Radhika Merchant fuses desi-videshi style in sari and vintage Vivienne Westwood corset inspired this 18th century painting | Fashion News
Fashion hory was made on April 1 as Vivienne Westwood hosted its first-ever fashion show in India at the Gateway of India, Mumbai. The event — featuring a mix of Spring/Summer 2025 designs and archival pieces — saw a capsule collection crafted from handwoven Chanderi silks and khadi cotton.
While the evening was filled with viral fashion moments, one look stole the spotlight — Radhika Merchant’s fusion of hory and haute couture. Dressed in a custom sari paired with a rare 1990 Vivienne Westwood corset, Radhika fused desi and videshi elements. It’s not her first time in the rodeo, as the Ambani bahu has previously worn an Anamika Khanna sari with a Dior corset for her wedding reception last year.
Radhika Merchant in an archival Vivienne Westwood corset
Styled Rhea Kapoor, Radhika’s look was a masterclass in vintage-meets-modern elegance. She wore an ivory silk corset featuring François Boucher’s 18th-century painting “Daphnis and Chloe”, a landmark design from Westwood’s 1990-91 Portrait Collection.
The sleeveless corset featured a sweetheart neckline and asymmetrical hem, staying true to the brand’s signature structured silhouette. The piece is considered one of Westwood’s most iconic creations, marking the first time she reproduced a painting onto a garment—a move that became a defining element of her designs for nearly a decade.
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To complement the intricate detailing of the corset, Radhika wore a custom silk sari featuring Renaissance-inspired prints and a delicate golden border.
Her jewellery was equally refined—a statement white choker necklace from Shachee Fine Jewellery, diamond-studded ear studs, and a black-beaded bracelet.
The story Behind “Daphnis and Chloe”
François Boucher’s “Daphnis and Chloe” (1743–45) is a Rococo masterpiece that portrays two young lovers in an idyllic pastoral setting. The painting, inspired the ancient Greek romance novel of the same name, tells the story of Daphnis and Chloe—two abandoned children raised shepherds on the island of Lesbos.
As they grow older, they develop an innocent love for each other but remain unaware of their emotions. The story follows their journey of self-discovery as they navigate jealous suitors, kidnappings, and divine interventions before finally being reunited with their true noble families and marrying.
Boucher’s painting captures a tender moment between the two lovers set against a dreamy, nature-filled background with soft pastel hues and romantic undertones.Story continues below this ad
Vivienne Westwood’s first India show
Ahead of the show, Vivienne Westwood’s official Instagram handle teased the collection, emphasising its homage to Indian craftsmanship.
“Vivienne Westwood is set to host their first fashion show in India, presented at the horic and prestigious Gateway of India, Mumbai, celebrating India’s rich artisanal textile heritage.”
The collection featured Spring/Summer 2025 looks alongside special archive pieces and couture ensembles crafted with handwoven Chanderi silks and Khadi cotton, wool, and silks—materials deeply rooted in India’s cultural and political hory.
