Skip the same old clutch for a statement-making potli bag this festive season

By Praachi Raniwala13 September 2019

Here, we round up the reigning potli bag brands that are sure to match every kind of Indian ethnic outfit in your closet

Style enthusiasts have tussled with their take on potli bags for some time now—they were considered an excessively coordinated accessory for traditional looks at one point. But that has changed, and the final verdict is in: the potli is not just back, but reigning as a festive wardrobe winner. No, not one made in the exact Pantone shade as your ruffled sari. Instead, an army of new-age brands are reinventing this homegrown silhouette to give the bag cool girl relevance; perfect for the wedding season and beyond. Let it be your plus-one for the next destination wedding on your calendar or your bestie’s Diwali dinner.

Aanchal Sayal

Sayal’s tasselled potlis are definitely a ’gram favourite. The pearl OD gives it an Art Deco vibe, while her use of soft pastel tones allows you to carry these bags to your western wardrobe with ease. For those who prefer their potli bags in unconventional shapes, her cylindrical pearl-embellished number is sure to win your vote. Shilpa Shetty Kundra is a fan too.

Adora by Ankita

The label has a potli for every party and preference—sangeet favourites featuring fringes and pearls, beadwork for cocktail soirees, gota for those pujas and light embroideries for mehandi giveaways. Take your pick.

Aloha by Pia and Sonal

If unabashedly traditional is your fall-back taste, turn to this label. Their latest collection (in collaboration with designer Sonam Luthria) features intricate embroideries in vivid tones, ideal for the boho dresser. Their metallic signatures with classic embroideries are the ones Karisma Kapoor tends to gravitate towards.

Amyra

A vintage mood is the hallmark of this brand, achieved by way of delicate embroideries and pastel hues. The differentiating edge? Scalloped trims to tie it all in.

Love to Bag

Choose this Kolkata-based brand for a no-holds-barred touch of glamour. The brand’s signatures feature metallic arm candies enhanced with bugle beads, feather and ombre patterns. The latest additions to their repertoire include batwa potlis and customised monogrammed variants.

The Pink Potli

This label's B-town loyalists include everyone from Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt to Kajol, Kiara Advani and Jacqueline Fernandez. Their inherent aesthetic is traditional, with a generous use of zardozi, mirrorwork and gota.

The Right Sided

The label’s potli bags are all about pearl embellishments and coloured beads for a ‘more is more’ statement, but not without a touch of sophistication. The brand’s overall aesthetic is contemporary, and they’ve also collaborated with Ridhi Mehra in the past. You can easily pair these bags with your shararas and LBDs alike.