The Academy Awards 2026 was an extravagant affair, a spectacle the world tuned in to watch, from milestone cinematic moments to high-couture fashion statements.
But it does not end there. The celebrations continue at the after-party hosted by Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where around 150 select guests gather each year. The guests donned lavish outfits and walked the carpet.
This time, attendees received an exclusive gift bag which included a hand-embroidered pashmina shawl. The bag carried a prominent Indian touch, demonstrating rich craftsmanship and heritage at the global stage.
Nod Magazine, in a March 17 report, shared details about the hand-embroidered pashmina shawl, which was included in a gift bag described as ‘ultra-exclusive.’ The shawl was from a brand founded by Nita Ambani.
What was in the ultra-exclusive gift?
The Vanity Fair Oscar Party was an exclusive event featuring an even more exclusive, ultra-luxury gift. The hand-embroidered pashmina shawl stood out as a highlight.
According to Nod Magazine, “Each Swadesh shawl is embroidered using the intricate sozni technique, one of Kashmir’s most delicate needlework traditions. Skilled artisans build the designs stitch by stitch using extremely fine thread, sometimes placing hundreds of tiny stitches within a single centimetre. The motifs draw inspiration from Kashmir’s landscape. Flowers, curling vines, and paisleys echo the valley’s gardens and foliage, translating its natural beauty into embroidery so precise it almost melts into the fabric.”
Each shawl in the gift was brought to life using the sozni technique, reflecting Kashmir’s rich textile legacy and centuries of skilled craftsmanship.
More about the shawl
The shawl was crafted by Swadesh, founded by Nita Ambani. By featuring it at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the shawl brought Indian handcrafted heritage to a global stage, featuring traditional techniques like sozni embroidery to an international audience of celebrities, designers and influencers. The moment highlighted both the artistry of Kashmir and India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, while beautifully placing it within the context of contemporary high fashion.
