Urvashi Rautela : At the Global Fashion Festival 2024, Urvashi Rautela wore a magnificent 24K real gold Manipuri Potloi, bringing traditional Manipuri bridal costume to the forefront. The garment, designed by famous Manipuri designer Robert Naorem, highlighted the Meitei community’s cultural richness and skill. The potloi, a traditional dress worn by Manipuri brides, is one-of-a-kind and iconic.
Manipuri Bridal Wear
The potloi, a cylindrical, drum-shaped skirt, is a fundamental element that distinguishes the Manipuri bridal costume. The skirt is made of strong fibers and bamboo and then coated with satin before being extensively adorned with complex threadwork, sequins, and mirrors. The delicate designs around the skirt’s hemline demand meticulous craftsmanship, which can take days to finish. The costume is finished with a beautiful belt, a sheer veil draped over the bride, and a half-sleeved shirt. Layered necklaces and the large, tiered headpiece known as the Kokgee Leiteng are examples of traditional jewelry.
Urvashi chose a red potloi with beautiful gold thread embroidery for this auspicious occasion, a stark contrast to the conventional green blouse and white shawl worn by brides. Her crimson monotone ensemble, accented with 24K gold embroidery, made a strong impression.
Designers Robert Naorem and Northeast fashion
Robert Naorem is well-known for his passion to promoting indigenous Northeast Indian fashion. He has previously dressed prominent individuals such as Sushmita Sen, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, and Laura Dutta in traditional Manipuri attire such as the Innaphee and Phanek. The Innaphee is a light muslin shawl used over a blouse, while the Phanek is a sarong-style garment with broad horizontal stripes that Manipuri women traditionally wear.
First time Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela wore Manipuri bridal costume
However, this was the first time a Bollywood actress, such as Urvashi Rautela, wore Manipuri bridal costume, introducing it to a global audience.
Potloi history
The potloi originated under the reign of Meidingu Bhagyachandra Maharaj (1763-1798), who used it as a costume for the ancient Ras-Leela dance. It eventually became part of Meitei brides’ customary wedding wear. The art of manufacturing potlois has been passed down through generations, with skills learnt in homes rather of formal institutions. Crafting a potloi is a labor-intensive procedure that frequently involves numerous artists, transforming it into a community effort.
Urvashi not only created a fashion statement with her clothing, but she also helped bring Manipur’s rich cultural legacy to the world scene.
Manipuri bridal outfit
The cylindrical, drum-shaped skirt, known as the potloi, is the feature of the wedding gown that distinguishes it from other Indian bridal clothing. The potloi is made of thick fiber and bamboo, with satin on top, and is heavily embellished with elaborate threadwork, sequins, and mirrors. The designs along the skirt’s hemline need precise craftsmanship and can take several days to complete.
The skirt is fastened with a gorgeous belt. A transparent veil drapes around the body. It is paired with a half-sleeved shirt, piled necklaces, and the magnificent, tiered headpiece known as Kokgee Leiteng.
Culture origins
Potloi transcends generations and may be traced back to the Meitei kingdom’s ancient times. Meidingu Bhagyachandra Maharaj, who reigned from 1763 to 1798, popularized the Potloi as a dancing attire for the traditional Ras-Leela dance. Brides in Manipur’s Meitei community gradually began to wear it as bridal apparel. Potloimaking is a long-held family custom. It is taught in homes, and there is no institutional classroom to teach the traditional procedure of potloimaking.
Potloi necessitates extensive manual labor, making it a collaborative, community endeavor. This gathering to make potloi acts as a classroom for this old artform.
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