Today's luxury is not just about logos, leather, and legacy. Today, luxury is about being 'local'. The global luxury market has never been more democratised, nor more curious about India's diverse cultural fabric. From the runways in Paris and Milan to the streets of Mumbai and Delhi, Indian heritage fused with high fashion is a story of sensibilities and evolving identities, craftsmanship and creativity, transformation and untapped potential.

Indian references, be it kadas, Kolhapuris, autorickshaws, or embroideries, are no longer just sources of inspiration. They are front and centre in the top couture collections in the world. What is being prescribed through the consumer lens of luxury is rewriting the global narrative of luxury, asking more of India authentically and with paying clients.

Indian design motifs and cultural references are also appearing with more frequency on the runways in Paris, Milan and New York. This suggests a more profound shift away from appropriation and towards appreciation of indigenous identities and cultural practices in fashion. With rich craft traditions and cultural vocabularies, India is an emerging source of inspiration for the luxury fashion lexicon being produced for open sale.

This article explores the phenomenon of 'luxury with a local twist'. It traces how traditional Indian accessories and motifs have been acknowledged, revived, and respectfully appropriated by luxury brands ranging from Louis Vuitton and Prada to Franck Muller and Christian Louboutin. In documenting this emerging trend, we illustrated a narrative not only of cultural pride but also of economic resurgence, artisan empowerment, and the new luxury consumer.

The Global Luxury Market and the Indian Boom

With a rapid pace, India’s luxury fashion and accessories market is developing at an unprecedented rate. In 2025, revenue in the luxury fashion sector totalled $2.39 billion, with an expected annual growth rate of 4.61% until 2030. Accessories alone are valued at an impressive $113.40 billion in revenue, growing ata 6.37% CAGR. Handbags and purses are the fastest-growing accessory segment, but jewellery, watches, and custom leather goods still account for a significant portion of sales.

Modern luxury is not just about exclusivity or international brands - it is about meaning, relevance and sense of place. Global brands are increasingly understanding that integrating local culture into their products makes them more authentic and connected, which also fosters emotional loyalty from their consumers in discerning markets across India. Working with Indian artisans, showcasing indigenous craftsmanship, and launching collections in tune with Indian cultural phenomena are increasingly acceptable.

Kadas, Kolhapuris, and More: India’s Iconic Influences

Kada bracelets are not merely accessories—they are rich in cultural and spiritual meaning, viewed as symbols of solidarity, permanence and strength. They now assume a timeless shape and meaning in contemporary luxury, emerging as sculptural, minimalist bangles crafted from precious and commercial metals, often adorned with contemporary decorative motifs.

Brands like Bvlgari and Cartier have created bracelets that reflect India’s traditional kada bracelet, deliberately sharing the design space and, in some instances, craftsmanship in the form of local art, like filigree, meenakari or kundan jewellery, which have amplified a sacred accessory to a statement, yet never losing sight of their identity.

In a dramatic separate event, the Italian fashion giant Prada created a stir in the fashion world when it released open-toe sandals in 2025 that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals ($844, ₹73,269), open, leather sandals handcrafted by artisans in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The release sparked heated discussions on cultural appropriation, but ultimately turned into an opportunity for Prada. When they publicly named India as inspiration, it placed the Kolhapuri back in the world of ubiquitous cultural icons.

This was not an odd event. Kolhapuris have been featured in other high-end fashion collections since then and have been celebrated for their distinctive shape and artisanal heritage. The leap from ordinary shoes to haute statement continues to illustrate the evolving fortunes of traditional Indian crafts in the context of global luxury.

Maybe the most audacious example of Indian street culture reaching luxury status is the Louis Vuitton autorickshaw handbag (Rs. 35 Lakhs). First unveiled in the Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, curated by Pharrell Williams, this oddly shaped bag is made from the brand's distinctive monogram canvas, features mini wheels, and small camel-leather handles, and has captured international interest.

By combining oddly irreplaceable design with highly skilled artisanship, this bag is much more than a gimmick—it celebrates the energetic vibrancy of urban India, now memorialised as portable art.

The Business of Bespoke: Personalisation and Local Adaptation

As luxury continues to evolve, personalisation and local relevance will be critical to producing products that resonate with discerning customers. For today's consumers, luxury means personalised exclusivity - pieces that reflect individual identity but also acknowledge cultural roots. International brands are recognising this shift and now offer collections exclusive to India, and even customise iconic pieces incorporating distinctly local artistry and materials. As an illustration of this, the Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller commissioned limited edition watches tailored for the Indian market, complete with unique dial numerals in Devanagari script and enamelling inspired by traditional Indian jewellery and art.

Take the Valentino VSling Bag for India, for instance - it embodies authenticity and craftsmanship, with only 25 pieces made. Each is embellished with beadwork and crystals handmade by Indian craftsmen, and takes at least nineteen hours to complete a single bag. Christian Louboutin's Diwali Collections marry haute Parisian sensibility with the Indian heritage by infusing festive festivity into shoes and handbags using bright silks and sari fabrics, creating vibrant pieces that echo respect for hand-picked materials and traditional techniques. Through these bespoke offerings, luxury brands are reinterpreting exclusivity through meaningful customisation and respect for local culture, which is essential to their global appeal.

The Consumer: Young, Informed, and Proudly Local and Beyond India

Indian luxury consumers are a vibrant, youthful, and rapidly growing set of consumers that have shifted the notion of exclusivity and luxury. More thoughtful and informed than other demographics, this age cohort of luxury consumers seeks genuine authenticity in the luxury goods they consume, while celebrating craftsmanship and cultural narratives. Their choices are driven by both aspirational desires and a connection to tradition, where every luxury purchase has an associated narrative that blends heritage and self-expression.

These values will be magnified rapidly through the digital age: social media, influencer marketing, and celebrity endorsements have thrust traditional craftsmanship into the limelight, where trends and artisanal brands are now readily available everywhere, from the bylanes of Mumbai to the boutiques of Paris. Consequently, luxury goods no longer signal simply wealth or social hierarchy; they are transformed from markers of vainglory into personal affirmations of identity and cultural pride. The new generation of consumers today will invest in luxurious items that feel significant, sustainable, and a part of the embedded history of Indian artisanship.

The charm of luxury inspired by India gets attention from those beyond domestic shores, most notably NRIs and an international cadre of design aficionados. While diasporas feel and retain an emotional bond with their origin, they consume the local imprint of crafted luxury and its rare tropes - the mirth of the autorickshaw in a Louis Vuitton handbag, the dial of Franck Muller's Indian-exclusive watches - among many collections that evoke India's vibrancy and beauty. None of these collections is meant exclusively for Indian consumers but for a broader target audience that values distinctive design and luxury that comes with a story.

The value lies in the Indian visual narrative, the original handicraft, and the gestalt - pieces that share stories of antiquity, innovation, and tradition - authentic stamps of culture. Indian luxury is no longer a mere endeavour; it is no longer limited by geography. Indian luxury is emerging as a source of inspiration and aspirational creativity for consumers globally.

Why India? Why Now?

India has emerged as a primary target for global luxury brands, although not just in terms of revenue, but in terms of relevance. Two considerable forces are emerging as the impetus for this change: market demand and culturally relevant luxury. The luxury market in India is rapidly expanding and is projected to become the world's third-largest luxury market by 2030. Urban millennials and Gen Z are leading this revolution, albeit not simply for the logo, but for the luxury that tells a story or has a sense of individuality and heritage. Whether people realise it or not, fashion as we know it has turned inward after the pandemic.

People want pieces that evoke a sense of authenticity, locality, and connection to identity. Similarly, in this scenario, aspects of Indian culture (traditional crafts, motifs, and silhouettes) serve as a differentiating angle for global brands. Pushpa Bector, Executive Vice President of DLF Retail, states that luxury houses are not just exporting a product, but working with the local culture, while adapting Indian aesthetics to the same international quality of their other products. Heritage meets haute couture, and it works.

Kadas, Chappals, and Saris: Desi Elements on Global Goods

We are witnessing a quiet yet intense transformation of the global luxury landscape, marked by the incorporation of Indian design elements. Take the kada, for example —a simple design that takes the form of a circular bracelet, grounded in deeply Sikh heritage. The kada conveys strength and unity. Formerly associated with families as a sacred heirloom, today brands like Bvlgari are transforming the kada into new versions in gold, titanium, and platinum, while maintaining enough of the kada's original traits and placing them firmly into modern, minimalist fashion. Footwear is telling a similar story. Kolhapuri chappals were once a staple at the Indian markets; today, they are high-fashion items being remixed with luxury-designed styles and finer materialisation.

Luxury labels are now taking their rugged leather and transforming it into sophisticated slides (while keeping the traditional U-strap intact). Moreover, juttis are being showcased on international fashion runways, often paired with gowns or modern silhouettes—thanks to Indian designers collaborating with European brands. Finally, the saree, India's iconic garment, is being reinterpreted into haute couture drapes. Designers such as Tarun Tahiliani and Rahul Mishra are seamlessly integrating the saree silhouette into high fashion, drawing upon the same principles of handwoven fabrics, soft pleats, and fluid draping that would be most appreciated. Taken as a whole, this indicates that neither the Indian style nor aesthetic will be simply sampled, but instead will be wholly adopted. Luxury today is not about erasing culture; it's about elevating culture, and Indian motifs are leading the charge.

Watches with a Desi Dial

Swiss luxury watchmaker Franck Muller is pulling heads for their India-specific editions, including a piece inspired by Ram Navami. The brand is shaking things up, and in doing so, is demonstrating that luxury has diverse faces. At first glance, the watch’s design does not seem radical, but one of these watches displays the time in Devanagari script. Haute horology, luxury wristwatches crafted by watchmakers such as Franck Muller and others, have historically represented the pinnacle of Western precision design and imagination. However, with this launch, the brand is beginning to tell a wholly different story.

This is not simply a design experiment based on aesthetics; it's a cultural celebration. When luxury watchmakers such as Franck Muller incorporate Indian scripts into their luxury timepieces, they are making a significant statement about their brand recognition: Indian identity is not only recognised, but also embraced and celebrated. These special pieces introduce a unique identity to the wrist. They actively encourage a wearer to declare they are Indian in every sense, but also that this is coincident with being a high-design luxury timepiece, ticking time bomb.
Jacob & Co.’s Salman Khan ‘The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone’ edition watch, imbued with saffron–green subdials, was inspired by the Indian flag and the actor's 'SK' initials at six o'clock, along with an engraved case-back tribute, retails around ₹36.6 lakhs.

Indian Designers on Global Stages

It is not just about global luxury brands "playing" in India and its culture, but also Indian designers who are taking a step forward and claiming their place in the world. Rahul Mishra was the first Indian designer to present his collection at Paris Haute Couture Week. Each piece he presented was adorned with stories of Indian flora, fauna, and lore; it was visceral and magnificent, evoking emotion. His work embodies more than just craftsmanship; it represents a commitment to slow and sustainable fashion, driven by local artisanship.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gupta has also captured minds with his sculptural gowns, based on celestial shapes and Sanskrit poetry, providing a uniquely Indian perspective on futurism as a design approach. His pieces don't just wow, they spellbind, often transcending the boundaries between fashion and art. Then there's Sabyasachi Mukherjee, an Indian household name, who has now laid a claim to global prominence with his flagship on Madison Avenue. Through his partnership with H&M, he demonstrated his maximalist, heritage-driven sensibility to a larger audience and the international market. Yet, what is most significant is how he normalised prints and silhouettes from the traditional Indian wardrobe into the high-street fashion avenues. What is so impressive is that these designers aren't simply representing India—they are transforming the most recognisable expression of India, Indian fashion, as a global perspective of how the world consumes and regards Indian fashion: not as ethnic or exotic, but as refined, considered, and inherently global. They aren't trend followers, they are trendsetters.

Cultural Resonance or Costume Play? Navigating the Thin Line

As luxury brands draw from distinctly Indian aesthetics, one must ask: Is this genuine cultural resonance or just a costume play? It is exciting to see Indian motifs on the world's runways, yet apprehension lingers. Have we honoured the deeper meanings or simply stripped them down to the essence before making a profit? Many artisans are fearful that the craft they have developed over generations will be replicated, but sadly, without recognition or compensation. However, today's luxury consumers are aware and care about the notes of "who" and "how" behind what they wear.

Today's luxury consumer wants authenticity, and not appropriation. As a response to the perceived ‘cultural appropriation’, some of the leading brands are proactively working to upend this equation, working with craftspeople directly, safeguarding the ethical sourcing of crafts, and being open about the origins of all the parts of their design (particularly if there are several components). Their focus is not just about a culture but with respect and context.

What This Means for India’s Homegrown Luxury Market

The international luxury market’s celebration of Indian aesthetics is generating exhilarating momentum in India’s emerging luxury sector. Brands like Raw Mango, Torani, Jaypore, and Good Earth are gaining interest from both Indian and international consumers by combining traditional craft techniques with contemporary design sensibility. The resurgence of pride in local output has triggered a genuine craft revival, while unique forms such as Kutch embroidery, Chikankari, Kalamkari, and Banarasi weaving are enjoying a renaissance through exciting, contemporary narratives.

The world becoming enamoured by these distinctive crafts is enabling India to go beyond its reputation as the world's manufacturing centre to being regarded as an authentic, creative, and innovative location. Indian luxury today is grounded in the indigenous, with individual creativity being imaginative rather than derivative of Western styles, developing an innovative craft culture, and re-understanding heritage for global audiences. This emerging trend is not only rewarding local brands and artisans but also putting India on the worldwide luxury landscape.

The Future of Luxe with a Local Lens

The future of luxury, viewed through an Indian lens, is poised to be bold, personal, and indigenous. We will see many more brands leaning into a customisation approach, not only through monogramming but also crafting products that celebrate Indian festivals, local flavours, and even zodiac signs. Sustainability will also be a priority. India has a rich history of sustainable practices, including the use of natural dyes, hand looms, and zero-waste tailoring. The modern green value proposition for luxury presents the perfect opportunity for India to tell its sustainable story. However, more than just the product, experience, and narrative will become increasingly important elements of luxury.

Informed by mythological references to stories about the origins of craftsmanship, Indian stories and narratives will increasingly influence product development, design, and marketing. This cultural shift isn't just stylistic; it's a form of cultural diplomacy. Through design, India isn't just exporting products; India is exporting feelings, emotions, culture and identity. Luxury becomes the critical medium through which India can tell its story to the world authentically, creatively, and on its terms.

The Takeaway

Luxury, personalisation and local adaptation have grown to become key in designing products that connect emotionally with tough consumers. For today’s buyer of premium goods, luxury equates to personalised exclusivity; a piece that exemplifies their identity and respects their cultural story. These changes haven’t gone unnoticed by international brands, which are developing India-exclusive collections to personalise iconic items with local craftsmanship and materials. Swiss manufacturer Franck Muller, for example, created a limited-edition timepiece for India that features numerals on the dials in Devanagari and enamelling methods from traditional Indian costume jewellery textiles.

Valentino’s VSling Bag for India also honours authenticity and artisanal production; only 25 pieces are being made, each of which has beadwork and crystals sourced from Indian artisan producers that required almost nineteen hours to complete for one bag. Christian Louboutin’s Diwali Collections juxtapose a haute Parisian sensibility with Indian heritage, sourcing bright, custom silks and sari fabrics to add joyfully vibrant colour to their shoes and handbags. The designer and quality process to produce each piece celebrate hand-selected materials and oft-forgotten techniques. These bespoke initiatives, at the same time, redefine what exclusivity means for luxury brands, in which personalised meaning based on region and culture fits into their global strategy.