The global fashion landscape witnessed a significant power shift in 2025, as the red carpets and concert stages of the world became a canvas for Indian craftsmanship. A wave of international music and style icons moved beyond traditional European fashion houses, deliberately choosing creations from India's premier design talents for their most iconic appearances. This trend underscores the rising global influence of Indian fashion, with designers like Manish Malhotra and Gaurav Gupta leading the charge and dressing some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Grammy Winners and K-Pop Stars Embrace Indian Craft
The year saw a beautiful mix of established legends and rising stars turning to Indian design. Grammy-winning singer Tyla made her debut in India at the Indian Sneaker Festival 2025 in Mumbai, but instead of a global luxury label, she championed emerging talent. She wore a breathtaking, mint-green, see-through reimagined saree by Nancy Tyagi. The ensemble masterfully blended traditional and modern elements with a low-rise waist, a figure-hugging skirt, and a pre-draped pallu, paired with a sequin-embellished bralette.
Similarly, BLACKPINK's Lisa brought Indian couture to one of the world's most watched events. For her performance at the 97th Academy Awards, she selected an intricate, heavily embellished black tonal leopardsuit from Rahul Mishra's Spring Couture 2025 collection, 'The Pale Blue Dot'. The Gaian Genesis piece, featuring a bold thigh-high slit with a red inner lining, perfectly complemented her powerful stage presence.
Tour Wardrobes Transformed by Indian Design
Major world tours in 2025 became showcases for Indian designer artistry. Global icon Beyoncé opted for a custom-designed ensemble by Manish Malhotra for her Cowboy Carter Tour stop in Paris. She embodied sharp glamour in a sleek black bodysuit paired with classic cowboy pants featuring quirky front cuts. The outfit was spectacularly uplifted by the shimmer of 10,000 Swarovski crystals, creating a futuristic yet fantastical look.
For the opening of her 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' world tour, superstar Shakira wore a custom Gaurav Gupta couture gown. It featured the designer's signature fluid structure and celebrated Indian craftsmanship. The symbolic outfit included a metallic wolf corset, representing maternal protection, teamed with an ocean-wave-sculpted skirt that signified connection. The look held such personal significance that she repeated it while sharing the stage with her two sons.
A New Era of Global Fashion Recognition
The trend was further cemented by artists known for their bold fashion choices. Cardi B, a constant celebrant of creativity, styled a sophisticated custom candy-pink outfit by Gaurav Gupta for the Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The hooded bodysuit, adorned with cascading ghungroo and intricate crystal work, was paired with a fluid, cloud-draped magical cape and finished with a striking silver-winged panther brooch.
This collective choice by five major international celebrities is not a mere coincidence but a strong statement. It signals that Indian designers are no longer niche players but are dominating the mainstream global fashion market. Their ability to blend intricate craftsmanship with contemporary, stage-worthy silhouettes has captured the imagination of the world's most influential performers. The year 2025 will be remembered as the moment Indian fashion truly arrived on the international main stage, worn by the very artists who define global pop culture.
