Forget the suit, this London-based creator turned Spider-Man into high fashion with a blinged-out spider saree
ETimes | August 1, 2026 5:39 AM CST
Fashion is known for its willingness to change the game, and this time around, with a superhero theme in tow, a London-based influencer has stirred the web by creating a unique take on Spider-Man, which marks an intersection of the classic Indian drape style with modern embellishments expressing popular culture themes.
The design constitutes a mix of couture, cosplay, and cultural significance and demonstrates how a saree can transform as one of the most adaptive pieces of clothing. It sheds light on the art of method dressing, which is the practice of using significant and distinctive components from a movie being promoted and making an impression on the red carpet during press events.
So, when the nursing student-cum-fashion creator Atifa Arshad received the invite for the Spider-Man premiere in London, she knew her outfit was just perfect for the occasion.
For the event, she donned a black silk saree tailored by Rita Qaranbach, a Lebanese fashion designer residing in London who is known for tailoring dresses perfectly suited for the red carpet. Despite having no ties with the South Asian community, she has made a great piece, which is now all over the internet.
Decoding the intricate drape
This black saree is nothing short of art. Featuring a long-sleeved blouse, adorned with red sequins on the sleeves and around the neckline, it does not fall into the trap of being too revealing. The blouse was finished with a red dori at the back, which is an integral part of desi fashion. But what really stood out was the elaborate beading along the pallu of the saree. The creation of the web-like pattern looked as if it required time-consuming hand-stitching, making it look more realistic and iconic.
The saree also came with a heavy border made with red sequins, where the styling and makeup looked absolutely iconic. The influencer kept the hairstyle slicked back into a bun, with dewy makeup and a brown gloss to finish the look.
On the accessory front, she wore a sensational pair of silver jumkha earrings studded with red stones and complemented the saree with a dull silver necklace set. Completing the look with her stunning potli bag, she indeed nailed the detailing section.
Atifa Arshad took to Instagram Stories and shared the process of making this piece, where she wrote, “@ritaqaranbach literally ILY, she designed what I envision. I then sent this to my tailor, I’M TALKING THREE MONTHS AGO, with yes, NO INVITE!"
She further added and expressed her gratefulness for the opportunity by saying, “Firstly, I can’t put into words how surreal it feels to be at another Marvel premiere. If you know me, you’ll know the obsession I’ve had with Marvel literally since I was a child—this isn’t anything new. Spider-Man as a whole is another feeling. It genuinely holds such a special place in my heart, and there’s nothing more comforting than watching the entire Spider-Man franchise over and over again. I’m eternally grateful to @marvel_uk and @sonypicturesuk for letting this brown girl fulfil her dreams on the carpet. Thank you."
The design constitutes a mix of couture, cosplay, and cultural significance and demonstrates how a saree can transform as one of the most adaptive pieces of clothing. It sheds light on the art of method dressing, which is the practice of using significant and distinctive components from a movie being promoted and making an impression on the red carpet during press events.
So, when the nursing student-cum-fashion creator Atifa Arshad received the invite for the Spider-Man premiere in London, she knew her outfit was just perfect for the occasion.
For the event, she donned a black silk saree tailored by Rita Qaranbach, a Lebanese fashion designer residing in London who is known for tailoring dresses perfectly suited for the red carpet. Despite having no ties with the South Asian community, she has made a great piece, which is now all over the internet.
Decoding the intricate drape
This black saree is nothing short of art. Featuring a long-sleeved blouse, adorned with red sequins on the sleeves and around the neckline, it does not fall into the trap of being too revealing. The blouse was finished with a red dori at the back, which is an integral part of desi fashion. But what really stood out was the elaborate beading along the pallu of the saree. The creation of the web-like pattern looked as if it required time-consuming hand-stitching, making it look more realistic and iconic.
The saree also came with a heavy border made with red sequins, where the styling and makeup looked absolutely iconic. The influencer kept the hairstyle slicked back into a bun, with dewy makeup and a brown gloss to finish the look.
On the accessory front, she wore a sensational pair of silver jumkha earrings studded with red stones and complemented the saree with a dull silver necklace set. Completing the look with her stunning potli bag, she indeed nailed the detailing section.
Atifa Arshad took to Instagram Stories and shared the process of making this piece, where she wrote, “@ritaqaranbach literally ILY, she designed what I envision. I then sent this to my tailor, I’M TALKING THREE MONTHS AGO, with yes, NO INVITE!"
She further added and expressed her gratefulness for the opportunity by saying, “Firstly, I can’t put into words how surreal it feels to be at another Marvel premiere. If you know me, you’ll know the obsession I’ve had with Marvel literally since I was a child—this isn’t anything new. Spider-Man as a whole is another feeling. It genuinely holds such a special place in my heart, and there’s nothing more comforting than watching the entire Spider-Man franchise over and over again. I’m eternally grateful to @marvel_uk and @sonypicturesuk for letting this brown girl fulfil her dreams on the carpet. Thank you."
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