Before Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta these Indian designers went global

Indian designers have long been synonymous with grandeur, elegance, and exquisite craftsmanship. Today, they are making waves on the international stage, with Bollywood and Hollywood’s finest flaunting their creations. But their global influence isn’t a recent phenomenon—it dates back decades.

Indian Designers Were A Hit In Hollywood in The 90s...

Indian fashion, with its intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and timeless silhouettes, has always caught the world’s eye. While Bollywood celebrities were among the first to popularize homegrown designers, international icons soon followed suit, embracing India’s rich textile heritage.

One of the earliest instances of Indian couture making a mark on the global stage was in 1997, when Princess Diana, chose Indian designer Ritu Kumar's blue-hued salwar suit during her visit to India and Pakistan. The royal’s appreciation for Indian craftsmanship was evident as she paired the outfit with royal blue pumps, making for a regal yet understated look. This moment was not just a win for Ritu Kumar but a testament to how Indian fashion could seamlessly blend with Western elegance.

A year later, in 1998, Indian couture took another giant leap when Manish Malhotra dressed the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The designer, who was already a household name in Bollywood, found himself crafting an outfit for one of the biggest global icons. He designed a sherwani for the star. He revisited the moment and wrote on Instagram, "

Throwback: It was an Honour and so Exciting to be dressing Fabulous @michaeljackson at the Bollywood Awards was held in 1998 at Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, New York and i won a Costume Award for @karanjohar s #kuchkuchhotahai…… When I got a message from Kamal Dhandona and the late S P Hinduja the sponsors of the show to dress #michealjackson I was thrilled and at that time 1998 wanted to blend a Global infusion into the traditional sherwani cut so .. worked on a shorter sherwani with trousers and a shawl / stoll in textured handloom with woven silk and brocade borders and all of it made in 1 day and without measurements.. #memoriesforlife."

Hollywood’s Love Affair with Indian Couture

As the 2000s rolled in, Bollywood’s top designers started gaining global recognition. Tarun Tahiliani, known for his ability to fuse traditional weaves with contemporary cuts, caught the eye of international celebrities. His big Hollywood moment came in 2012, when global talk show queen Oprah Winfrey made headlines in an orange and golden Kanjeevaram sari during her maiden visit to India.

Similarly, the designer duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, famed for their opulent creations, have been long admired by international celebrities. They have styled global icons such as Beyoncé, who wore their elaborate ensembles for music videos and red carpets, and Judi Dench, who stunned in their work at the BAFTAs. Their designs, rich in traditional mirror work and hand embroidery, are a perfect blend of Indian aesthetics and modern glam.

Indian designers are no longer just an alternative on the red carpet—they are the first choice for many celebrities who want a touch of heritage and handcrafted luxury.