2024 has been nothing short of a blockbuster year for Indian fashion! From jaw-dropping red carpet moments to unforgettable runway shows and cultural milestones, India’s presence in the global fashion narrative has never been stronger.
Butter yellow became the colour we didn’t know we needed, thanks to Deepika Padukone. Sonam Kapoor broke boundaries as Dior’s first-ever Indian ambassador, and Alia Bhatt showed up at the Met Gala in a Sabyasachi sari that made every Indian proud. Whether high-tech couture, vintage-inspired trends, or extravagant weddings, 2024 proved that Indian fashion is more vibrant, diverse, and dynamic than ever.
Ready to relive the moments that made this year unforgettable? Let’s dive into the top 10 fashion highlights that defined Indian style in 2024!
1. Butter yellow dominates, thanks to Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukon shared pictures of herself donning a butter yellow dress. (Photos: Deepika Padukone/ Instagram)
In a year ruled by pastel palettes, butter yellow emerged as the colour of the moment, and Deepika Padukone was its undisputed muse. The actor wore a butter yellow dress for an appearance while she was pregnant with daughter Dua.
2. Rohit Bal’s swan song
Rohit Bal during his show ‘Kaynaat’ at the Lakme Fashion Week held last month in New Delhi. (Express Photo by Chitral Khambhati)
The fashion world bid an emotional farewell to Rohit Bal’s illustrious career with his final showcase.
Known for his opulent designs and artistic narratives, Bal’s finale show at the FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week, which took place only a few weeks before the designer passed away of a heart attack, was a tribute to his legacy, celebrating India’s rich heritage with an unparalleled display of craftsmanship, leaving the audience in awe.
3. Ambani wedding: A fashion extravaganza
The Ambani wedding was a fashion extravaganza (Source: Instagram/Kantilal Chhotalal)
As expected, the Ambani wedding was a masterclass in luxury and fashion. The multi-day celebration featured bespoke outfits by Indian designers like Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Manish Malhotra, alongside international couture.
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The event showcased a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, setting new benchmarks for wedding fashion.
4. Sonam Kapoor becomes Dior’s first Indian ambassador
Sonam Kapoor, a long-time style icon, achieved a monumental feat by becoming the first Indian ambassador for Dior.
Her association with the brand was celebrated with stunning campaigns and appearances, putting Indian fashion firmly on the global map.
5. Amit Aggarwal’s antevorta collection
Amit Aggarwal’s futuristic Antevorta collection at FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week was a triumph of innovation and sustainability.
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Drawing inspiration from the cosmos, his designs seamlessly blended recycled materials with high fashion, proving that sustainability can be glamorous.
6. Paris Olympics: A fashion rollercoaster
Tarun Tahiliani’s Olympic uniforms for Team India faced backlash (Source: PR Handout)
The Paris Olympics 2024 were touted as the most fashionable games, with standout moments from athletes like Kim Yeji and Simone Biles.
However, the Indian contingent’s lackluster uniforms, criticised for their uninspired design and poor fit, sparked debates about the importance of sartorial representation on a global stage.
7. Nancy Tyagi shines at Cannes
Emerging designer Nancy Tyagi’s breakout appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in France was a proud moment for India. After having worn self-designed designs at the festival, the influencer marked herself as a name to watch in the fashion circuit.
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8. Alia Bhatt at the Met Gala
Handcrafted in India with intricate details and embellished with millions of gems, Alia Bhatt’s look pays homage to tradition and the “Sleeping Beauties” theme. (Source: PR Handout)
Zendaya stunned at the Met Gala with a show-stopping metallic gown, while Alia Bhatt made India proud by wearing a custom Sabyasachi sari on the same red carpet. Alia’s ensemble was a delicate mix of tradition and contemporary design, highlighting the timeless allure of Indian craftsmanship.
9. Method dressing makes a comeback
Fashion enthusiasts embraced method dressing—the art of dressing to embody a character or mood. From
10. Indian artisans get their due
2024 witnessed a significant shift towards recognising and celebrating Indian artisans. Whether it was the Ambanis, global brands, or Indian designers, everyone emphasised handwoven fabrics, intricate embroidery, and traditional techniques. This overdue recognition has empowered artisans and brought their invaluable skills to the forefront of the global fashion narrative.