How Bollywood Fashion Trends Have Shaped Indian Style and Inspired Designers Nationwide
In the sprawling galaxy of Indian cinema, Bollywood stars have long been more than just entertainers—they’re cultural beacons, dictating everything from love stories to lehengas. Over the decades, the fashion evolution in Bollywood has mirrored India’s own journey through independence, liberalisation, globalisation, and digital transformation. But beyond the sequins and spotlights lies a compelling narrative of how cinematic style has redefined the nation’s fashion psyche—and launched the careers of countless designers, stylists, and dreamers across India.
The Golden Era: Timeless Grace in the ’50s and ’60s
It all began in the black-and-white frames of the 1950s. Stars like Madhubala, Meena Kumari, and Nutan captivated audiences with their ethereal beauty, dressed in elegant sarees, winged eyeliner, and bouffant hairstyles. Their style was deeply rooted in Indian tradition, inspired by royal wardrobes and classical aesthetics.
One cannot forget Madhubala’s iconic anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam—a costume so celebrated that variations of it remain popular even today. The combination of grace and grandeur set the stage for a fashion language unique to India, often blending classical elements with modern silhouettes.
The ’70s and ’80s: Retro Revolution and Disco Dhamaka
As India moved through political shifts and economic changes, Bollywood fashion became a symbol of rebellion and glamour. Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi broke the mould with bold, westernized clothing—flaunting bell-bottoms, knotted shirts, and oversized shades. It was the era of the disco saree, the jumpsuit, and platform shoes, epitomized by films like Qurbani and Shaan.
Amitabh Bachchan’s high-collared suits and bell-bottom pants in Don and Deewaar inspired a generation of Indian men to embrace flamboyant styles with confidence. Meanwhile, Rekha, with her rich Kanjeevarams and red lips, introduced a regal revival of traditional wear that later earned her the Padma Shri in 2010, as reported by The Hindu.
The ’90s: NRI Dreams and Designer Debuts
With liberalisation in 1991, a floodgate of foreign brands and global influence opened in India. Bollywood adapted quickly. The ’90s saw a blend of desi and videshi in fashion, largely shaped by the rise of stylists and costume designers.
The film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) was a game-changer. Kajol’s green lehenga in the song Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna became bridal goals across India, while Shah Rukh Khan’s casual-chic denim looks brought a cool confidence to the Indian youth. Manish Malhotra, the designer behind many of these looks, saw his career skyrocket, eventually becoming Bollywood’s most sought-after couturier. His contribution to Bollywood fashion has been documented in several features by The Times of India and Filmfare, and he was awarded the Fashion Designer of the Year at the IIFA Awards multiple times.
The 2000s: Red Carpet Renaissance and Couture Culture
The 2000s marked the red carpet revolution. Bollywood began making international appearances, and style took center stage. Stars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra brought Indian designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Rohit Bal into global conversations.
Aishwarya’s lavender saree at Cannes 2002 may have drawn mixed reactions, but it paved the way for Indian ethnic wear on international platforms. Over the years, her transformation into a global fashion icon won her several accolades, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the Government of France in 2012.
Meanwhile, the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) served as a fashion textbook—from Kareena Kapoor’s crop tops to Jaya Bachchan’s silk sarees—creating trends that lingered for years.
The 2010s to Now: Gender-Fluidity, Street Style & Sustainability
In recent years, Bollywood fashion has taken a dynamic leap. No longer confined to just glitz and glam, stars now champion sustainable fashion, inclusivity, and bold expression. Actors like Ranveer Singh have redefined masculinity with vibrant, androgynous outfits, often donning skirts, florals, and jewelry once considered off-limits for male actors.
Alia Bhatt’s minimal pastel saree at her wedding or Deepika Padukone’s fierce Met Gala looks show the range Bollywood now embraces. Fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s a narrative, a statement. Publications like Vogue India and Elle regularly highlight how these celebrities are moving away from cookie-cutter glamour to more conscious, curated wardrobes.
Real-Life Fashion Success: The Story of Bhawna Sharma
Among the many inspired by Bollywood fashion is Bhawna Sharma, a self-taught designer from Jaipur. After seeing Sabyasachi’s bridal collections featured on stars like Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif, she began creating her own bridal wear line in her hometown, working from her one-room studio.
In 2022, her label “Bhaavna Couture” was featured in Femina India as one of the top upcoming designers from Rajasthan. Her pieces were later spotted on reality show stars and even featured in a music video. In an interview with The Indian Express, she credited her success to Bollywood’s changing style and how social media allowed her designs to reach celebrity stylists.
Fashion as a Mirror of Cinema and Society
Bollywood fashion is not just about clothing—it’s a chronicle of change, resilience, and innovation. From the draped elegance of Meena Kumari to the bold choices of Ranveer Singh, Bollywood stars have influenced how Indians perceive style, identity, and self-expression.
In this ever-evolving reel of glamour, one thing remains unchanged: Bollywood doesn’t just reflect fashion—it creates it. And with each passing frame, it continues to inspire millions—on and off the screen.
