From Nita Ambani’s Parsi Gara to Prada’s controversial Kohlapuris: Nine defining Indian craft moments of 2025

Janhvi Kapoor looked resplendent in an heirloom royal-blue Pashmina sari by Manish Malhotra for the premiere of her movie Homebound. The ensemble was a tribute to her late mother, Sridevi, who had worn the same sari at Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding reception in 2017.

Earlier this year, Kangana Ranaut had taken to social media to slam fashion bloggers for misnaming her outfit — a Ladakhi Goncha. Resembling a coat made of wool, velvet, or cotton, a goncha is usually brightly coloured and uses a thick fabric belt or skeyraks to tie around the waist. In Tibetan culture, men traditionally wear them, while women typically wear a different style of robe called a ‘chuba’.

Janhvi Kapoor in mother Sridevi’s Pashmina sari. (Source: Instagram/@janhvikapoor)

Isha Ambani’s wardrobe is an eclectic mix of Indian and global couture, paying homage to the rich heritage and talent of the world. Highlighting craft emerging from the western part of the country, she had been part of a special collaboration with Italian couturier Roberto Cavalli, slipping into a bright pink Bandhani gown handmade by local artisans. Designed by Fausto Puglisi, the look drew inspiration from Cavalli’s 2012 collaboration with Vogue India for Project Renaissance – a “very special” piece of work for stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania.

Few can rival Sonam Kapoor’s love for indigenous Indian textiles and weaves. The actor hosted Architectural Digest’s global editorial director, Amy Astley, at her Mumbai home, and for the intimate dinner, chose to support Manipur’s homegrown brand EAST, fronted by designer Easternlight Zimik. Her outfit of choice was a Tangkhul Kashan-inspired AKHA set from their Patrons collection, a homage to everyone who supported the designer from Ukhrul to the global spotlight.

Isha Ambani in Cavalli’s Bandhani gown. (Source: Instagram/@anaitashroffadajania)

Nita Ambani also attended the first-ever Pink Ball held by the British Museum, in a made-in-India pure gold zari Kanjeevaram sari by Swadesh Online, featuring a real silver cut-work pallu and an off-the-shoulder corset blouse designed by Manish Malhotra.

Aditi Rao Hydari, hailing from a Hyderabadi family of art patrons, chose a Wanaparthy-inspired ensemble from ace designer Sabyasachi’s atelier for her wedding last year. Taking to Instagram, she penned down a heartfelt tribute documenting her love and connection to the piece of fashion – her grandfather, Raja J Rameshwar Rao, was heavily involved in the revival of the Wanaparthy sari, an iconic garment of Telangana.

ICYM: Milk fibres for sustainability

With the climate crisis worsening by the hour, the shift to sustainable and circular fashion choices has been tectonic. One such alternative gaining traction in India is milk fibre. It is precisely how it sounds – a clothing fibre made from spoiled milk, invented in Italy in the 1930s. It takes 100 pounds of skim milk to make just 3 pounds of this fibre. Milk fibre is a regenerated protein fibre that comes with silk-like smoothness, cotton-like hygroscopicity, and linen-like breathability. So far, it has been used to make t-shirts, underwear, sportswear, sweaters, and luxury sarees. Would you be open to trying it?

Special mention: Kohlapuris

We cannot end this piece without mentioning the controversial Prada Kohlapuris that broke the internet this year. The humble chappal from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur shot to global fame when Italian luxury brand Prada used them in its Spring-Summer 2026 Men’s collection, sparking conversations and concern over cultural appropriation and accreditation. Artisans from Maharashtra had cried foul, alleging violation of geographical identification (GI) rights. The Italian luxury fashion house finally recognised and validated Kolhapuris‘ Indian connection, saying the design is “inspired” by the Indian handcrafted footwear.

Which was your favourite fashion moment from 2025?