Indian Fashion Icons to Know
Introduction
India is a land of rich cultural diversity, and nowhere is that more vibrant than in its fashion scene. Over the decades, Indian fashion icons—ranging from Bollywood stars and designers to social media influencers and royal figures—have not only set trends but also told powerful stories through their clothing. They’ve fused tradition with innovation, and local craftsmanship with global glamour.
This piece highlights key Indian fashion icons, past and present, who have redefined Indian style and taken it to international heights.
- Maharani Gayatri Devi – The Eternal Royal Muse
One of the earliest Indian style icons, Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur was the epitome of regal grace. Her signature look—immaculate chiffon sarees paired with pearl strings—set a new standard for aristocratic elegance. Known for her refined yet effortless fashion sense, she seamlessly blended Western sophistication with Indian traditions.
Style Legacy:
- Made chiffon sarees a symbol of elite fashion.
- Championed minimalism decades before it was trendy.
- Inspired generations of designers, including Sabyasachi.
- Ritu Kumar – The Pioneer of Indian Contemporary Fashion
Often referred to as the matriarch of Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar was one of the first designers to revive traditional crafts for modern audiences. She helped shape India’s contemporary fashion landscape in the 1970s and ‘80s by integrating handloom and heritage into everyday wear.
Contributions:
- Revived block printing, zardozi, and traditional weaving.
- Dressed Miss India contestants for global pageants.
- Mentored future design stars, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee – The Storyteller in Silk
Sabyasachi is arguably the most recognized Indian designer today. Known for his luxurious, vintage-inspired bridal wear, he turned India’s traditional craftsmanship into global couture. His work emphasizes Indian textiles, embroidery, and storytelling through clothes.
Why He’s Iconic:
- Has dressed everyone from Deepika Padukone to Oprah Winfrey.
- His bridal lehengas are status symbols.
- Popularized the grand return of sarees and handloom fabrics.
- Rekha – The Queen of Kanjivaram
An eternal Bollywood diva, Rekha’s fashion legacy is inseparable from her love for the Kanjivaram saree. Her appearances are a masterclass in opulence—golden silks, heavy jewelry, dramatic eye makeup, and a timeless aura.
Why She’s Iconic:
- Created a signature style rooted in South Indian tradition.
- Never shies away from bold, maximalist looks.
- Reinforced the saree as a red carpet power piece.
- Manish Malhotra – Bollywood’s Go-To Couturier
Manish Malhotra revolutionized costume design in Indian cinema. From Dil To Pagal Hai to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, his styles influenced millions. His brand redefined bridal couture with glamour, sequins, and sensuous drapes.
Highlights:
- Made contemporary lehengas mainstream.
- Known for merging Western silhouettes with Indian embroidery.
- Dressed every major Bollywood star.
- Sonam Kapoor – The Fashion Chameleon
One of the most fashion-forward celebrities in India, Sonam Kapoor is a true experimentalist. She doesn’t just wear trends—she creates them. Known for mixing Indian with international designers, Sonam has become a staple at Cannes and global fashion events.
Style Notes:
- Blends avant-garde with Indian sensibilities.
- Collaborates with designers globally.
- Uses fashion as a form of expression and activism.
- Masaba Gupta – The Print Powerhouse
Daughter of actress Neena Gupta and cricketer Viv Richards, Masaba Gupta brought bold, quirky prints to Indian wear. Her label “House of Masaba” appeals to the young, unapologetic Indian woman.
Her Signature:
- Unconventional prints (lipsticks, cows, candies).
- Fusion silhouettes.
- Accessible luxury for a younger audience.
- Priyanka Chopra Jonas – The Global Style Ambassador
Priyanka Chopra went from Miss World to Bollywood royalty to Hollywood star, all while keeping her fashion game fierce. Whether in a saree or a Ralph Lauren gown at the Met Gala, she bridges East and West with power and polish.
Style Impact:
- One of the first Indian celebrities to break into the global red carpet scene.
- Known for fashion-forward maternity style.
- Uses fashion to promote South Asian visibility internationally.
- Ranveer Singh – The King of Maximalism
In a country where men’s fashion often played it safe, Ranveer Singh broke the mold. Known for flamboyant suits, gender-fluid fashion, and fearless styling, he’s redefined menswear in India.
Iconic For:
- Bold prints, neon colors, and skirts for men.
- Unapologetic individuality.
- Making male fashion expressive and fun.
- Falguni Shane Peacock – High-Fashion Glamour
This design duo is known for their futuristic, red carpet-ready fashion. Their signature looks—feathered gowns, sequins, and body-hugging couture—are often seen on celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Indian stars like Kareena Kapoor.
Why They’re Important:
- Bridging Indian couture with global glamour.
- Merging fantasy with high fashion.
- Expanding India’s presence in international fashion shows.