Not just an actress but a designer's muse and a stylist's dream—Sonam Kapoor turned fashion into a language and every public appearance into a headline
fashion into a language and every public appearance into a headline
Once upon a time in Bollywood, heroines played it safe. Sarees were simple, and gowns were borrowed. Then came Sonam Kapoor. Sonam, the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, didn't just act—she dressed the part. Her style told stories louder than her dialogues, whether on-screen or off-it. And today, on her birthday, we look back at how she rewrote the fashion rules of Indian cinema.
When Sonam played the quirky physiotherapist in Khoobsurat (2014), audiences remembered her outfits as much as her role. She sported printed kurtas, boho jackets, and bright palazzos—each styled with intent. Designed by her sister Rhea Kapoor and top names like Manish Malhotra, her wardrobe brought a breezy freshness to the screen. It wasn't just fashion; it was a movement. Anamika Khanna saw a sudden boom in sales. Street shops sold lookalike jhumkas and sandals. Sonam had set a trend.
Then came Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). As Princess Maithili, she wore lehengas that looked fit for royalty—and weighed nearly 20 kilograms. One bridal look sparked a wave across wedding boutiques. It wasn't just a film costume—it was a bride's dream outfit.
Sonam's off-screen style was equally fearless. At the Met Gala 2019, she turned heads in a Valentino cape gown. Thousands tweeted about the drama, the feathers, the elegance. It was fashion with a purpose—bold, global, unforgettable.
At King Charles's Coronation Concert in 2023, she wore a British-Indian fusion gown resembling a saree and a dress. It was customary, cultural, and Sonam. Fashion writers raved designers took notes, and fans imitated the drape in local boutiques.
And then there was Cannes—year after year. Look after look. In 2013, she stunned in a traditional saree with a nose ring, making the old feel new. By 2016, she was wearing floral couture that was so elaborate that even Vogue France called it "unforgettable." India Googled. Designers sighed. Young girls pinned.
When Dior announced Sonam Kapoor as its first South Asian global ambassador, the fashion world paused. It wasn't just about beauty—it was about positioning. She walked the ramp in Paris wearing sheer black and Sahara earrings. She made Dior's Lady bag a must-have in India, and people noticed.
Sonam didn't stop there. She slipped into Sabyasachi saris, strutted in Tommy Hilfiger suits, and stunned in Studio Medium's minimalistic reds. Her 2023 dinner look for David Beckham had roses in her hair and confidence in her eyes. Online searches for that red saree exploded.
With over 35 million Instagram followers, Sonam isn't just seen—she's studied. Every post gets hundreds of thousands of likes. A Phoebe Philo dress she wore in 2024? Over a million likes. Thousands of fans tagged friends to copy the look. Her fans don't just admire her—they recreate her.
On X (formerly Twitter), she trends not for controversy but couture. #SonamKapoorStyle is more than a hashtag—it's a library of inspiration. She's called "the red carpet queen" and "the reason fashion matters in Bollywood."
Before Sonam, actresses dressed safe. She changed that. She wore capes at Cannes, made nose rings chic again, and paired sarees with crop tops. A 2020 survey by Filmfare credited her for starting the stylist trend. More than half the industry followed suit.
She redefined beauty not by playing by the rules but by rewriting them. Traditional fabrics, Western cuts, oversized earrings, experimental makeup—everything was fair game. For Sonam, the style was storytelling.
Sonam's most powerful message? Wear what feels like you. She never blindly followed trends—she made them. She didn't just showcase designers—she empowered them. Anamika Khanna's global orders soared after Sonam wore her on international stages. Luxury stores in Mumbai and Delhi saw a rise in walk-ins. Fashion became aspirational and accessible.
From couture runways to wedding aisles, Sonam Kapoor has influenced how India dresses—and dreams. As she celebrates another year around the sun, her fashion legacy continues to sparkle like her—bold, beautiful, and brilliantly her own.
