs. She layered the look with a finely woven Butidar Sozni shawl by Swadesh and accessorised with sculptural earrings by Wallace Chan crafted from rosewood, titanium, and gemstones.
Together, the Ambani women transformed the Venice Biennale into a celebration of Indian silhouettes and craftsmanship. They made the saree-gown the next “in” red carpet fashion trend.
