2023 was a landmark year for Indian designers, with Hollywood celebrities wearing their creations on the world stage. But it didn’t end there. As stars look to the East for new creations, Indian designers continue to make their mark on the international stage. One thing that hasn’t changed, he says, is the designer’s mastery and innovation in working with traditional Indian sarees.
Recently, singer Halsey made her first visit to India for a two-day music concert in Mumbai, where she wore several desi designer clothes. For her on-stage performance, Halsey had a custom-made Saaksha & Kinni crop top hand-embroidered with traditional Gujrati threads and mirror work. But her biggest attraction was Manish Malhotra’s coral sequined saree that the singer wore during her stay in the country. She paired this look with hexagonal diamond earrings and a floral diamond choker.
On her first trip to India, actor Zendaya wore a modern-style saree in deep marine blue. The hand-embroidered saree was embellished with floral motifs and was part of courtier Rahul Mishra’s Spring 2023 Cosmos collection. Ditching her blouse, the actor and model wore a bralette top made of her hand-sewn 3D golden birds. Zendaya completed her look with Bvlgari jewelry, including Serpenti Her Jewels.
“Go big or go home” were the words Gigi Hadid took to heart during her first trip to India to attend an arts and culture event in Mumbai in 2023. Exuding a classic maximalist vibe, Hadid wore an ivory and gold chikankari sari. The heavily embroidered saris by designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla featured crystal and sequin highlights and gold zardozi trim. The sheer pallu saree was paired with a South Indian-inspired jeweled blouse bordered by bold tassels. She completed her look with a layer of glamorous bangles.
The theme for the 2023 Met Gala is “Karl Lagerfeld: Line of Beauty,” meant to honor the late designer who was at the helm of Chanel, Fendi, Chloé and Patou. Supermodel Naomi Campbell wore a melting pink dress from Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture collection, inspired by traditional Indian draping. The sexy pink fabric is draped over one shoulder and features a shimmering silver sequin bodice and silver trim. She added more silver accents to her armband and ring.
Plus size supermodel Ashley Graham walked the ramp in a gold saree at a fashion event in Mumbai in October 2023. Wearing nine yards of drapes for the first time, the model wore a handwoven Banarasi brocade saree embellished with delicate silver and gold zari. Her full-sleeved blouse was adorned with a cape, adding drama to her entire look. A headband, maang tikka fusion and layered necklace completed the look.
Another international celebrity who walked the ramp for this event was model Elsa Hosk. She wore an all-black Banarasi brocade sari with Meenakari jangra jaal details hand-woven by kari girls using intricate kadwa techniques. Gold accents add a chic atmosphere. Breaking away from her tradition and wearing a saree blouse, Hosque opted for a black corseted bodice that showed off a tie-knot detail on her front. To complete her look, she wore a black and gold maang tikka with kohl-laden sultry eyes.
New York City All That Glitter’s Diwali Ball was held in October 2023 in New York City, USA, and the dress code was Modern Raja and Rani. Actor Diane Kruger was also in attendance, wearing a custom-made sari dress draped in scarlet chiffon by Prabal Gurung. For his most regal look, Kruger completed the look with a bold red lip and sleek black hair, paired with Chopard peacock earrings and a white gold and blue sapphire ring.
