Inside Indian Couture
Who says Indian design trails Paris couture? Hyundai FDCI India Couture Week 2026 shatters that myth. Fusing palatial heritage with sharp modernity, this season finally gives traditional master artisans the global stage they deserve. Here is your front seat.
Grand Debut
Masaba Gupta made a striking return to the runway with her first bridal collection, celebrating modern Indian womanhood. Wanting the world to feel an India that is “loud, lush, unapologetically itself,” the runway proof arrived in a sweeping scarlet gown. Grounded by heavy gold embroidery and a towering architectural headpiece, the look defied conventional expectations.
Gilded Era
Aditi Rao Hydari, and Siddharth brought regal romance to Jayanti Reddy’s couture showcase.
The BRAHM Muse
At ICW 2026, designer Dolly J unveiled BRAHM, a gorgeous collection meditating on spiritual transformation inspired by the elusive Brahma Kamal – inspired couture, favouring quiet strength over spectacle. Showstopper Vaani Kapoor embodied the mood in a deep wine, heavily embellished sculpted bralette and thigh-slit trailing skirt, bringing this serene, modern vision of luxury to life.
Ceremonial Reimagined
Arpita Mehta’s Ceremonial brings Indian textile heritage firmly into the present. Delivering on her promise of clothes “rooted in tradition but deeply personal in expression,” she anchors sharp silhouettes with heavy, vintage-style embroidery. The runway styling drives the point home. An embellished corset paired with a cascading headpiece dripping in multicoloured gemstones entirely ditches conventional expectations.
Softly, Strong
Isha Jajodia’s ROSEROOM collection, Softly, Strong, proves vulnerability is a quiet power. Blending European romance with Indian artisanship across fifty couture looks, sculpted corsetry meets intricate lace. Accented by fresh bloom clutches in rich hues, the runway redefined modern femininity.
Rawalgarh Rises
Kunal Rawal’s Rawalgarh reimagines Indian black tie with sharp military tailoring and hidden construction. The model’s asymmetrical kurta, draped turban, bold necklace and riding boots fuse heritage, architecture and modern menswear.
Eternal Love
Aisha Rao’s Priyasi transforms timeless love stories into couture. Botanical threadwork, sweeping bridal forms, and regal menswear, all shaped by hand with quiet, contemporary elegance.
Regal Odyssey
Inspired by the Siddis of India, JJ Valaya’s new collection explores movement, memory and identity. “SIDDI began with the idea of a journey,” the designer noted. The runway translated this vision by pairing intricately embellished sherwanis and striped turbans with crystal-fringed veils and sculptural clutches, bridging heritage and modern couture.
DEVI Returns
Rahul Mishra closed Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 with DEVI’s homecoming, fresh from Paris. Showstopper Sobhita Dhulipala shimmered in a crystal-draped sculptural gown and Magnolia-inspired hairpiece, while a hooded, stone-textured couture dress spotlighted ektaarka embroidery and masterful handcraft, turning the finale into a moving ode to divine femininity.
