When cinematic promo tours merge with master craftsmanship, the result is fashion magic, and Kiara Advani’s latest appearance in Hyderabad for her upcoming film Toxic is a masterclass in dark romanticism. Stepping out in a bespoke creation by designer Manish Malhotra, who also helm the costume design for her character in the movie, Advani did far more than turn heads. She effectively signaled the arrival of fall/winter’s most captivating mood: fashion supervillain glamour.
The cultural moment: Embracing the fashion antiheroine
There is an undeniable allure to fashion that leans into the darker, more powerful side of the color spectrum. For years, promotional press tours for Hollywood blockbusters have leveraged the "fashion supervillain" archetype; think Charlize Theron’s razor-sharp tailored silhouettes during The Odyssey press runs or Angelina Jolie’s dramatic, gothic-infused gowns for Maleficent. These looks do not merely dress an actor; they foreshadow a character's internal power, mystery, and edge.
Advani’s look brings this exact cinematic energy into the world of contemporary Indian couture. Playing the role of Nadia in Toxic, her choice to lean into a deep, moody palette serves as a deliberate nod to her reel persona. It moves away from the traditional pastel-heavy or bright gold palettes typically seen on red carpets, replacing them with a quiet, powerful confidence.
