India-inspired fashion at the Oscars

The 90s saw American singer Gwen Stefani sporting the Indian bindi in her music videos. Then, Hollywood actresses Demi Moore and Liv Tyler along with singing sensation Madonna discovered the painless art of body painting, mehndi. And more recently we had British model Naomi Campbell and popular TV host Oprah Winfrey donning the sari.
Indian fashion has certainly allured the West in a way that they’re prepared to tailor their understanding of style.Today we take a look at how the intermingling of two cultures has emerged in the outfits celebrities chose to wear while walking down the red carpet at the Academy Awards.
“There is an inspiration from the flavour of a particular country, especially the East. India has been the centre of attention because we have been marketing our country, our fashion well. The West looks up to the rich Indian heritage and the range of diversity found in every state pleases inspires them to add the Indian touch to their garments and accessories," says renowned designer Neeta Lulla. One of the many Indian influences was apparent when Jessica Chastain made an appearance at the 84th Academy Awards (2012) wearing a black Alexander McQueen with intricate gold-thread hand embroidery. “Also, Indian colours and fabrics add photographic value to the celebrity while posing on the red carpet. Other subtle colours may merge with the backdrop and may not stand out," she adds. And that reminds us of all the bold and striking colours that surfaced on the red carpet in the recent years – Natalie Portman took home the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2011 wearing a purple Rodarte dress, Scarlett Johansson’s wine-coloured Dolce & Gabbana stood out from the rest, Sandra Bullock and Anne Hathaway chose the striking scarlet red as their colour for the evening.
Along with colour, jewellery worn at the Academy Awards too has become noticeable. Designer Nida Mahmood says, “It’s no longer about wearing a tiny pearl necklace or just a diamond solitaire. The West has become open towards embracing flashy jewellery.” Neeta agrees, "Everyone knows that the Indian gemstones are the most exotic. Uncut diamonds are gaining popularity and are being used in other accessories like shoes, belts and bags, rather than just ornamental jewellery.” Sandra Bullock’s diamond drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz pronounced an Indian concept, Cameron Diaz’s complimented her bright orange gown with a flashy David Webb bracelet, and The Help actress, Octavia Spencer's Neil Lane jhumkas inspired earrings were gorgeously Indian.
India has emerged as an important influence for the West. Indian fashion showcased in Europe has gained immense popularity and this association has been there since a long time. Nida explains, “When I graduated from NIFT in 2002, Christian Dior did a silk and satin sari-inspired show in Paris. The spring of 2010 had Gucci displaying concepts of Ikat all over their collection. Jean Paul Gautier’s inspiration for Hermes Spring 2008 RTW Collection was also inspired by India and had sari dresses. And again last year while showcasing his spring 2013 collection last year, the French designer chose the desert state of India, Rajasthan as his muse. He displayed vibrant outfits like shoulder-sari styles, scarves, and silk salwar-style pants replete with embroidery.” Designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have been dressing up Dame Judi Dench for several Oscar and BAFTA award shows. “It has been an absolute pleasure designing for her. We try and create something special for her every time keeping in mind her preferences and personality. She has worn our famous chikan twice and one of her favourites has been a red and black beaded coat from our Pakeezah line," says Sandeep.
Another trend that hasn't gone unnoticed on the red carpet and can be called essentially Indian is the clever use of sequins in dresses and gowns. At the red carpet of Oscar 2012, Anna Faris appeared in an all black sequinned gown, ‘Bridesmaids’ star Ellie Kemper sparkled in a copper-gold sequinned column, and Wendi McLendon-Covey looked princess like in a netted dress fused with sequin beading.