Home › Fashion

Draped in Power: Indian Designers on the World Stage

From couture ateliers to global spotlights, Indian designers are no longer emerging—they’re defining the look of modern celebrity.

By Moira Del Rosario April 27, 2026

Female singer in a red gown performing on stage, holding a microphone against a red curtain backdrop.

Asia has long been a sartorial treasure trove, but India stands out as one of its most dynamic creative forces. Today, Indian designers are shaping the visual language of global celebrity—from red carpets to music videos and international stages. Their work, defined by exceptional craftsmanship and distinct silhouettes, has become a mainstay among the world’s most influential names.

Rohmane

Seen on the members of KATSEYE, Rohmane takes a bold, daring approach. Her work is a study in unapologetic femininity—delicate fabrics meet caged bodices and meticulous beadwork. Worn by SZA, KATSEYE’s Sophia, Megan, and Lara, and her sister Rhea Raj, her designs fuse Indian heritage with a modern, high-glamour sensibility.

Portrait of a woman with curly red hair wearing a pale pink embellished two-piece outfit with flowing sleeves and a long, draped skirt, posing against a peach backdrop. — SZA

Person in a bright pink furry hood with ears, cropped pink top, and oversized black-and-white geometric pants posing on a stage. — Sophia Laforteza

Model in a turquoise beaded bustier, white fur coat, and a silver fringe mini skirt posing in a dark industrial setting. — Lara Raj

Gaurav Gupta

Renowned couturier Gaurav Gupta captivates with every collection. Defined by pure artistry, his sculptural designs command major stages, red carpets, and global showcases. He has dressed the likes of Alia Bhatt, British singer-songwriter Raye, Cardi B, Lisa Manoban, Adele, and Ashley Park—his work now synonymous with high-impact, sculptural couture.

Female singer in a flowing red gown performing on stage, holding a microphone close to her lips. — Raye

Rahul Mishra

From ready-to-wear to bespoke couture, Rahul Mishra stands as the first Indian designer invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week. Rooted in sustainability, his philosophy reframes luxury as participation rather than consumption. By marrying slow fashion with intricate Indian craftsmanship, Mishra has dressed global names including Ariana Grande, Lisa Manoban, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tate McRae, Jennifer Lopez, and Zendaya.

Female singer performing on a lit stage in a black embellished gown with a high slit, holding a microphone. — Lisa Manoban

Black-and-white photo of a woman wearing a sculptural gown made from city-block shapes, resembling a skyline. — Tate McRae

Woman wearing a navy glitter gown with a sheer bodice and a floral-embellished train, posing against red curtains.

Sabyasachi

Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Sabyasachi was already championing conscious fashion. His work centers on heritage craftsmanship reimagined as modern heirlooms—seen on global platforms like New York Fashion Week. Worn by Rihanna, Sobhita Dhulipala, Rachel McAdams, and more, his designs embody timelessness with a deeply personal narrative.

Portrait of a woman wearing a sequined lavender saree with sheer embellished sleeves, posing against a gray backdrop, with chandelier earrings. — Sobhita Dhulipala

Smiling woman with long black hair, wearing a mustard-yellow top, bold red lipstick and multiple bracelets on her wrist. — Rihanna

A woman in a glittering gold dress speaks into a microphone, hands held at chest, wearing dangling gold earrings. — Rachel McAdams

Ashish Gupta

Joy. Glamour. Maximalism. Ashish Gupta’s work is instantly recognizable for its playful energy, bold color, and intricate hand embroidery. His designs radiate exuberance, earning a place on global stages and red carpets worn by Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez.

Singer performing on stage with a red sequined gown, playing a red acoustic guitar in front of a microphone. — Taylor Swift

Portrait of a woman seated on a black stool, wearing a bright pink fur coat over a red sequin dress, with legs crossed against a dark background. — Kim Cattrall

Woman walking outdoors in a rainbow plaid jacket and matching skirt, white top, and turquoise beaded bag, smiling.

Indian fashion has grown to shape global narratives across red carpets, global stages, and media outlets. With a balance of heritage, innovation, and unmistakable identity, these designers have transcended borders, positioning India as a true powerhouse.

Featured Image and Photos: ROHMANE, GAURAV GUPTA, RAHUL MISHRA, SABYASACHI, ASHISH GUPTA (via Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Indian designers influencing the global fashion industry today?

Indian designers are redefining global celebrity style through exceptional craftsmanship and distinct silhouettes, successfully transcending borders to position India as a major powerhouse on the world stage.

What defines the sculptural couture style of Gaurav Gupta?

Gaurav Gupta is renowned for his pure artistry and sculptural designs that command attention on major red carpets, making his work synonymous with high-impact, artistic fashion globally.

What is Rahul Mishra’s approach to luxury and sustainability?

Mishra reframes luxury as participation rather than consumption by marrying slow fashion principles with intricate, traditional Indian craftsmanship, earning him a place at Paris Haute Couture Week.

Which global celebrities have worn Ashish Gupta’s designs?

Known for his exuberant and maximalist style, Ashish Gupta’s hand-embroidered work has been worn by international stars including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Cate Blanchett, and Lady Gaga.

What is the focus of Sabyasachi’s fashion philosophy?

Sabyasachi champions conscious, heritage-based fashion by reimagining traditional craftsmanship as modern heirlooms, focusing on timeless narratives that resonate on influential platforms like New York Fashion Week.

Moira Del Rosario

Digital Content Writer

Once immersed in fictional writing at UP Diliman, Moira del Rosario eventually traded imagined worlds for the fast-paced landscape of digital media as a Digital Content Writer for MEGA Asia, covering women’s stories across the region alongside the latest in beauty.

They spotlight women shaping culture today through profiles, exclusive features, and roundups on Asian representation at global fashion events. They also write about beauty through a growing lens—covering makeup, skincare, wellness, nails, and fragrance with curiosity and a strong eye for emerging trends.

Having worked in digital media for years, Moira is drawn to stories that beg to be unraveled—from the ever-changing landscape of pop culture and the inner workings of beauty to queer voices that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and championed.

See more stories by Moira Del Rosario