Know all about Sonam Kapoor’s traditional attire from Ladakh for Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding

As the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant drew to a close recently, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja embraced the theme of India’s rich heritage by selecting a traditional Ladakhi ensemble. Her choice paid tribute to the region’s unique textiles, and she turned to Namza Couture, a brand established in 2016 by Padma Yangchan and Jigmet Disket, renowned for its dedication to preserving Ladakhi textile traditions.

Sonam’s outfit comprised a gown-like piece known as a Mogos. This pistachio green brocade garment featured a gleaming zari border. Draped over her shoulders was a rani-pink shawl called a Bok, traditionally crafted from either goatskin or silk for warmth. Interestingly, the ensemble, crafted from silk by artisans in Benaras, incorporated elaborate phoenix embroidery, symbolising vitality and wisdom, alongside a crane motif, representing peace and prosperity.

According to professor Ambika Magotra, School of Fashion, World University of Design (WUD), Sonipat, the formal costumes in Ladakh are called phogos (for men) and mogos (for women).

“Women in Ladakh commonly wear a long woollen robe called a mogos. ‘Mo’ means female, and ‘go’ means robe (mogos). The Mogos, the primary garment, paired with the Bok cape for warmth, showcases the rich cultural tapestry influenced by the Silk Route. As respect to their elders, women had to always make sure that they wore a cape Lopka (bok) at all times,” Magotra said in an interaction with indianexpress.com. 

While stepping out, Ladakhi women would wear their cape (bok). It’s usually printed or covered with a green fabric, accented with patterns of red or silk brocade to look appealing without an inner filling of wool, explained Magotra, adding that a well-designed and beautified Lokpa is called Bok.

For more formal occassions like their weddings, women wear Sulma while the men wear Goncha.

 

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Each piece curated by Namza Couture, whose outfit Sonam is wearing, is imbued with the region’s cultural tapestry. Inspiration is drawn from diverse influences, including the Changthang nomads in the east, the Brokpa people in the west, and the captivating landscapes of the Zanskar Valley, Yarkand, and Tibet.

Know all about the traditional clothing of Ladakh

The elements in the attire are called-
1) Perak (Ladakhi headdress)
2) Lokpa (Ladakhi cloak) (Image credits: Ambika Magotra)

The clothing of Ladakhi people is a fascinating blend of practicality and cultural beauty, perfectly adapted to the region’s harsh climate and rugged terrain.

Since its Silk Route times, Ladakh has been a multicultural place. As a result, they have such a mix of clothes, outfits, and skincare products from many cultures and clans. Sheep and goat wool are the primary fibres used in Ladakh to make clothes, hats, and shoes, as well as blankets and rugs, explained professor Magotra.

The Changpas, the semi-nomadic people of Ladakh, have their unique attire adapted to their high-altitude, nomadic lifestyle. The Kos Kar, their traditional garment, is a long, heavy coat typically made from yak wool or sheepskin, providing exceptional warmth in the harsh winters. Women wear a similar garment called the Loba. Changpa men often wear a distinctive cap with ear flaps called the Gharmicha.

Ladakhi clothing is not merely about aesthetics; it serves a vital purpose in the harsh Himalayan environment. The thick woollen fabrics provide warmth, while the long sleeves and pants protect against the elements.

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