India is a land of rich heritage, culture, and diversity. Apart from lending the country’s traditions, India has also played a crucial role in influencing the fashion industry internationally. Lifestyle and trends are ever-changing affected by socio-cultural changes.
Designers from across the globe take inspiration from the sheer amount of diversity that India has. International designers such as Gucci, Burberry, and Christian Dior have incorporated Indian prints and textiles into their industry in a modernized way.
Different communities, tribes, and regions have their own set of fashion statements that define their style. International designers absorb and embrace these kinds of diversified styles. With the world’s communities getting closer, the amount of influence Indian fashion has on global platforms is humungous.
Renowned Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has become an international brand today. His versatility, embroidery, fabrics, weavers, creativity, and style have made their place globally.
Did you know that the trend of inking on the body (tattoos) was born in India? This trend gradually traveled to all parts of the world. The marvelous blend of the vibrancy of Indian culture and the production of fine textiles and embroidery is something that international brands couldn’t ignore.
Speaking of Indian fashion trends on global platforms makes us wonder about the staple styles absorbed by westerners. Let’s have a look at some of them.
A headgear is a fashion statement worn by the north-west people in India, also known as a turban. It defines and represents their culture and heritage. Renowned International designers have used turbans for their runways. Africans have absorbed the trend more than any other part of the world.
In 2018, Gucci had introduced the turban style in their fashion shows. Chanel, in 2012 also highlighted models wearing head accessories similar to turbans for their ramp walks. Different global personas also introduced Rajasthani pagdis in their fashion shows.
Bindis, or a dot on the forehead of Indian women, has been a traditional fashion style since time immemorial. It exudes a sense of ethnicity and culture. On a global level, many international models have proudly flaunted bindis on fashion shows.
During the Chanel Paris Bombay Fashion show in 2012, Karl Lagerfeld made his models wear bindis and maang tikas, another Indian tradition. Some more international singers like Selena Gomez, Beyonce, and Katy Perry have flaunted their bindis in award shows and music videos.
Sarees are one of the most coveted Indian garments worn by women in all parts of the country. Every region and community has its quintessential style; however, it remains an attire representing Indian fashion. Much of the credit for the popularity of sarees overseas goes to Bollywood. Whenever a foreigner travels to India exploring different cultures, trying out a saree is a must.
In 2018, during the New York Fashion Week, Gigi Hadid, a renowned international model, showcased the concept of a saree draped around her waist in a modernized way.
Indigo prints radiate a sense of style emerging from India. People in the country wear it during the hot summer months. Westerners today have imbibed this fashion into their industry with a subtle twist and tinge of modernity. They’ve styled the prints in dresses, maxis, and skirts.
India is a hub for skilled and perfectionist embroiders. Their artwork and handwork exude the richness of the country. Many international designers like Gucci displayed detailed embroidery made on dresses and coats.
Alberta Ferretti, Christian Dior takes inspiration from India. The intricate and delicate lacework, thread work, or stones are designed, even on bags and shoes.
A nose ring is an accessory worn by Indian women daily. The style and culture have been a dominant influence globally. The Paul Gaultier Haute Couture in 2017-2018, led by models wearing nose rings on runways, resonated with the Indian culture.
They wore the accessory as a nath, worn by women during the reign of maharajas. For Indian brides, naths are a staple accessory. It found its way into the global fashion industry.
Fashion is what you make of it. It comes from the sky, the streets, innovative ideas, with the way you live. It is a form of self-expression. Therefore, being a vast industry, it often tends to draw inspiration from trends and cultures from all around the world. Whether we speak of Bollywood or Hollywood, there are staple style and fashion statements that have become a global trend.
The idea of Bollywood resonates with the concept of ‘Indianness’ that is now globally known. With the emergence of Bollywood movies, there is an undeniable factor: the different fashion styles depicted in the films. The movies embrace the diverse Indian culture and present it superbly. The divineness of these cultures inspires international fashion designers.
The relationship between fashion and cinema is inextricably linked. Precisely like how movies allow us to don a personality that we are not, the world of fashion enables us to create a unique style and re-invent ourselves.
The role of Bollywood in globally dominating Indian culture is widespread. Take the example of Indian designer Sabyasachi- how he defined Indian culture and fashion through Bollywood stars and movies and made these fashion trends a global phenomenon. Some garments like saris, salwar kameez, and dupatta, mainly worn by Indians and Pakistanis, are globally known and recognized.
It takes a sense of pride to say that India, as a country, has made such a notable contribution to the world of global fashion. The world has successfully embraced Indian culture and fashion while, at the same time, admiring their traditions and heritage. The vast influence has also led to the massive export business in the fashion industry. Fashion is a very subjective issue where you define yourself and your personality.
Therefore, instead of following trends, draw inspiration from them and create an unrivaled style. India, with its diverse fashion trends, allows you to own your style and flaunt it.
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