Indians on the Global Stage

Bibhu Mohapatra’s Personal Ode

Rourkela-born Bibhu Mohapatra captivated the fashion world with “A Pilgrimage,” his Fall 2025 collection, presented at New York Fashion Week on February 10. Describing it as his “most personal collection to date,” Bibhu drew inspiration from emotional memories and his rich cultural heritage. The collection debuted amidst lush floral settings, spotlighting modern glam with a harmonious mix of subtlety and bold statements. “When people ask what luxury is to you, I think those banks of memories are the ultimate luxury,” he explained, emphasizing the significance of nostalgia and personal history. His designs featured intricate elements like ikat embroidery and references to his mother’s sari. Following this showcase, he returned to New York Fashion Week in September with a Spring 2026 collection dedicated to trailblazing women of 20th-century India.

Rahul Mishra’s Emotional Journey

Rahul Mishra, the first Indian designer to grace Paris Haute Couture, presented two striking collections: “Pale Blue Dot” in January and “Becoming Love” in July. The first collection became deeply personal for Rahul as he navigated the sorrow of losing his father during its creation. Experimenting with darker themes for the first time, he stated, “Emotion is so abstract… how do you define just that particular emotion within love?” His second collection, “Becoming Love,” involved around 2,000 craftsmen and reflected the transformative nature of love through luxurious fabrics and intricate embroideries. Drawing inspiration from Gustav Klimt and collaborating with British milliner Stephen Jones, this collection celebrated a unique journey of emotional exploration.

Gaurav Gupta’s Heartfelt Tribute

Gaurav Gupta showcased “Across The Flame” during Paris Couture Week, Spring Summer 2025, marking a profound personal narrative. Collaborating with his muse, poet Navkirat Sodhi, who bore burn scars from an accident, Gaurav explored themes of life, loss, and survival through his collection. “The Twin Flame” look in ochre embodied the meditative journey of healing and reflection. Gaurav described the collection as one of the most challenging he’d ever created, illustrating that the pieces were not merely couture, but reflections of real-life experiences stitched into every detail.

Anamika Khanna’s International Ventures

Calcutta’s very own Anamika Khanna stepped into the international arena with her debut showcase at London Fashion Week on September 22. Launching her pret brand AK|OK Anamika Khanna, she aimed to globalize Indian fashion. Her collection exuded a chic bohemian vibe interwoven with feminine elegance, featuring dramatic jackets and unconventional denim styles. Anamika’s designs captured a sense of freedom, enhancing the brand’s ethos of being both stylish and approachable.

The Vivienne Westwood Show in India

In a groundbreaking event, Vivienne Westwood held its inaugural fashion show in India on April 1 at the Gateway of India. This unique presentation blended elements of the label’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection with a special capsule made from traditional handwoven fabrics. The runway featured classic pieces from Westwood’s archive, showcasing a harmonious fusion of Indian craftsmanship and Western aesthetic, while accessories added a touch of simplicity and elegance to the collection.

Celebrating Rohit Bal

The Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, powered by FDCI, paid a poignant tribute to the late designer Rohit Bal in Gurugram on February 1, following his passing in November 2024. The event was a heartfelt celebration filled with music and nostalgia, featuring models and friends clad in his memorable designs, recreating the magic of his artistry. The use of roses tied to wrists added a sentimental touch, honoring his creative spirit and significant impact on Indian fashion.

Lakmé Fashion Week @ 25

The 25th Anniversary Gala of Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI was a joyous celebration held in Mumbai on March 30. This significant event featured over 30 designers, revisiting their past works while showcasing their evolution in Indian fashion. The excitement of this carnival atmosphere was palpable, with Kal Penn captivating the audience as host, blending laughter and celebration with nostalgic reverence for the rich history of Indian fashion.

Sabyasachi’s Silver Jubilee

Sabyasachi Mukherjee marked his 25th anniversary in the fashion industry with a grand showcase at the Jio World Convention Centre in January. The event featured a breathtaking array of designs that fused traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. The show opened with Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, culminating in a memorable appearance by Christy Turlington, creating a magical celebration of Sabyasachi’s profound influence on luxury fashion in India.

Bhavitha Mandava Makes History

In a moment of pride for Indian fashion, Bhavitha Mandava made headlines as the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2025-26 show in December. Discovered serendipitously in a New York subway, her journey from a regular student to a global fashion icon has captured hearts. Bhavitha’s story resonates widely, with her emotional debut and stunning runway presence, symbolizing the potential of Indian talent on international platforms.

Indian Celebrities at the Met Gala 2025

The Met Gala 2025 was historic, featuring several Indian celebrities making their glamorous debuts. Shah Rukh Khan turned heads as the first Indian male actor to attend, reflecting the theme ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ in a striking bespoke Sabyasachi ensemble. Likewise, Manish Malhotra showcased his craftsmanship with a captivating black-and-gold outfit, integrating elements of Indian heritage seamlessly into his fashion statement.

A Heartbreaking Loss

The fashion industry mourned the loss of the legendary Giorgio Armani, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 91. His pioneering spirit transformed the fashion landscape, leaving behind a legacy of elegance and comfort. Renowned for deconstructed designs, Armani reshaped both male and female attire while championing sustainability—a true visionary whose impact is felt even today.

A Tribute to India at Louis Vuitton

Pharrell Williams curated Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show as a breathtaking homage to India. Located against the backdrop of the Centre Pompidou, the collection embraced Indian artistry, featuring vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship. Engaging narratives were portrayed through visuals and sound, representing the rich cultural tapestry of India, solidifying its global influence.

Cultural Appropriation Critique

The fashion world also witnessed backlash against Prada for alleged cultural appropriation during its Spring-Summer 2026 showcase. Featuring traditional Indian Kolhapuri sandals without acknowledging their cultural origins sparked outrage among communities, prompting discussions around intellectual property rights and recognizing the contributions of artisans. This incident highlighted the importance of cultural equity in the global fashion landscape.

An Iconic Acquisition

In a landmark move for the luxury sector, Prada’s acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings solidified Italy’s status in global fashion. Valued at $1.38 billion, this strategic partnership aims to leverage the iconic strengths of both brands, with plans for revitalization under the leadership of Lorenzo Bertelli, aligning visions for the future of luxury.

In this vibrant tapestry of fashion narratives, the contributions of Indian designers and models continue to forge significant paths on the global stage. They resonate with rich cultural heritage while also challenging norms and setting trends that captivate audiences worldwide.