Today we celebrate Republic Day. Since the last 60+ years, India has come a long way in making its mark on the global stage as the world’s largest democracy and emerging dominant force.
During the same time, India has also made its mark on the global fashion and pop culture stage. Artists, designers, and musicians have long been inspired by our culture, traditions, and creativity. Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes, and even H&M are a few of the artists, designers, and brands that have taken inspiration from India’s traditional styles and culture.
Henna tattoos for the Queen of pop
Henna tattoos – traditionally a staple adornment of ladies at Indian weddings, have captured the attention of many pop stars and celebrities in the West.
Madonna’s look in Frozen that started the henna tattooed chain reaction.
Though not unique to India, Madonna henna fixation came from her spiritual interests in India and its mystique.
Madonna performs desi moves with her henna adorned hand.
One of her most talked about looks at a publicized event.
Saris for supermodels and sex sirens
The sari is the prototypical style statement of the Indian woman, and the most recognizable export from the Indian fashion scene.
Pin up girl, Dita Von Teese ( photo courtesy | Shivan & Narresh FB page)
Naomi Campbell walks the runway in a sari for a fashion week show in India
Pussycat Dolls draped in various version of the sari by Rocky Star
Supermodel Giselle Bunchen in Vogue
Bindis for the rock rebels
When one thinks of the traditional Indian women, the bindi is probably the most recognisable accessory. Celebrities and fashion forward divas across the globe have embraced the bindi as an uber cool style accessory that can be paired with almost any outfit.
Gwen Stefani made the bindi cool in a punk princess way!
The bindi became a must-rock fashion accessory
Gwen Stefani seemed to have a serious style addiction for bindis in the late 90s
Nose rings for all
The nose ring is not necessarily “owned” by India, but there is a long standing association with the traditional Indian woman wearing a nose ring. While this trend has slowly diminished, the nose ring has become increasingly popular across the globe as a style or personality statement for men and women.
Lenny Kravitz’ infamous nose ring
Janet Jackson sported a desi nathani in her ‘Runaway’ video
Singer Joan Osborne wore a nose ring in her “What If God Was One Of Us’ video
Muse for the musicians
India has inspired and served as a muse for musicians over the years.
Sikh boys in fashion
We have seen glimpses of Sikh boys in western pop culture through the years, mainly from the likes of Waris Ahluwalia, the darling of Hollywood and New York. Today, global players like H&M have put our chic Sikh men center stage in their campaigns.
H&M’s latest ad featuring Sikh models
Sonny Caberwal for Kenneth Cole
Waris Ahluwalia for The Gap
From desi street to the runway chic
Chanel’s PreFall ’12: The Bombay Collection
Chanel’s PreFall ’12: The Bombay Collection
Chanel’s PreFall ’12: The Bombay Collection
Jean Paul Gaultier’s SS’13 featuring Sikh-Chic vibes
Jean Paul Gaultier’s SS’13 featuring Sikh-Chic vibes
Hermes SS08 and the sari gowns
Hermes SS08 and the sari gowns
So there you have it! From music to high fashion to rock-star style statements, the desi touch has reached far and wide. What’s you favourite desi trend? Tell us in the comments below! Follow us on @BandraRoad for more on style and the very best of individually cool dressing on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!