The desi model who won Italian hearts in a sari

Meet Dipti Sharma, the desi model who made an appearance in a sari in the most-talked about fashion event, the Dolce & Gabbana show.

Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's star-studded Alta Moda show, which took place inside Lake Como's Villa Bolivinina in Italy, was inspired by the poetic works. 

Lady Diana's niece Kitty Spencer opened the show in a voluminous 18th Century-inspired skirt and a corset top with puffed sleeves. 

Through their collection the designers showcased a collection that drew inspiration from poet Alessandro Manzoni, whose work was set in Lake Como.

'We took our inspiration from the books of Alessandro Manzoni, but also the idea of Como, which is famous for all its villas, which have attracted the most aristocratic people to this lake,' Dolce said in an interview.

'These people lived life very freely, outside of the rules. This was a holiday city, a spa city. A place to relax, enjoy the good weather and the good food.'

However, the look that was the most talked about was that of Indian model Dipti Sharma dressed in a custom-made sari, paired with a midnight blue blouse. 

For the Indian look, the designers told the Indian model that she had to drape the fabric herself. 

'We have a model, an Indian girl. We told her we'll give you a piece of fabric and you do, by yourself, the sari and after that we'll customise the outfit,' Gabbana explained. 

'We love the tradition. In this case, we love to put our touch on the Indian tradition,' he added.

'We have a Muslim, too, with a headscarf, and we did the same. We said this is the fabric, make it the way you dress, because we don't know exactly which way you do it.' 

Dipti not only won over the designer duo with her style of draping the sari, but also the Internet. 

She completed the look with chunky accessories, just like a D&G royal bride.

Her pic from the show has become viral and Indians can't contain their excitement that a sari-clad model featured in the show. 

Dipti, who thanked the designers in an Instagram post, added: 'I cannot explain how dear doing this show was to me.

 

Dipti in her New York apartment.

'When I went for fittings at the Dolce & Gabbana head office, I was expecting to wear something which might have already been assigned to me.

'But, meeting @stefanogabbana and #domenicodolce changed it entirely.

'They asked me to wear a sari for their show and I was in awe, as the amount of love and respect they have for Indian culture is amazing to hear.

'We selected the fabric on the spot, styled it and in matter of time it was ready. I draped it myself.

'Their idea of an Indian royal princess in Dolce & Gabbana style finally came to reality at the show.

'I want to thank @stefanogabbana and #domenicodolce for giving me this opportunity and letting me be a part of this amazing collection and in a way represent my country.'