Bollywood and fashion weeks are inextricably linked in India. Bollywood influences the fashion trends of the time (remember Deepika’s blue saree from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani?), while fashion designers look towards Bollywood for a recognisable face to carry their brand on the ramp. Not just any famous celebrity would suffice, though. Couture brands look forward to getting people on board who can communicate the essence of the collection through their charisma.
Meanwhile, for fashion and pop culture girlies like me, sitting in my dusty old jeans as I judge the shows at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2024 presented by FDCI from my phone screen (one day, okay, I’ll be attending them live one day), couture shows bring the perfect Bollywood x Indian Couture that I can ask for. Below, I list some of my favourite Bollywood showstoppers from the weeklong fashion extravaganza.
Wamiqa Gabbi and Taha Shah for Asal & Mard by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
The 2024 India Couture Week opened amidst breathtaking kathak performances for the Asal and Mard showcases by designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. As if that wasn’t enough to make for a grand opening, actors Taha Shah and Wamiqa Gabbi turned show stoppers for the show, adding a cherry on the already perfect cake.
Jacqueline Fernandez for Roseroom by Isha Jajodia
In a collection full of dreamy pastel looks and floral motifs, keeping a pitch-black gown for the showstopper is honestly ICONIC. And Jaqueline Fernandes, the ace model that she is, ate her role as the showstopper.
Rahul Khanna and Malaika Arora for Siddhartha Tytler
Designer Siddhartha Tytler’s show Caligula’s Feast was all about extravagance and sensuality, and showstoppers Rahul Khanna and Malaika Arora understood the assignment.
Aditya Roy Kapur for Kunal Rawal
Aditya Roy Kapur as a fashion week showstopper is a genre I can never get enough of, and this time, we have Kunal Rawal to thank for listening to our prayers.
Sonakshi Sinha for Dolly J
I love how we have collectively become Sonakshi Sinha fans ever since her portrayal of Fareedan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Here, the actress glowed in a gorgeous pink saree as a showstopper for Dolly J.
Lisa Ray for Rahul Mishra
Canadian actress and model Lisa Ray turned showstopper for Rahul Mishra at the India Couture Week in this beautiful white saree gown with golden embellishments and an eye-catching long trail.
Aditi Rao Hydari for Jayanti Reddy
Jayanti Reddy’s collection, Evocative Nawabi Canvas, was inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Hyderabad. And what better way to represent that regal legacy than having Aditi Rao Hydari as your showstopper?
Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina for Gaurav Gupta
Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina might be the newest celeb couple in town, and Gaurav Gupta’s decision to have them as the showstoppers of the show aligns well with the theme, Arunoday, or dawn.
Sobhita Dhulipala for Rimzim Dadu
Sobhita Dhulipala has always been a diva, and the actress proved her modelling chops once again as the showstopper for designer Rimzim Dadu at Couture Week.
Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna for Falguni Shane Peacock
Being the showstoppers at fashion week can be a great way to promote an upcoming movie, and trust Rashmika Mandanna and Vicky Kaushal to teach you how to do it right. The two stars walked the ramp for Falguni Shane Peacock at what was the closing show for this year’s Hyundai India Couture Week.
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