Luxury fashion is having a bit of a reality check. Gone are the days when flashy logos and mass-produced “exclusive” items could pass off as true luxury. Today, it’s all about authenticity, heritage, and storytelling. And in this search for meaning, the global fashion world keeps turning towards one place: India.
From Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear show with a Snakes & Ladders runway and A.R. Rahman soundtrack, to Prada’s Kolhapuri-inspired footwear, Indian craft and culture are everywhere. But here’s the paradox: while brands are drawing inspiration from India, they don’t always give the source the credit it deserves.
So why is India at the heart of global luxury in 2025? And how can brands do better at celebrating its incredible artisans? Let’s break it down.
1. Indian Craftsmanship is the Real Definition of Luxury
Luxury isn’t just about price tags. It’s about skill, rarity, and human touch. And no one does that better than Indian artisans.
Techniques like zardozi, phulkari, block printing, bandhani, mirror work, and intricate weaving have been perfected over centuries. A single pair of handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals can take up to two weeks to make. That kind of time, attention, and tradition can’t be replicated by machines.
Brands like Dior, Gucci, and Chanel know this. Dior’s Autumn/Winter 2023 show at the Gateway of India featured 25 different Indian embroidery techniques. Christian Louboutin works with Chennai-based atelier Vastrakala to create embroidered footwear. These partnerships are proof that India’s craft is no longer just a “supplier”; it’s a creative partner in luxury.
2. Consumers Want More Than Just a Product – They Want a Story
In a world drowning in fast fashion, people want to feel something when they buy. They want to know the story behind the piece they’re investing in.
This is where India shines. Every sari, every embroidered panel, every hand-dyed fabric carries a narrative. Brands that can weave this storytelling into their collections instantly connect with modern consumers – especially Gen Z and millennials who crave authenticity and heritage.
As Pharrell Williams (Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director) put it, “Storytelling provides context. When you provide context, people understand your true intentions.”
3. Authentic Collaboration Beats Appropriation
Here’s the thing: being “inspired” by a culture isn’t enough. Without proper credit and collaboration, it quickly turns into appropriation.
We’ve seen both sides of this. Prada incorporated Kolhapuri chappals into its designs but didn’t acknowledge their Indian origins. On the other hand, Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2026 collection was a masterclass in how to do it right.
Pharrell and his team spent time in India – exploring Delhi, Mumbai, and Jodhpur – and worked directly with Indian creatives like architect Bijoy Jain and musician A.R. Rahman. The result? A collection that felt celebratory, not extractive.
4. Indian Street Style is Inspiring Global Fashion
It’s not just traditional craft that’s influencing luxury – Indian street fashion is also making waves.
Young Indians are mixing heritage with modern aesthetics in ways that feel effortless: pairing juttis with ripped jeans, draping mom’s old saree with a leather jacket. This kind of styling isn’t just cool; it’s cultural storytelling.
For luxury brands looking for fresh ideas, Indian street style offers a living, breathing inspiration board.
5. Sustainability is Driving This Shift
Handcrafted items are naturally more sustainable than factory-made products. They use locally sourced materials, preserve traditional techniques, and create jobs in artisan communities.
Luxury brands are under pressure to be more environmentally responsible. Partnering with Indian artisans allows them to be both ethical and unique. And consumers are rewarding that – studies show 61% of luxury buyers choose brands for their craftsmanship and heritage.
6. Credit and Respect Matter
At the end of the day, it’s simple: if a brand uses Indian craft, they need to give credit where it’s due. That means naming the technique, celebrating the artisan, and ensuring they’re paid fairly.
As one designer said, “You can’t take inspiration from a group of people and not involve them in any way.”
When brands collaborate with artisans like Dior’s long-standing relationship with the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai everyone wins. Artisans get recognition and sustainable livelihoods. Brands get products with real soul. Consumers get items that truly mean something.
The Future of Luxury is Indian – But Only if It’s Authentic
Indian craftsmanship is no longer in the shadows. It’s shaping runways from Paris to Milan. But there’s a clear choice ahead:
- Brands can continue to “borrow” from India without acknowledgment (and risk being called out).
- Or they can build genuine partnerships that honor artisans, preserve heritage, and create designs that stand the test of time.
The most successful luxury brands of the future will choose the latter. Because true luxury isn’t just about what you own, it’s about the story behind it. And no one tells a better story than India’s artisans.
