【India】From Abhishek’s Turban to Nita Ambani’s Armlet and Isha’s Blouse: How the Royal Kalgi Became a Fashion Statement, and How You Can Style It

The most fascinating aspect of fashion is that old things return in a completely new style over time. For the past few years, the royal kalgi (a traditional plume or ornament) has become a major fashion statement. Once worn by kings and emperors from the Mughal era, this style of kalgi is now adorning everything from grooms’ turbans to celebrities’ blouses.

At his wedding with Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan created a regal look by wearing a kundan and emerald kalgi on his turban.

Now, Isha Ambani has drawn everyone’s attention by styling a similar kalgi on the back of her blouse for her Met Gala look. Meanwhile, Nita Ambani wore it as an armlet at an award ceremony, demonstrating how heirloom jewelry can look beautiful in today’s fashion. This is not just a jewelry piece, but an example of how the same ornament can create a new identity in different styles.

The history of the kalgi is believed to be several hundred years old. Earlier, it was worn by kings, emperors, and grooms on their turbans. It was not just an ornament, but also a symbol of honor, opulence, and royal identity. Times have changed, but its beauty has never faded.

The most interesting thing about the royal kalgi is that everyone has given it a new form according to their preference.

• Abhishek Bachchan chose a classic royal groom look by wearing it on his turban in a traditional way at his wedding.
• Isha Ambani attached a similar piece of jewelry to the back of her blouse at the Met Gala, making the entire look of her dress unique and memorable.
• Nita Ambani styled this 200-year-old kalgi, which was once part of Shah Jahan’s royal ornaments, as an armlet at an award ceremony.

Today’s fashion is certainly not just about buying new clothes. Sometimes, wearing old jewelry in a new way gives the most distinctive look. This is why heritage jewelry is back in trend. Heirloom jewelry stored in old trunks can become part of a modern outfit with a little creativity.

If you have an old brooch, kalgi, or a large pendant from a necklace stored at home, don’t limit it to just the locker. You can wear it in different ways:

• Attach it like a brooch on the pallu of a saree.
• Use it to highlight the back design of a blouse.
• Wear it as an armlet or belt accessory.
• Make it a statement piece on a dupatta or jacket.
• Place it in a traditional style on a groom’s safa or turban.

Today, the trend of vintage clothing and jewelry is prevalent. And certainly, sometimes an old piece of jewelry kept in the wardrobe can become the most attractive part of your entire dress. The royal kalgi is a perfect example of this. The ornament once considered limited to royal turbans is now making its identity in a new form on red carpets, fashion events, and special occasions.