MANGALSUTRA MIX: PATRIARCHY OR PERSONAL CHOICE?
Does the Bvlgari piece marry tradition with today, or does it take forward archaic ideas of patriarchy?
“The reinterpretation of the mangalsutra is culturally insensitive”
In an Instagram post, Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she has been discussing making a mangalsutra for “almost three years,” with Bvlgari, yet when she got married three years ago, she had Sabyasachi create a bespoke mangalsutra. Do the math.
In another post, she says, “I’m a longtime fan, not only of their designs, but their love of my country and their celebration of the most natural resources of India.” This reinterpretation of the mangalsutra is about Bvlgari cashing in on the multi-billion dollar Indian wedding market.
Only to be worn by married women, the mangalsutra has been called out for being a symbol of patriarchy. But, those who want to wear one, should. I wore one when I was married, for traditional occasions. As for this piece design, as someone who does own Bvlgari jewellery, I do not find it aesthetically pleasing. But today’s brides are questioning such symbols, I have heard some young girls call it “a dog leash”. Bvlgari’s reinterpretation of the mangalsutra is culturally insensitive.
It seems less about paying respect to Indian culture than about a foreign brand cashing in on the multi-billion dollar Indian wedding market.
If Bvlgari had really wanted to show their love of India, why did they not work with Indian artisans to make the piece?
Sujata Assomull is a Dubai-based fashion journalist, author, and the launch editor of Harper’s Bazaar India
“THE MANGALSUTRA IS A SYMBOL OF PATRIARCHY, BUT WEARING IT IS A MATTER OF PERSONAL CHOICE” —ESHAA AMIN
“THIS IS ABOUT CASHING IN ON THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INDIAN WEDDING MARKET” ——SUJATA ASSOMULL