Indian Designers Shine at Oscars 2026: Couture & Jewelry Steal the Show

Top Summary

• What happened: The 98th Academy Awards red carpet showcased Indian designers and their creations, with global stars wearing Indian couture and jewelry.
• Why it matters: It marks a significant moment for Indian craftsmanship and textiles on a global stage, highlighting the artistry and skill of Indian designers.
• What changes for people: This visibility could lead to increased demand for Indian designs and craftsmanship internationally.
• Who is affected: Indian designers, artisans, the Indian textile industry, and global fashion trends are all impacted.

Indian Couture Takes Center Stage

The 2026 Oscars red carpet became a global showcase for Indian artistry. From Gaurav Gupta's sculptural designs to Rahul Mishra's intricate embroidery and Sabyasachi's heirloom jewelry, Indian talent shone brightly.

The event highlighted the dedication and skill involved, with some pieces requiring hundreds of hours to perfect.

Gaurav Gupta's Architectural Designs

Li Jun Li, star of *The Sinners*, stunned in a fiery red Gaurav Gupta ensemble. The look featured a sculpted red satin corset with the designer's signature fluid architectural draping.

It was paired with a daring high-slit skirt and lace-up detailing. Gupta's avant-garde style clearly made a statement.

Rahul Mishra's Embellished Artistry

South Korean singer and rapper Rei Ami made a bold statement in a black-and-gold embellished mini dress by Rahul Mishra. The highlight was a voluminous, heavily embroidered cape jacket.

This cape exemplified Rahul Mishra's mastery, requiring hundreds of hours to create.

Sabyasachi: Jeweler to the Stars

Sabyasachi Mukherjee continued his reign as a top jeweler for global stars. He brought vintage Indian opulence to modern silhouettes at the Oscars.

Ginnifer Goodwin paired her sheer black organza gown with a magnificent Sabyasachi choker. The 18K gold piece featured a central emerald weighing over 10 carats, flanked by mint tourmalines and brilliant-cut diamonds.

Rachel McAdams wore an Alberta Ferretti gown complemented by Sabyasachi drop earrings. The earrings, set in 18K gold with peach-toned morganites, added a soft, feminine glow.

Swadesh Showcases Indian Textiles

A significant moment for Indian textiles came through Swadesh (Reliance Retail's artisanal initiative). It collaborated with veteran designers to highlight traditional techniques.

Zanna Roberts Rassi wore a striking Swadesh x Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla creation. The ikat-inspired beaded crop top featured sculpted power shoulders.

It was meticulously hand-embroidered with thousands of bugle beads, stones, and crystals. This single piece reportedly required over 2,000 man-hours of labor on a silk brocade canvas.

Swadesh's Bespoke Accents

Even the smallest details made a big impact. Celebrity stylist Law Roach and singer Brandi Carlile both opted for handcrafted brooches by Swadesh.

Carlile’s 'Petal Prism' brooch, inspired by sunflowers, was a masterpiece from Telangana goldsmiths. It featured a luminous oval-cut emerald at its heart.

What to Watch Next

Expect to see more collaborations between Indian artisans and international designers. The success at the Oscars could lead to a greater appreciation and demand for handcrafted Indian textiles and jewelry in the global market.