Fusing the worlds of couture and costume, renowned design powerhouse Rimple and Harpreet recently collaborated with fashion disruptor Uorfi for an exquisite shoot in the galis of Old Delhi.

With a rich history designing costumes for cinematic masterpieces, the brand has played a critical role in shaping period fashion narratives on-screen, from Padmavat to Heeramandi, and Ramayana set to release in theatres later in the year. This campaign underscores a concept often misunderstood in the film industry—the fine distinction between couture and costume.

"Costumes are high-end garments designed for a specific reason—be it for a character or a period piece. Couture, on the other hand, is fashion at its most extravagant and artistic," explains Rimple Narulah. "With this shoot, I wanted to bring the two together in a way that felt both theatrical and luxurious.”

The location, steeped in history, serves as the perfect backdrop for this merging of period aesthetics and contemporary couture. Set against a rustic, recently restored haveli in the quaint, narrow lanes of Chawri Bazaar, the campaign pays homage to India’s rich textile and design heritage.

To craft these one-of-a-kind ensembles, Rimple & Harpreet reimagined and tweaked archival pieces and paired them with more recent collections, blending heritage embroidery, artisanal craftsmanship, and avant-garde silhouettes to create a uniquely high-fashion, costume-inspired couture narrative.

In an exquisite display of creative harmony, Uorfi transforms into a theatrical muse, donning five meticulously curated ensembles amalgamating couture and costume.

Highlights include the Satrangi Leheria Lehenga, a revival of a rare seven-colored leheria once crafted for Rajasthani royalty, layered with an archival marodi and resham-embroidered cape. The Pomegranate Pink Lehenga draws from archival brocade and Mughal inlay work, paired with a crystal-encrusted blouse, while the modern Gharchola saree is reimagined with semi-precious stones and glass bead embellishments, styled over archival pants. The dark, regal looks push the boundaries of couture—featuring an oxblood velvet lehenga with a jeweled bustier and embroidered topi, and a gota and marodi work lehenga styled with a sequin bustier, men’s bandhgala jacket, and zardozi-embroidered topi, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.

Speaking on the shoot, Uorfi said, “Rimple and Harpreet are true icons, and I’m thrilled to be working with them - who wouldn't be! Costumes and designing have played a huge role in shaping my journey, so this shoot felt deeply personal—like a full-circle moment. It was also incredible and organic the way they approached me for this! It’s not every day you get to wear Rimple and Harpreet and this is some of the finest embroidery and Indian couture I’ve ever seen – I’m honoured to be a part of this.”

The shoot, equally regal and majestic, challenges conventions, blurs boundaries, and celebrates theatrical, unapologetic self-expression in couture.