Traditional Indian embroidery is finding a fresh place in contemporary fashion, thanks to celebrities who are experimenting with handcrafted designs in modern silhouettes. Once associated mainly with elaborate bridal lehengas and traditional festive outfits, embroidery techniques such as zardozi are now appearing on blazers, jackets, suits, dresses and coordinated sets.
From Priyanka Chopra’s striking Diwali party outfit to Janhvi Kapoor’s statement blazer by Ritu Kumar, celebrities are showing how traditional craftsmanship can blend beautifully with modern styling. Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Isha Ambani have also embraced distinctive embroidered ensembles. Here is a closer look at five celebrity outfits celebrating Indian craftsmanship.
5 Celebrity Looks Bringing Traditional Indian Embroidery Back Into Fashion
1. Priyanka Chopra’s Torani Outfit for Diwali
Priyanka Chopra made a stylish appearance in a maroon outfit from Torani for a Diwali celebration. The off-shoulder design featured intricate golden embroidery, delicate motifs, beadwork and a colourful tassel hanging from the sleeve.
She kept the rest of her styling relatively minimal, opting for sleek hair, a small bindi and fresh flowers. The understated accessories allowed the detailed embroidery and rich colour of the outfit to remain the main attraction.
2. Janhvi Kapoor’s Golden Zardozi Blazer by Ritu Kumar
Janhvi Kapoor demonstrated how traditional zardozi embroidery can work with contemporary tailoring. She wore a golden embroidered blazer designed by Ritu Kumar, styling it with capri pants, a black turtleneck and embroidered heels.
Instead of choosing a conventional lehenga or ethnic suit, the actress opted for a modern combination that offered a blend of festive and cocktail fashion. The outfit also presented an interesting option for Diwali gatherings and office celebrations.
3. Alia Bhatt’s Embroidered Jacket by Anamika Khanna
Alia Bhatt opted for a custom creation by designer Anamika Khanna, featuring soft colours and delicate embroidery. Her ensemble included an intricately worked blouse, a sheer layer with elaborate borders and traditional hath phool jewellery.
The overall styling reflected a balance between detailed craftsmanship and understated elegance. Her look also showed how an embroidered jacket can add a festive touch when paired with a relatively simple lehenga or saree.
4. Kareena Kapoor’s Zardozi Suit by Debyani and CoIsha
Kareena Kapoor showcased a more traditional approach to embroidered fashion in a suit by Debyani and CoIsha.
Her outfit featured a dark printed kurta paired with striped salwar pants and a grey dupatta with a decorative border. Red and golden embroidery was concentrated around the neckline and sleeves, adding detail without making the entire ensemble heavily embellished.
She completed the look with statement earrings, making it suitable for family gatherings, festive lunches and puja celebrations.
5. Isha Ambani’s Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ensemble
Isha Ambani chose a champagne-coloured coordinated outfit by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The ensemble featured a halter-neck top and a fitted skirt, both decorated with tonal embroidery.
She accessorised the outfit with a layered necklace and heels, keeping the overall appearance elegant and refined. The coordinated pieces also offer styling flexibility, as the top can be paired with jeans while the skirt can be worn with a simple white shirt.
Why Traditional Indian Hand Embroidery Deserves a Place in Your Wardrobe
Handcrafted Indian embroidery represents the time, patience and expertise of skilled artisans. Each detailed design reflects hours, and sometimes days, of work by karigars who preserve traditional techniques and pass their skills on to future generations.
Choosing handcrafted outfits also supports the artisans behind these creations and helps keep traditional embroidery practices alive.
Another advantage is their versatility. Embroidered blazers, jackets, suits and coordinated sets can be styled in different ways and worn on multiple occasions instead of remaining limited to a single celebration.
These celebrity looks highlight how Indian craftsmanship can be incorporated into contemporary wardrobes. Rather than choosing heavily embellished outfits for every occasion, investing in thoughtfully designed pieces with traditional embroidery offers a stylish way to celebrate India’s rich textile heritage.