Weaving a New Narrative: India's unstoppable rise in global fashion
30 May, Mumbai 2025
The image of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt gracing the Cannes 2025 closing ceremony in a custom Gucci sari, as envisioned in a recent fashion narrative, reflects a trend already well in motion: Indian fashion and its luminaries are increasingly commanding the global stage. While this event may be a glimpse into a potential future, the reality is that Indian designers, craftsmanship, and celebrity style are making an impact on international runways, red carpets, and retail.
This isn't just about an isolated moment of recognition. It's a sustained surge that has gotten a boost from a new generation of Indian designers who are reinterpreting traditional aesthetics for a global audience and by Indian celebrities who are proudly championing homegrown talent alongside international luxury brands.
The narrative of Alia Bhatt in a Gucci sari, blending Indian elegance with Gucci's signature monogram, speaks volumes about the potential for cross-cultural collaborations and the global appeal of Indian attire. It symbolizes a moment where a quintessential Indian garment is not just accepted but celebrated and reinterpreted by a major European luxury brand.
This also underscores a real-world phenomenon: the sari, in its myriad contemporary avatars, is moving beyond traditional confines to become a statement of global high fashion.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the global torchbearer
No discussion of Indian fashion's global ascent is complete without Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The Kolkata-based designer has become synonymous with opulent Indian bridal wear and meticulously crafted couture that resonate with both Indian and international clientele.
Mukherjee's landmark collaboration with H&M in 2021 brought his distinct aesthetic to a mass global audience, with the collection selling out in minutes. His opulent flagship store in New York, opened in 2022, marked a significant step, making him one of the first Indian designers to establish such a prominent retail presence in a major global fashion capital.
Moreover, global celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Sophie Turner have been spotted in Sabyasachi creations, further amplifying his global reach. Indian stars like Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma have consistently chosen his designs for major global events, including Cannes and Met Gala appearances. Mukherjee has dressed several Indian and international celebrities for the Met Gala. Notably, Natasha Poonawalla's 2022 Met Gala look, a Sabyasachi sari paired with a Schiaparelli metal bustier, was a masterclass in blending Indian tradition with avant-garde global fashion, creating widespread buzz.
Rahul Mishra, Parisian couture champion
Just like Mukherjee, Rahul Mishra holds the distinction of being the first Indian designer to be invited to showcase at the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Week in 2020, a testament to his innovative approach to embroidery and sustainable practices. Mishra's collections, known for their intricate 3D embroidery inspired by nature and his commitment to slow fashion and empowering Indian artisans, have consistently received critical acclaim in Paris.
He has become a regular fixture on the official calendar, solidifying his place among the world's top couturiers. Celebs like Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, and Fan Bingbing have worn Mishra's creations, showcasing his designs to a diverse international audience on red carpets and in fashion editorials. For instance, Zendaya wore a custom Rahul Mishra sari for the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai in 2023, a look that garnered global attention.
Indian stars as global fashion ambassadors
Indian celebs are no longer just consumers of global fashion; they are trendsetters and powerful ambassadors for Indian design on the world stage.
Deepika Padukone: As a global ambassador for brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, Padukone has consistently used her platform to showcase both international and Indian designers. Her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, where she was a jury member, and the Met Gala often feature stunning ensembles that blend Indian craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes. Her Louis Vuitton campaign made her the first Indian face for the luxury brand.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: A truly global icon, Chopra Jonas has seamlessly integrated Indian designer wear into her international wardrobe. From wearing a Ralph Lauren gown with the world's longest trench coat train at the Met Gala to championing Indian designers like Amit Aggarwal and Gaurav Gupta at global events she has been instrumental in bringing Indian fashion to the forefront.
Alia Bhatt: Even before the imagined Gucci sari moment, Bhatt has been making strides globally. Her appointment as Gucci's first Indian global ambassador in 2023 was a landmark achievement. Her debut at the Met Gala in 2023, wearing a Prabal Gurung creation paying homage to Karl Lagerfeld with 100,000 pearls hand-beaded in India, highlighted Indian craftsmanship on a massive platform.
The evolving narrative
The global embrace of Indian fashion is also characterized by a beautiful fusion of styles. Designers like Gaurav Gupta, known for his sculptural gowns and avant-garde saris, have captivated international audiences and dressed global music icons like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. His designs often feature futuristic drapes and intricate embellishments, offering a modern take on Indian sartorial traditions.
The increasing presence of Indian models on international runways, the sourcing of Indian textiles and embroidery by global luxury houses, and the growing interest in India as a market all contribute to this narrative.
While the Bhatt-Gucci sari moment at Cannes 2025 remains a compelling piece of fashion fiction for now, the underlying message is clear: Indian fashion is no longer waiting for an invitation to the global stage. It has arrived, draped in heritage, embellished with innovation, and championed by a constellation of brilliant designers and stars who are ensuring the world takes notice. The future promises even greater integration and celebration of India's rich sartorial legacy in the global fashion dialogue.
