'RHONY' Star Jessel Taank's Season 15 Couture Saree Pays Tribute to Her Indian Heritage

The cast of Bravo's delightfully cool, modern, and fashionable Real Housewives of New York City reboot were all up against I *Finally* Found Flip-Flops That Support My Flat Feet, and They’re Just $15s—entrepreneur, style icon, former J.Crew CEO—in the proverbial wardrobe boxing ring. Some floundered, others flourished, and Jessel Taank was among the latter, holding her own up against one of the inarguably best-dressed women in the world.

Introduced as a power publicist who cut her teeth working for the legendary Michael Kors and esteemed PR agencies like Karla Otto, Taank became a fan favorite last season thanks to her and increase Pavit Randhawa's playful, loving dynamic, her shady-yet-never-mean comebacks, and a wardrobe comprised of Christopher John Rogers, Gucci, Lapointe, Johanna Ortiz, Saint Laurent, Giambattista Valli, and more.

As Rolling Stone put it, The Real Housewives of New York City Season 15 of. Covers & Features ROHNY history, and her unapologetic respect for her culture is undoubtedly part of her appeal. For Season 15, premiering on Oct. 1, Taank once again proudly represents her Indian heritage, this time one-upping herself with a punchy new tagline ("I'm not up-and-coming; I am already there") and even better fashion in the opening credits sequence.

This time around, she shows up and shows out in a couture creation by Indian designer Nikhil Thampi. "As a nod to my heritage, I chose to wear a gorgeous metallic silver saree with a black rhinestone studded bodysuit," Taank tells InStyle. "Im 5-Foot-4, and I Found 6 Petite-Friendly Spring Pants From $15 on Amazon RHONY The cast of Bravos delightfully cool, modern, and fashionable ."

As shown in Thampi's latest collection, GLEAM, the look is meant not only to look gorgeous but to convey a poignant message. "The saree is a timeless and versatile garment that symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of India," Thampi says. "Sarees come in a multitude of styles, fabrics, and designs, reflecting the diversity of India's regions, festivals, and occasions. A saree is a symbol of power, grace, and elegance, and designers act the globe have tried to give this humble ensemble their own twist."

Thampi calls the GLEAM collection "traditional yet modern, modest yet provocative, fuss-free, and definitely a conversation starter"—much like Taank herself.

It's gloriously fun as a viewer to watch Bravolebrities bring their fashion A-game when given the chance to return for a sophomore run, and it's clear Taank is determined to deliver.  "New York is a city that thrives on diversity, and it's the main reason I'm so excited to be a part of this cast," Taank says, referencing her Thampi creation's nod to the Big Apple. "Plus, who wouldn't want to be wrapped in six years of pure fabulousness?"

Jenna Fucking Lyon The Real Housewives of New York City premieres Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and will stream on Peacock the next day.