In this age of worldwide design fusion, the rich tapestry of Indian culture, replete with its intricate crafts, symbolic meanings, and everyday objects, is gracefully permeating the aesthetics and narratives of prestigious global brands. What was previously labeled as mere "exotic inspiration" has evolved into a captivating, at times provocative, influence in opulent fashion collections, ready-to-wear lines, and cutting-edge declarations.
Highlighted below are five exquisite aspects of Indian culture that are molding the landscape of international fashion and brand storytelling, accompanied by recent instances from the realm, along with their advantages and drawbacks.
1. Regional Footwear & Leather Craft — The Kolhapuri Chappal
In the realm of fashion discourse, there has been much ado about Prada's latest venture, one that bears striking resemblance to iconic Kolhapuri chappals. Within their Spring/Summer 2026 men's line, this esteemed Italian brand presented exquisite flat leather sandals adorned with toe rings and intricately braided straps - a design that pays homage to the timeless aesthetic of Kolhapuri footwear.
In India, the resemblance provoked criticism, with some accusing Prada of cultural appropriation and neglecting to give due recognition to the Indian craftspeople who created these traditional shoes. Prada later acknowledged the Indian influence and stated that it will look into working with regional craftspeople.
Why it's important The Kolhapuri chappal is a leather-craft tradition with roots in Maharashtra (and some areas of Karnataka) that goes beyond simple footwear. In India, it is protected by Geographical Indication (GI).
2. Kashmiri Embroidery & Craft Traditions
Kashmir's embroidery traditions, particularly Kashida or Sozni work, have long been valued for their use on rich textiles, shawls, and phirans, as well as their delicate floral designs and flowing lines. Kashmiri embroidery is presently used in fusion clothing by a number of Indian (and even international) manufacturers. For example: Kurta sets and outfits from Koshur India are adorned with tilla and aari embroidery. KashmKari sells clothing with traditional Kashmiri designs, including jackets and shawls. Kashmir Origin recasts embroidered and phiran motifs into a modern form.
Despite being Indian firms, international stylists and fashion editors who are looking for "craft luxe" styles have taken notice of the trend. The beautiful needlework strikes a mix between wearing elegance and tradition.
3. Utility Objects & Everyday Artefacts — Rice Bags, Jholas, etc.
Repurposing Indian practical items into fashion statements is one of the more unexpected contemporary trends: A coat made from a Royal Basmati rice sack, which costs about $1,950 (≈₹1.6 lakh) in the United States, went viral online as a "extreme fashion statement."
The basic cotton shopping bag, known as a jhola, has also undergone a rebranding. For instance, a Japanese company has used Nordstrom to sell a jhola as a "Indian souvenir bag" with a premium markup. These illustrations demonstrate how Western designers are using Indian visual language, even in its most functional contexts, to create striking statements that frequently spark discussions about irony, appropriation, and consumer spectacle.
4. Motifs, Prints, and Textile Techniques — Paisleys, Bandhani, Muqayyash
Indian design motifs continue to permeate international fabrics beyond obvious objects: Nowadays, paisley and "kairi/buta" motifs are widely acknowledged as "Indian" prints, and many businesses incorporate stylised versions of these designs into their prints. Runways have used or modified Gujarati and Rajasthani bandhani and tie-dye techniques. One Indian technique that is sometimes mirrored in high fashion brocade or metallic surfaces is muqayyash, or silver-thread embroidery on silk. Without being overtly appropriated, these methods provide visual depth and a faint "echo of India."
5. Indian Artisanal Workshops as Global Craft Suppliers
Last but not least, Indian artisan ateliers have established themselves as covert partners for well-known worldwide brands. Specialised hand finishes, beadwork, and embroidery are contracted out to Indian ateliers by numerous premium brands: According to an article, Saks India provides high-end brands like Vera Wang, Marchesa, Ralph & Russo, and others with Indian embroidery expertise, despite not being a globally recognised brand in and of itself.
The Established Indian crafts are frequently incorporated into the design language of South Asian designers who work abroad (for example, the Indian-born designers who formed Sachin & Babi based a large portion of their brand on their embroidered heritage).
Wikipedia Although issues of fair price and recognition still exist, this technique allows Indian craft communities behind-the-scenes access to international fashion.
References:
https://www.harpersbazaar.in/fashion/story/india-on-the-runway-where-inspiration-ends-and-appropriation-begins-1279020-2025-09-18
https://www.businessinsider.com/prada-rethinking-version-of-india-kolhapuri-leather-sandals-after-backlash-2025-7
https://www.kashmirbox.com/products/mehfil-kashmiri-black-golden-tilla-embroidered-woollen-phiran
https://kashmkari.com/products/long-kashmiri-jacket-with-contrast-floral-embroidery
https://koshurindia.com/products/black-gold-aari-kurta-set
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/buzz/this-1-6-lakh-coat-made-from-a-basmati-rice-bag-is-the-wildest-fashion-statement-of-2025/articleshow/121428230.cms
https://www.harpersbazaar.in/fashion/story/the-history-of-paisley-tracing-the-making-of-the-buta-564571-2022-09-29
https://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/trends/3-runway-inspired-ways-to-wear-tie-dye
https://www.qalara.com/blog/from-shadows-to-spotlight-diors-tribute-to-indian-artisans/