As actor Chhaya Kadam recently proved with her red carpet looks at Cannes, the nath lends itself as effortlessly to contemporary-chic looks as it does to traditional attire
Chhaya Kadam at the premiere of All We Imagine As Light at Cannes
Amidst the sea of influencers swarming the Cannes 2024 red carpets with their garden variety poofy ball gowns, actor Chhaya Kadam’s appearance stood out for all the right reasons. In her two outings, one in a saree and the other in a more structured jacket and trousers ensemble, Kadam proudly owned her Maharashtrian roots by wearing a traditional nath as a key accessory.
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The actress wears her mother’s sari and nath at her Cannes debut. Pic courtesy/Getty Images; Instagram
“This trend points to the growing popularity of [and acceptance for] traditional jewellery worn in unlikely pairings,” says personal branding expert and image consultant Mihika Bhanot. She adds that while a large nath is best reserved for traditional events or (if you’re among the favoured few) red carpet struts, nose jewellery in its contemporary iterations has been gaining far more favour in recent times, whether for social dos or at the workplace. She shares her tips on acing the trend in style.
Kadam (left) with the cast and director at the premiere
The perfect shape
Always remember that a nose pin draws a lot of attention to your face and becomes the focal point of your entire look. If you have a large nose, a smaller pin with a sparkling stone will be your best bet, while a broader nose looks most attractive with a septum piercing. Those with small and pointed noses can wear a simpler pearl or stone design, or even a small hoop. Similarly, if you have a very angular face with strong features, opt for designs that soften the sharpness, advises Bhanot.
Sonam Kapoor sports a nath at Cannes 2013
Colour it right
Silver and gold are two popular choices when it comes to nose jewellery — the former is better suited to cooler skin tones while the latter works best if your skin has warm undertones. “Make sure to balance your nose pin or ring with another piece of jewellery. For instance, if you wear a diamond nose pin, wear a bracelet or watch that’s studded with crystals. If your nose jewellery is gold-toned, wear mixed metal bracelets or rings to add some symmetry to your look,” shares Bhanot. She advises steering clear of black nose jewellery which, she says, works on very few face types and skin tones.
Mihika Bhanot
Start small
If you’ve never experimented with nose jewellery before, Bhanot suggests first wearing a bindi on your nose to determine the placement, the size and the shape of your piercing. “Gauge how it frames your face and other features, and take the plunge only after you’re completely confident. When picking out your first pieces, remember that rings are easier to clean and maintain, as compared to studs, although studs can be visually less overwhelming. Consider these factors before you take the plunge,” she adds.
Florence Pugh wears a septum ring. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM
Strike a balance
Remember that your nath or nose ring will be the highlight of the outfit. Keep the rest of your look relatively subtle so that it doesn’t compete with your facial jewellery. Don’t stack on too much jewellery for an everyday look — for instance, large earrings or a chunky ring when paired with nose jewellery can easily overwhelm you. Minimal basic pieces of apparel work best for a fusion look that features a nose ring. Of course, you can go all out for festive or special occasions, Bhanot signs off.
Pro tips
>> If you are wearing a larger-sized nath, prep with a numbing cream
>> Moisturise your nostril well to ease any discomfort while wearing the nath
>> Use a piece of double-sided tape when wearing a larger piece. This keeps your nath secure and lends support
>> Clear silicone or rubber backings can also help to secure your nath and keep it from slipping off your nose
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