The weavers of India’s modern aesthetic and Bollywood's ultimate style mavens are bringing back vintage glamour with a fashion-forward reinterpretation
Ever wondered why vintage glam has suddenly taken the red carpets by storm? Bollywood's fashion divas and the iconic designers of our country are stirring the echoes of memory with old-world Indian craftsmanship and pure star power. Sabyasachi Mukherjee may be the GOAT in full regalia, but other designers namely Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Anju Modi, are all in on the comeback magic.
Let's have a look at Bollywood's ultimate vintage glam moments and the creators behind them.
Rekha is a living ode to vintage glamour. Her 2024 IIFA Awards appearance was a symphony of precision and soul. For her 20 minute onstage performance, Rekha was draped in a custom gulabi Banarasi Kalli lehenga designed by none other than Manish Malhotra. The saree featured rich zardosi work and majestic borders. Rekha was adorned in layers of heavy, antique gold jewellery. Her look for the night was a homage to India's traditional glory : classic gajra, bold kohl, and a crimson pout.
(@iifa/Instagram)
Deepika Padukone opened the show for the 25th anniversary celebration of Sabyasachi’s fashion label in an outfit dubbed “Rekhacore” - a modern minimalistic spin on the classic starlet charm. She donned a white shirt and trousers, with a vintage-feel trench coat over it, and adorned herself with Sabyasachi’s Constantinople necklace. Her bun, a pair of thick black glasses, and black gloves reflected the classic Hollywood-meets-Bollywood elegance. Both Sabyasachi and Deepika proved that high fashion and heritage can click like puzzle pieces.
(@dietsabya/Instagram)
Appearing for a high-profile ad shoot for Malabar Gold and Diamonds earlier in 2025, Alia Bhatt redefined vintage glam in a custom golden gown by iconic designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. The floor-length golden gown featured the brand's signature ornate embroidery and beadwork paired with delicate sequin detailing reminiscent of both 1960s Bollywood regality and international red-carpet appeal. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, Alia laced the final note with minimal jewellery, luminous dewy makeup, and softly pulled-back hair, allowing the striking gown to perform and shine as the centerpiece. The princess-like silhouette, luxurious fabrics, and refined styling echoed the romance and splendour of vintage fashion while simultaneously feeling fresh for the modern edge.
(@rheakapoor/Instagram)
A lover of bold sartorial statements and classic aesthetics, Kangana Ranaut graced India Couture Week 2018 as the showstopper in a Victorian-inspired vintage glam look for designer Anju Modi. She wore a luxe beige lehenga featuring a golden sheen, and styled with a deep maroon long velvet jacket embellished with meticulous floral gold and silver embroidery. She capped the look off with intricate, tiered diamond jewelry, a Victorian-style half-updo, and minimalist, rosy makeup - impeccably reproducing the royal, old-world charm that defines Anju Modi’s 'A Maiden’s Prayer' collection.
(@anjumodi/Instagram)
Aditi Rao Hyderi is known for her vintage-inspired fashion, and she quite wonderfully breathed life into Ritu Kumar's heritage aesthetic as showstopper at India Couture Week 2023. Walking down the ramp, Aditi shined in a full-sleeved, Gazal jacket that featured intricate hand embroidery, gold zardozi and mirror work, paired with a sweeping ivory lehenga adorned with geometric and floral motifs, from Ritu Kumar's OG collection. Her look on the runway embraced traditional Kashmiri design and craftsmanship. She accessorised with a striking mangtika and minimal jewelry from the Gem of Palace, Jaipur. The overall effect was a mix of sophistication and grace, paying homage to royal Indian artistry.
(@ri_ritukumar/Instagram)
India's leading fashion auteurs like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, and Ritu Kumar are transforming Bollywood red carpets into a celebration of Indian craft, textiles, and silhouettes from eras past. Their muses - Rekha, Deepika, Alia, among others - makes us think that genuine and pure glamour is ageless and perpetual. Bollywood's leading ladies are making sure that the elegance pulled from sepia dreams never goes out of style.
