Costume Analysis: Made In Heaven S2 - Part 2

Uncovering the character details that stand out through clothing in episodes 2 and 3.

(Warning: Spoilers Ahead!)

Read the costume analysis of episode 1 here.

In episodes 2 and 3, while there was no any clear narrative thread to be found through clothing, there were standout looks that added to the characterization of the characters. How a certain character wore a specific piece of clothing, which type of outfit has been worn in which scene and why, how colors have been used to add some information about the mental space the character is in, these are all the things that helped in the construction of rich characters with layers and depth.

Episode 2

I loved how she wore her dupatta in these two scenes, both of which involve Adil and the life she wants. Sure, wearing a dupatta like that looks amazing, so aesthetically it works wonders for the show, but to me, it also felt like her unwillingness to leave that lifestyle behind. She has draped the dupatta over one shoulder, almost like protecting her feelings from getting hurt by Adil, but kept the other shoulder open because she can’t seem to let go of the life she aspires to.

There’s a sense of softness to her presence in the floral dupatta which makes sense since she’s there after the funeral of Adil’s father. But in the other scene, unlike the soft pink-beige suit from last episode, she’s here at the funeral of her polite divorce proceedings, ready to challenge Adil in a loose black suit and a sleek hairdo.

Faiza and Adil don’t always wear color-coordinated clothing, but after his father’s death and during the funeral, they can be seen wearing the same color in different shades, signaling to their strong bond in that tough time.

In one of the sultriest entries, we are introduced to a character during Karan’s surprise threesome. This character (who we later find out is fashion designer, Akshay), that doesn’t speak a word, is introduced sitting on a sofa, lighting up a cigarette, as he makes an intense eye contact with Karan. The black and gray, half unbuttoned shirt with some minimal jewelry gives him the sex appeal that immediately informs the audience that this person is not to be forgotten.

When we meet Adhira for the first time, she’s at her fiancé, Anik’s talk, dressed in the shade of black that basically blends with her surroundings to the degree that we can’t even see her properly. When we later find out about the domestic abuse she’s suffering at the hands of Anik, her inclination towards making herself invisible speaks of her state of mind. The nature of domestic violence is such that the victim’s self respect is taken away from them, creating some serious self-esteem and trust issues. Adhira doesn’t want to be seen. She wants to keep her inner world hidden away.

During the video segments, one can see how she stands out. Both of the times, Anik is in the shades of the surrounding environment, but Adhira’s dresses make her stand apart. She’s his trophy wife, so he’s showing her off, but she also doesn’t belong in his world. She stands out because this is not where she’s supposed to be.

I just want to bring attention to Adil’s socks and just how much “rich man” they scream. Most of the older men tend to wear socks like that, so the fact that he is now the owner of Khanna Steel - is no more the son of the owner - establishes him as one of the most powerful and wealthiest men in India. It’s a small detail, but it’s notable.

Episode 3

In the next episode, that involves an extramarital affair, most of the looks Kriti is seen in are non-traditional and loosely fitted.

Her preferred style is clearly western (more on that later), but specifically in these stills, when she’s worrying about whether her son truly loves his fiancé, her nervous energy is translated to her clothing with a mix of colors or busy patterns.

Gulshan’s wife, Vandana wore some gorgeous sarees and jewelry in the episode. They point to the amount of wealth Gulshan has.

This is great still that captures the dichotomy of these two women, about whom we otherwise don’t know much details about. Why does Gulshan love Kriti more than Vandana? How are these two women different from each other? Does their affair point to their lack of conservatism? We don’t know. We aren’t given that information. But even though appearances can be deceitful, we can make guesses about their character through their clothing.

Kriti is more inclined towards non-traditional clothing. Even her mehendi outfit has a contemporary appeal to it. She also prefers loosely fitted clothing. It may point to the fact that she’s comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t care as much about societal norms on a personal level. That could explain her creative spirit (she’s a painter, after all). That could also explain the affair.

As for Vandana, her heavy sarees and jewelry are clearly very expensive. She looks like she’s accustomed to a certain lifestyle. That is why her saying, “I’ve been married for 26 years. I’m 52 years old. That’s what I am,” hits so hard. This is a woman whose entire life probably revolved around her husband and kids. In just a minute, her entire world has been turned upside down.

Gulshan’s outfit in both the stills stand out to me because of how they look next to both of the women. In the first still, where he’s carrying a stole, he and Vandana look like a picture perfect couple. At least from the outside, they work quite well in their coordinated attires. They look good together. But when that stole is gone and the collar has been unbuttoned - when he is more relaxed and vulnerable - sitting next to Kriti, they make more sense. The contrasting colors adds to the appeal.

Even at the wedding, Kriti opted for a traditional outfit that had some contemporary appeal to it. Both of them complement each other with slight bling in their clothing. One can totally picture Gulshan gifting Kriti that wedding ensemble, especially the jewelry, and what a romantic moment that must have been.

Some Character Observations

Even though, Tara looks down upon Ramesh Jauhari, he’s never not properly dressed. His hair is always impeccably styled, his shirts are always crisp and clean and his grooming is always on point. This is a man who cares about the details and pays a lot more attention to what’s in front of him than people might think.

We’re introduced to a new character in the second episode - Meher, the production head of MIH. There’s more to be spoken about her characterization in later episodes, but right now, her suits and sarees - all of which are well-fitted and in earthy tones - establishes her as a dependable person who is also good-natured.

Image Credit - Amazon Prime