South Asian talent reshapes the global fashion landscape

South Asian representation in fashion is no longer limited to the sidelines of the industry. From magazine covers and runways to red carpets and social media, South Asian talent is becoming increasingly visible across the global fashion landscape.

A recent Vogue feature highlighted six names who represent different sides of this changing movement: Manish Malhotra, Rashmika Mandanna, Simone Ashley, Natasha Poonawalla, Dhruv Kapoor and Jaya Raheja.

Together, they show how South Asian influence now extends across couture, cinema, celebrity culture, luxury fashion and emerging creative talent. Their growing presence also reflects how the meaning of South Asian representation has expanded beyond traditional ideas of identity and style.

Manish Malhotra

Few designers have connected Indian cinema and fashion as successfully as Manish Malhotra. He first became widely recognised for his work as a Bollywood costume designer before launching his own fashion label in 2005.

His designs have consistently blended Indian craftsmanship with modern glamour. Rich embroidery, intricate embellishments and traditional silhouettes have become important elements of his signature style.

Over the years, Malhotra has moved beyond film costumes and established himself as a major name in couture. In 2026, he reached another milestone by making his debut on the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar.

His collection celebrated Indian craftsmanship through zardozi, resham, crystals and hand embroidery while presenting these traditional techniques through a contemporary international lens.

Rashmika Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna represents the increasingly global reach of Indian cinema and popular culture. Her career has crossed several Indian film industries and languages, allowing her to connect with audiences across different regions.

Her fashion presence reflects this wider journey. She represents a generation of Indian stars whose identities are not restricted to one language, industry or region.

Mandanna’s growing international visibility also shows how celebrity fashion can become a form of cultural representation, presenting an image of India that is diverse, multilingual and increasingly connected to global audiences.

Simone Ashley

Simone Ashley has become an important figure in the representation of South Asian women in Western entertainment. Her breakthrough role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton placed a British Indian woman at the centre of one of the world’s most popular television franchises.

Since then, Ashley has become increasingly visible in international fashion. Her appearances at major events, magazine features and luxury campaigns have helped connect her British and South Asian heritage with the wider fashion world.

Her influence also extends beyond her own career. Her growing visibility has helped create more space for South Asian women and other diverse talents within mainstream entertainment and fashion.

Natasha Poonawalla

Natasha Poonawalla represents the world of international luxury and fashion insiders. Known for her bold and carefully planned red-carpet appearances, she has become a familiar presence at major global fashion events.

Her style often combines Indian designers and traditional elements with modern luxury fashion. Her 2025 Met Gala look, for example, incorporated vintage Parsi Gara saris into a creation by Manish Malhotra.

Through such choices, Poonawalla demonstrates how South Asian heritage can be presented as part of contemporary global luxury rather than simply as traditional dress.

Dhruv Kapoor

Dhruv Kapoor represents a younger and more experimental direction in Indian fashion. His work combines contemporary silhouettes, bold structures and unconventional design ideas while maintaining a connection to Indian creativity.

His growing presence reflects how the next generation of designers is moving Indian fashion into new spaces, experimenting with global influences while developing an identity of its own.

Jaya Raheja

Jaya Raheja adds another perspective to the changing fashion landscape. Her presence represents the rise of young South Asian creative talent and the growing opportunities available to emerging voices in the industry.

Together, these six figures demonstrate that South Asian representation in fashion is no longer defined by a single style or identity. It now includes designers, actors, tastemakers and emerging creatives who are shaping how South Asian culture is seen and understood around the world.