Couture & red carpet looks: Made in India with pride
ome of the biggest names in the fashion industry have employed the guidance of humble Indian artisans to create their collections. Indian fashion designers themselves employ the unparalleled expertise of artisans and master crafters at their ateliers. Superlative quality and intricate handiwork are the hallmarks of the offerings that are produced by them. It is little wonder then that businesses, both big and small, are turning to India for all their artisanal needs, from embroidery to patchwork, hand-carving to hand-painting.
Also read: Top 12 products to source from India
From Dior’s successful show at the Gateway of India in Mumbai which saw the who’s who of celebrities and artists marvelling at the creative mettle of Indian artisans, to Rahul Mishra’s fascinating collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, embellished with nakshi, zardozi, and dabka work, fashion designers from India are unapologetically flaunting their roots and the opulent heritage associated with their home country.
Qalara takes a look at some gorgeous designs that were embellished in rustic Indian workshops and conceptualized to spotlight the Indian artisanal techniques. We bet you did not know that Indian fashion designers and artisans are behind these Hollywood couture and magnificent red carpet looks. Read on to find out who designed these exquisite and visually rich apparels and accessories tickling the fashion sense of many alike!
1. Gaurav Gupta collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, Spring 2024
Witnessing the couture collection by Gaurav Gupta was no less than a spiritual experience at the Paris couture week 2024. Gupta’s collection ‘Aarohanam’ (meaning ascension) drew inspiration from India’s rich and detailed embroidery traditions as flaunted by the badla, mukaish, and zardozi work. Aarohanam meant to “explore the unique silhouettes drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian texts.”
Through his curation, he also unveiled motifs taking inspiration from the kundalini awakening – a spiritual concept of a coiled force awakening to chase higher transcendence. Represented through snake imageries, mirror embroideries, and crystal embellishments, the kundalini ensemble narrated a story of a journey from “tangible to the ethereal.”
2. Rahul Mishra collection at Paris Haute Couture Week
Renowned Indian fashion designer Rahul Mishra is known to integrate traditional craftsmanship in his creations, time and again representing Indian couture on global stages and runways. His runway project at the Paris Haute Couture Week was an excursion into the world of moths, bees, dragonflies, and reptiles! Titled as the ‘Superhero’ collection, his magnificent couture pieces were meant to symbolize how biodiversity is diminishing day by day and the insect world is facing dire threat.
The standout ensembles like ‘Dragonfly in a Petri Dish,’ ‘Serpent’s Labyrinth,’ and ‘Moth Light’ were truly a fitting ode to the insect world, characterized by large circular mesh pieces upon which lay intricately embroidered insect motifs. Bollywood actress Ananya Pandey, walked the ramp for the designer in one of his distinct works, Moth Light, that highlighted “a swarm of moths encircling an illuminated bodice.”
3. Jennifer Lopez’s Versace dress
The highlight of Versace’s Spring/Summer 2020 showcase at the Milan Fashion Week was certainly JLo herself, flaunting a vibrant jungle print dress embellished with intricate jewels by artisans from Mumbai.
Photo credit: Jennifer Lopez’s Instagram
4. Moschino’s spherical dress
Jeremy Scott took fashionistas at the Milan Fashion Week by storm by showcasing a lavender feathered spherical dress with embroidered butterflies, created by Indian artisans.
Photo credit: shrehyagarwal.medium.com
5. Christian Dior’s patchwork bags
Made by Indian artisans, Dior’s patchwork and beaded bags featuring ethnic motifs were a big hit.
Photo credit: shrehyagarwal.medium.com
6. H.E.R’s Oscar dress
Singer and songwriter, H.E.R’s purple Oscar 2021 dress designed by Peter Dunda created waves and how! The elaborate all-over hand-embroidery featuring sequins was done by Indian artisans.
Photo credit: insider.com/getty images
7. Adrianna Lima’s Oscar gown
Did you know that the Ralph & Russo gown worn by the Brazilian actress and model at the 2020 Oscar party was actually hand-embroidered by Indian artisans?
Photo credit: Reuters
8. Conclusion
Indian artisans have been making their presence felt in the international arena with their unmatched skill. Handling huge volumes at unbeatable costs, their work truly speaks for itself.
Conceptualized by Indian fashion designers and brought to life by artisans, what are some glamourous designs that caught your eye? If you are a fashion or décor brand, looking for reliable vendors to develop your designs, reach out to Qalara.
Also read: How Qalara has made life easier for buyers
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