Discover how Indian fashion blends heritage with contemporary styles through fashion shows at iconic heritage sites like Jaipur’s palaces and Namo Ghat.
In the heart of India, fashion isn’t just about fabric and threads; it’s a storytelling medium deeply intertwined with the country’s rich heritage. Designers are increasingly turning to historic landmarks to host their couture shows, blending the grandeur of India’s past with modern fashion narratives.
One striking example is ‘Legacy of Deft Hands’, a couture show by JADE by Monica & Karishma, which took place in May 2024 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai. This wasn’t just a fashion event—it was an ode to the art of weaving and the craftsmanship that has defined Indian textiles for centuries.
The show drew inspiration from the Indian Textiles and Costume Gallery of the museum, where a heritage loom became the symbolic centerpiece. The venue, a historical gem itself, lent the show an air of timelessness, merging history with the contemporary elegance of couture.
But this isn’t an isolated case. In March 2023, ‘Dior’ made headlines with a magnificent runway show at Mumbai’s Gateway of India. The iconic monument, adorned with marigold flowers and lit with diyas, became the backdrop for an event that stirred both the fashion and cultural worlds.
By using such an iconic landmark, Dior did more than showcase a collection—it paid tribute to India’s deep cultural roots.
This seamless blend of fashion and heritage sites was also seen in November 2023 when Anita Dongre revealed her ‘Rewild ’23’ collection at the City Palace in Jaipur.
The collaboration with Princess Gauravi Kumari’s foundation brought together centuries of tradition with Dongre’s modern designs. The models, draped in exquisite gota-pati and hand-painted Pichhwai art, walked through the palace grounds, symbolizing a meeting of old-world grandeur with new-age fashion.
Manish Malhotra also ventured into heritage fashion by stepping away from the monumental and embracing the spiritual. In April 2024, he chose the serene ghats of Varanasi for his ‘Dharohar Kashi Ki’ fashion show at the revamped Khidkiya Ghat, now known as Namo Ghat.
The location wasn’t just a backdrop; it was an integral part of the narrative. Malhotra aimed to honor the age-old tradition of Banarasi fabrics while highlighting the artisans who have kept this legacy alive. For him, fashion was about more than design—it was about storytelling, culture, and history.
Even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian designers found ways to keep the connection between fashion and heritage alive. Falguni Shane Peacock quietly created a visual symphony with their ‘Love Is Couture’ collection, photographed against the romantic backdrop of the Taj Mahal.
This was a significant moment in fashion history as they became the first designers to conduct a shoot on the grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal, with its timeless beauty, added an unmatched depth to their couture, merging the grandeur of the past with the brilliance of the present.
In 2022, Amit Aggarwal took inspiration from another historic site—Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli, nestled in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi. His ‘Pedesis’ collection, featuring intricate cording and embroidered lehengas, found its perfect setting against the architectural marvel of the haveli. The juxtaposition of his futuristic designs with the heritage structure created what he called the “perfect glitch,” where time seemed to stand still.
Such fashion events aren’t just about displaying clothes—they’re about paying homage to India’s cultural history. The legacy of craftsmanship, storytelling through fabrics, and the grandeur of heritage sites all come together to create a unique fashion narrative. Designers like Manish Malhotra and Anita Dongre are at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that the past and present blend seamlessly in the world of fashion.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that the connection between heritage and contemporary styles will only grow stronger. With royal palaces, ancient ghats, and historic museums as the backdrop, Indian fashion is creating a new narrative—one where every stitch, every silhouette, and every event echoes the stories of the past while paving the way for the future.
Heritage sites in India are more than just tourist attractions—they are repositories of stories, craftsmanship, and culture. When fashion shows are staged at these locations, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about telling a story that resonates through time. The architecture, history, and atmosphere of these sites add a layer of authenticity and grandeur to the designs. By hosting fashion shows at places like Namo Ghat or Jaipur’s palaces, designers are bridging the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that India’s cultural legacy continues to inspire the future of fashion.
