In a fashion landscape largely influenced by Western trends, there are certain influential women who have played a pivotal role in dismantling stereotypes associated with traditional wear and reshaping the perception of ethnic clothing. These iconic figures, hailing from diverse backgrounds, have fearlessly embraced their cultural heritage and showcased the magnificence of traditional garments on a global stage. Their distinctive style, unwavering confidence, and trailblazing spirit have not only challenged societal norms but also ignited a sense of pride and cultural appreciation among countless individuals. The objective of this blog is to have a look at how these influential women have revolutionized the understanding of ethnic clothing and have made people admire it.
1)We will begin with Ritu Kumar, the Pioneer of Indian Fashion. Often hailed as the “Grand Dame of Indian Fashion,” she holds a special place in the history of desi fashion. Probably the only Indian designer who had the pleasure of dressing up Princess Diana, Ritu Kumar has paved the way for ethnic clothing to be recognized on an international platform with her exquisite designs. Ethnic wear for ladies by Ritu Kumar beautifully blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, making her a true visionary in the industry.
2)On the second we have Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, the fearless fashionista of India. Love her or hate her, you can’t ignore the fact that she has emerged as a symbol of experimental fashion and impeccable style. In fact, if there is one person who can style embroidered kurta sets with a pair of Jordans and make them look amazing, it’s her. Renowned for her bold and eclectic fashion choices, the way Sonam effortlessly combines Western and traditional elements, creating a unique fusion look is truly remarkable. She fearlessly explores the realm of Indian traditional wear, setting new trends and encouraging others to embrace their cultural identity with pride.
3)On the third we have our desi girl, Priyanka Chopra. An international superstar and former Miss World, she has not only conquered the world of entertainment but also left an indelible mark on the global fashion scene. With her impeccable fashion choices, Priyanka effortlessly showcases the elegance and versatility of ethnic clothing on red carpets and at other prestigious events around the world. We are still not over when she wore an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla saree to the Marrakech Film Festival. Her ability to seamlessly fuse cultural elements into her outfits has made her a truly global fashion icon.
4)How can we not talk about Rekha, the ultimate queen of ethnic clothing? Known for her elegance and distinctive saree draping style, Rekha’s fashion choices have made a lasting impact. One of the main invitees at the Dior Fall’23 show, she has played a vital role in popularizing ethnic wear for ladies in the international space.
5)On the fifth we have a real-life queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. The epitome of grace, she played a significant role in redefining the perception of ethnic clothing. As one of the most stylish and iconic women of her time, she fearlessly embraced her Indian heritage while breaking free from the constraints of conventional fashion.
6)In the sixth position we have Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world. Aishwarya has skillfully represented Indian fashion on a global scale, impressively displaying the allure and adaptability of ethnic embroidered attire on renowned red carpets and international occasions. Whether it’s her enchanting presence in a yellow saree at the Cannes Film Festival or her other ensembles at prestigious events, her fashion choices have consistently captivated attention and received admiration. Through her choices, she effectively showcases the magnificence and sophistication of traditional wear to a worldwide audience.
7)Standing tall in the seventh position is Deepika Padukone, the queen of Bollywood. Bringing home accolades is not the only thing she is good at, as she has also made a significant contribution towards promoting ethnic wear through her influential presence. Some of her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival in stunning sarees demonstrate her impeccable style and how she honours her culture and heritage.
8)Together at the end we have newcomers Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan. Be it their airport looks consisting of ethnic kurta sets or their appearances at award shows, these two newbies are clearly a driving factor behind making ethnic clothing look cool to the younger generation. Through their vibrant and playful ensembles, they have brought a refreshing perspective to ethnic fashion and their impact has encouraged the younger generation to embrace their cultural heritage with pride and celebrate the beauty and diversity of ethnic wear.
These women have wonderfully succeeded in giving traditional Indian garments the place they deserve in the global fashion scene and you must take inspiration from them on how to hold tight on to your cultural heritage. And, if you are inspired by their looks and style, feel free to check out Lakshita’s collection of ethnic bottom wear, ethnic tunics etc. and become the ultimate desi diva of your group!