Fashion in India is not just about clothing; it’s a reflection of culture, tradition, and individual expression. Over the years, Indian celebrities have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s fashion landscape. Whether on the red carpet, in films, or during their everyday activities, these celebrities have become trendsetters, influencing how millions dress and present themselves. From traditional attire to western ensembles, celebrities in India are not only following the global fashion trends but also creating their own unique styles. Here’s how Indian celebrities are setting new fashion trends.
1. Reviving Traditional Styles with a Modern Twist
One of the most significant contributions of Indian celebrities to fashion has been their ability to blend traditional clothing with modern sensibilities. While traditional wear like sarees, lehengas, and kurta sets remain popular, celebrities are infusing these garments with a contemporary flair.
For example, actresses like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra often wear sarees and lehengas with unexpected fabrics, cuts, and prints. Deepika’s saree draped in a contemporary style or Priyanka’s fusion of western and traditional silhouettes has set new standards for how Indian women can wear ethnic wear in an unconventional yet fashionable way.
Even male celebrities, like Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, have taken to incorporating traditional outfits with bold twists. Ranveer’s fondness for statement sherwanis and kurtas with contemporary prints or embellishments has not only elevated his personal style but has also led to a surge in interest in men’s ethnic fashion in India.
2. Championing Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword in the fashion industry; it has become a lifestyle. Indian celebrities, such as Kangana Ranaut and Dia Mirza, are at the forefront of promoting sustainable fashion. Kangana often opts for eco-friendly fabrics and supports brands that use organic materials, while Dia Mirza is known for her efforts in promoting slow fashion. She advocates for eco-conscious choices and frequently wears clothes from sustainable brands.
Celebrities like Anushka Sharma and Alia Bhatt are also frequently seen in garments made from organic cotton or recycled fabrics, helping to shift the focus from fast fashion to more sustainable practices. This trend has trickled down to the masses, with many Indian consumers now seeking eco-friendly clothing.
3. Experimenting with Bold Prints and Patterns
In recent years, celebrities have become more adventurous with prints and patterns, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion. Prints like florals, stripes, checks, and animal prints are no longer just confined to specific occasions.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, known for her chic and effortless style, has been a strong proponent of prints, often wearing bold patterns in her casual wear, while still maintaining elegance. Her love for animal prints and geometric patterns, paired with understated accessories, has given fashion lovers a new way to incorporate prints into their everyday wardrobe.
Similarly, celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor and Kriti Sanon have been seen embracing bright, graphic patterns and color blocking, making these playful styles more mainstream. This trend has encouraged a generation to move beyond basic and monochromatic tones to experiment with bold and colorful patterns.
4. Championing Gender-Neutral Fashion
In the past, fashion in India has largely been defined by rigid gender norms. However, over the past few years, a growing number of Indian celebrities are pushing the envelope by embracing gender-neutral fashion, challenging stereotypes, and redefining masculinity and femininity.
One of the most prominent figures in this movement is actor Ranveer Singh. Known for his daring and boundary-pushing outfits, he frequently dons gender-fluid clothing that fuses masculine and feminine elements, from skirts to sequined blazers. His bold choices have ignited conversations around self-expression, encouraging both men and women to embrace clothing that feels authentic to them, irrespective of gender norms.
Other stars, like Hrithik Roshan and Ayushmann Khurrana, have also explored androgynous styles, often mixing traditionally masculine pieces with more fluid, relaxed cuts. Their outfits blur the lines between men’s and women’s fashion, offering fresh, inclusive, and forward-thinking choices to their fans.
5. Creating Signature Styles with Accessories
Accessories have always been an essential part of fashion, but Indian celebrities are now using them to create bold, signature looks. Celebrities like Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor have turned accessories into a major fashion statement. From oversized sunglasses to statement handbags and unique jewelry, their bold accessory choices have sparked new trends.
Sonam, often called the ‘fashion icon’ of Bollywood, is known for her avant-garde accessories, which complement her contemporary and vintage-inspired outfits. She has elevated simple outfits with the right mix of chunky necklaces, designer bags, and eye-catching shoes, showing that accessories can make all the difference.
Another trendsetter, Ranveer Singh, has turned accessories into a major element of his outfits. His love for quirky hats, exaggerated scarves, and colorful footwear has caught the attention of both fashion enthusiasts and brands. Celebrities are increasingly using accessories not just to complement but to elevate their fashion choices, making accessories a standout feature of their looks.
6. Influencing Street Style and Casual Wear
Gone are the days when Bollywood celebrities were only associated with glamorous red carpet looks. Today, stars like Shraddha Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and even the evergreen Shah Rukh Khan are influencing street style with their casual and laid-back outfits.
From graphic tees to oversized jackets, celebrities are embracing a more relaxed, youthful vibe with their off-duty looks. This shift towards comfortable yet stylish clothing has made loungewear and athleisure more mainstream. The popularity of casual wear has skyrocketed, as fans are eager to recreate the accessible and trendy looks that their favorite stars wear in their daily lives.
Vicky Kaushal’s casual chic style, often seen in denim, basic tees, and sneakers, and Shraddha Kapoor’s cool, minimalistic looks, have brought a new wave of relaxed fashion to Indian streetwear.
7. Embracing Fashion from the Global Stage
Indian celebrities are no longer confined to the local fashion scene but are also representing India on the global stage. At international events like the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Oscars, Indian stars are making their mark with bold, fashion-forward outfits.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has made a name for herself globally, has become synonymous with both international couture and homegrown designs. Her ability to seamlessly blend Western and Indian styles, be it in sarees or tailored gowns, has inspired millions of fans across the world. Similarly, Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma continue to represent Indian fashion on the global stage by wearing both Indian and international designers in a chic, modern way.
By embracing global fashion trends and showcasing Indian craftsmanship on international platforms, these celebrities are bridging the gap between global and local fashion.
Conclusion
Indian celebrities are not just style icons; they are trendsetters who are continually shaping and redefining the fashion landscape in the country. From championing sustainability to embracing bold prints and gender-neutral clothing, they are setting new standards for fashion that reflect modern, global influences while maintaining a deep connection to Indian culture. Through their unique and innovative fashion choices, these celebrities are not only influencing how Indians dress but also inspiring a generation to embrace their individuality, experiment with styles, and express themselves confidently. As we continue into the future, Indian celebrities will remain at the forefront of fashion, driving new trends and encouraging the nation to think beyond traditional norms.
