Breastplates this, breastplates that! Uorfi Javed’s iconic breastplate at an awards function created a lot of chatter in the fashion world. People started reminiscing about all the breathtaking breastplate looks by Suneet Varma our desi divas have rocked in the past! However, it was the Pakistani artist Misha Japanwala who received the loudest cheers for rocking a not-so-forgettable breastplate at her wedding reception.
Misha Japanwala is a New Jersey-based Pakistani artist who beautifully merged the line between fashion, fine art, nudity, and expression. She believes in redefining women’s relationship with their bodies and played muse for her signature design by wearing a metallic-hued breastplate with a saree at her reception. But her journey of creating empowering breastplates embracing ‘shameless celebration of bodies’ goes way back! Scroll down to see some of the most iconic breastplate looks curated by Misha Japanwala.
‘Beghairati Ki Nishaani’
Misha’s first-ever solo show, hosted at New York’s Hannah Traore Gallery in 2023, showcased the power of owning one’s body in the barest form and overcoming the constant battles of self-assurance. Translating to ‘Traces of Shamelessness’, the show celebrated the naked femme form. The series stood apart by creating a tangible archive of Pakistani artists, activists, writers, and painters, all beghairats (shameless) in the eyes of society. Misha created these sculptures to make sure the legacy of these Pakistanis is preserved and remembered through time. “I have so much respect for and am so inspired by other Pakistani people who I believe are doing ‘beghairat’ i.e. ‘shameless’ work. It takes a lot to believe in your work and know its importance when the patriarchy and the people affected by it are so angered. This was a way for me to honour the beghairats and celebrate them,” said Misha. Have a look at her iconic creations for the show.
The Iconic Cardi-B Look!
Remember when Cardi B broke the internet with the music video of ‘The Rumours’, featuring a fully-grown baby bump covered in a gold-dipped breastplate? Misha Japanwala was the mastermind who brought the idea of the gold breastplate to life. She collaborated with the WAP singer and made a mould of her bump for her pregnancy announcement through the song. The young artist even made a custom arm cuff for the rapper. She then made a white-coloured breastplate for Cardi B for her maternity photoshoot! Have a look:
All That Glitters!
Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, who’s known for her over-the-top looks, once took fashionistas by surprise when she made a red-carpet appearance wearing a silver breastplate made by Pakistani designer Misha Japanwala. The Black Panther fame styled this extravagant piece with a sleek black suit and accessorised it with subtle jewels. She also revealed the real reason behind choosing the designer’s artistry and described it to be “a shameless out-of-body experience”. Apart from its striking appearance, Lupita also claimed that she was honoured, humbled, strengthened and energized to don this breastplate. She also shared how Misha’s casting aimed to subvert the male gaze and made her celebrate the female form in the most rebellious way! Take a look:
The Bride Who Stands Out
Misha broke all the barriers at her own shaadi and became the muse for her signature breastplate design at her wedding reception. She paid tribute to her authentic creation by pairing it with an antique gold sari by Karachi-based designer Rizwan Beyg. Misha added a hint of drama to the overall look by adding a pair of bold gold jhumkas and the classic tikka-paasa combination. Have a look:
TBH, we can’t pick one when it comes to our fave creations of Misha. Here’s hoping she continues to leave us grasping for air with her stunning and empowering designs.
Feature Image: Instagram
Also Read: 7 Most Iconic Breastplate Looks Of All Time!
