Kareena Kapoor Khan entered the Birmingham 2025 conference and immediately made us all remember why she is one of India’s greatest style icons. Effortlessly glamorous but also unmistakably poised, Kareena chose a show-stopping silver sari custom-made by the great man himself, Manish Malhotra; it was nothing short of a wow. From sequin glitter to the occasional tight top, all the details seemed rather deliberate, promoting her own innate talent for combining class and sophistication.
The Stiklfold That Shatters the Mold
The sari was a pleasure to behold. Sequined from top to bottom in an undulating pattern, the sari sparkled in the lights and twirled around with her as if alive, so that every step was movie-esque. Though traditional in silhouette, the contemporary twist the sari was given was in the way of current details: the halter-neck blouse and carefully constructed pleats ended up giving the outfit current pizzazz that was fresh and new. The blouse emphasized her shoulders just so, hitting upon a couture-esque contrast with the sari’s drape, demonstrating just how ancient Indian fashion may be rethought without losing the original’s essence.
Manish Malhotra’s Magic
No one is more skilled at sequined art than Manish Malhotra. Renowned for bringing ancient Indian silhouettes together with modern-day design motifs, Malhotra’s designs are a lesson in luxury and restraint. The style of embroidery he used merged the new with the old so that the sari was both majestic and effortlessly wearable. It was fashion, but more than fashion, it was wearable art, created to make Kareena sparkle, literally, in the spotlight.
Effortless Styling
Kareena’s fashion stylist, Lakshmi Lehr, made sure that the look was sleek but never contrived. The fashion statement was the halter-neck top, which shaped the otherwise flowing sari. The cut was smart so that the sari stuck tightly to Kareena’s body but gave enough movement so that she could move elegantly with no loss of cohesiveness in the look. The minute details, such as how the pleats were set so that they could absorb movement as well as light, demonstrated that patience and thought had gone into every inch of the garment. The styling was effortless, but with every detail sorted out.
Less is More: Minimal Jewelry, Maximum Impact
At a time when more is often better, Kareena demonstrated the wisdom of holding back to create just as dramatic an impact. She accompanied the sari with stretched-out geometric diamond studs that fell in levels, reflecting the sari’s own linear sparkle. Several thin silver bangles brought some sparkle but did so in moderation so as not to overwhelm the entire outfit. Keeping the outfit speaking for itself as well as being subtle with accessories, Kareena demonstrated that glamour and subtlety can coexist in the most adorable way possible. Each piece was deliberate, adding value but taking nothing away from the overall outfit.
Colored Pencil Makeup
She wore loose, effortless waves of hair over one shoulder, exactly duplicating the liquidity of the sari. Low-key but strong makeup consisted of the classic kohl-rimmed eye bringing in the dramatics, while the subtle peach lip color made the presence at large look juvenile and familiar. The warm bronze undertones neutralized the cold silver of the sari but created an arresting, symphonic finish. The overall makeup look was contemporary but ageless, accentuating her natural features without covering them up.
Vogue India’s Take
Even Vogue India noted the elegance of her choices. Fashion associate Manglien Gangte commented, “The sari is already a spotlight magnet. Pare down the jewelry to diamond studs and a single cuff instead of long drops. A strappy metallic high heel and a smoky eye would finish the look with enough glamour without crossing into excess. Kareena’s styling replicated this ethos to perfection, demonstrating that careful curation and confidence can make any outfit work.
A Masterclass in Modern Elegance
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s presence at Birmingham 2025 reminded everyone why she is a style icon. She was able to balance shimmer and subtlety, modernity and tradition, and structure and flow all in a single outfit. Every decision, be it sari to a blouse, accessories, or makeup, looked deliberate yet effortless simultaneously. It was a reminder that beauty is not excess but restraint, detail, and confidence.
Finally, but not least, Kareena’s silver Manish Malhotra sari was not just a garment but a lesson on how to behave with panache. It showed that traditional garments can be reinterpreted in a new style and that fashion is as much a question of the way one stands as a human being, and in garments as it is about garments. For fashion lovers, designers, and followers around the globe, it was one event to be remembered—pure ecstasy of glamour, elegance, and eternality. Kareena once again proved that fashion is her territory, and she does not follow but creates trends.