In 2026, Indian fashion enters a phase of considered permanence, where trend cycles slow down and craftsmanship takes centre stage. Fabric choices reflect a return to purity, with cotton mul, chanderi, organza, silks and summer silks dominating both domestic and international showcases. Colour forecasts for 2026 move into a subtle, nature-led palette of ecru, peach, powder lilac and layered greens, mirroring a collective shift towards calm and mindful luxury. Overall, the defining trend is restraint—where less becomes the ultimate expression of refinement, and cultural depth becomes fashion’s strongest currency.
Luxury retail in India has undergone a decisive digital transformation, with e-commerce now emerging as a powerful complement—and in many cases an equal—to offline retail. While early hesitation around buying luxury online centred on trust and tactility, the market has matured rapidly. Established platforms, brand-owned websites, seamless logistics, quality assurance, and flexible return policies have reshaped consumer confidence. Today, every major luxury brand operates across both physical and digital touchpoints, recognising that discovery and conversion increasingly happen online. What has truly changed is accessibility: luxury is no longer bound by geography. Consumers can now source materials, products, and craftsmanship from across the world—from artisanal leather in Mexico to handwoven textiles in Asia—while sitting at home. This democratisation of access has not diluted luxury; instead, it has expanded its reach, making global craftsmanship more visible, more attainable, and more relevant than ever before
Sustainability today is not a choice but a fundamental responsibility for the fashion industry. As global realities shift—with environmental stress, geopolitical upheavals and resource uncertainty—it has become clear that fashion must operate with far greater consciousness. Beyond the traditional frameworks that guide the industry—CPR (Cost, Cut, Construction, Colour), the 4Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Promotion, Place) and the 4Cs of consumer focus—a new framework has firmly entered the conversation: the 4Rs of sustainability—Reduce, Refuse, Recycle and Reuse. These principles are shaping how collections are designed, produced and consumed.
Indian textiles and craft have always been synonymous with luxury, but what’s changed is positioning. Today, they’re no longer background inspiration, they’re front and centre. From global luxury houses experimenting with saree forms to the international spotlight on artisanal footwear like Kolhapuris, Indian craft is being celebrated unapologetically. Even on global runways, our own Paris Fashion Week showcase drew inspiration from peacock feathers translated through embroidery, the response has been overwhelming. The world is ready for Indian luxury to get space in the global wardrobe.
Indian celebrities today act as global ambassadors of modern Indian luxury amplifying couture through confidence, individuality, and craftsmanship that resonates both in India and on the world stage.
Consumers today are increasingly aware of the long-term impact of their choices. There is a visible shift away from synthetic fabrics, non-ethical production practices and disposable fashion, towards natural textiles, transparent sourcing and longevity-driven design. In India especially, this awareness has led to a renewed respect for local crafts and indigenous knowledge systems. Luxury is being redefined—not through logos, but through meaning. Investing in a handwoven Kashmiri shawl or a thoughtfully crafted jacket by an Indian designer now carries greater cultural and emotional value than mass-produced global luxury. Sustainability, at its core, is about preserving both the planet and heritage, ensuring that fashion remains relevant, responsible and enduring for generations to come.
Luxury in India is being redefined through craft, not labels. Consumers today are consciously investing in handwoven textiles, indigenous weaves and artisanal craftsmanship, taking pride in India’s unmatched cultural legacy.
Indian fashion and Indian talent today command global attention, with Indian celebrities increasingly visible on international platforms—from Cannes to the Met Gala and global cultural events. What stands out most is that the moments etched in public memory are when these icons choose Indian crafts and indigenous silhouettes. Sonam Kapoor’s Cannes appearances in handwoven and embroidered Indian ensembles, Vidya Balan’s consistent celebration of regional textiles, and Priyanka Chopra’s confident embrace of Indian craftsmanship on global stages have all been widely appreciated. Figures like Nita Ambani have further elevated Indian weaves and artisanal luxury to a global audience. These moments reinforce a powerful truth: Indian craft, when worn with pride, resonates universally. It is time to consciously showcase India’s rich textile legacy to the world—not as heritage alone, but as contemporary global luxury.
In 2026, India continues to attract major global luxury houses — with brands like Lululemon entering through Tata Cliq, UK beauty icon Lush re-launching its presence, and luxury retailers such as Galeries Lafayette and Balenciaga planning flagship stores in collaboration with Indian partners — underscoring that India is now a priority market on the global luxury map. In 2026, luxury in India is defined by value, not volume. In an uncertain geopolitical climate, consumers are investing thoughtfully, favouring brands that offer exceptional craftsmanship, lasting quality, responsible practices and meaningful customer service. Timeless design, sustainability and cultural relevance are becoming the true markers of luxury, as buyers seek pieces that hold both emotional and long-term value.
Recent trends in the luxury fashion space show a clear shift towards value-driven consumption, with consumers increasingly favouring craft-led, homegrown and ethically sourced brands. Timeless, season-fluid silhouettes and versatile pieces that transcend trends are gaining prominence, as buyers prioritise longevity, authenticity and responsible luxury over fleeting fashion.
Read the full story that first appeared in the Jan-Feb 2026 issue of Marwar here:
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