Urvashi Rautela Shines in 24K Gold Manipuri Potloi at Global Fashion Festival 2024

Urvashi Rautela recently brought the traditional Manipuri bridal attire into the spotlight at the Global Fashion Festival 2024 by wearing a stunning 24K real gold Manipuri Potloi. Designed by renowned Manipuri designer Robert Naorem, the outfit showcased the cultural richness and craftsmanship of the Meitei community. Typically worn by Manipuri brides, the potloi is a unique and iconic garment steeped in tradition.

The Manipuri Bridal Attire

One of the key elements that makes the Manipuri bridal ensemble stand out is the potloi, a cylindrical, drum-shaped skirt. Constructed from a base of thick fibers and bamboo, the skirt is then overlaid with satin and heavily embellished with intricate threadwork, sequins, and mirrors. The craftsmanship required for the detailed motifs along the skirt’s hemline is meticulous, often taking days to complete. The ensemble is completed with a decorative belt, a sheer veil draped around the bride, and a half-sleeved blouse. Traditional accessories include layered necklaces and a grand, tiered headpiece known as the Kokgee Leiteng.

For this special occasion, Urvashi wore a red potloi adorned with intricate gold thread embroidery, a striking deviation from the traditional green blouse and white shawl typically worn by brides. Her red monochrome look, enhanced with 24K gold embroidery, made a bold statement.

Designer Robert Naorem and Northeastern Fashion

Robert Naorem is celebrated for his dedication to highlighting the traditional fashion of Northeast India. He has previously dressed notable figures such as Sushmita Sen, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, and Laura Dutta in traditional Manipuri outfits like the Innaphee and Phanek. The Innaphee is a lightweight muslin shawl worn over a blouse, while the Phanek is a sarong-like garment with horizontal stripes, commonly worn by Manipuri women.

However, this event marked the first time a Bollywood star like Urvashi Rautela wore the Manipuri bridal attire, bringing it to an international audience.

The History of the Potloi

The origins of the potloi can be traced back to the reign of Meidingu Bhagyachandra Maharaj (1763–1798), who introduced it as a costume for the classical Ras-Leela dance. Over time, it became part of the traditional wedding attire for Meitei brides. The art of creating potlois has been passed down through generations, with the skills taught within families rather than formal institutions. Crafting a potloi is a labor-intensive process, often involving multiple artisans, turning it into a collective community effort.

Through her choice of attire, Urvashi not only made a fashion statement but also helped bring the rich cultural heritage of Manipur to the world stage.