From sarees to maang tikka: How Indian fashion stole the spotlight at the Grammys 2026

Just like the music and the artists, Indian fashion shone bright at the Grammy Awards 2026. From an Indian Nehru jacket and printed saree to a striking maang tikka and statement earrings, subtle elements of Indian heritage found a prominent place on the red carpet at music’s biggest night.

Indian designers and jewellery are enjoying a major moment in the Western world, with global celebrities increasingly appreciating the intricacy, craftsmanship and cultural history behind every piece. From KATSEYE singer Lara Raj to country star Kelsea Ballerini, Indian fashion was represented in rich and diverse ways at the ceremony held on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Here’s a closer look.

Charu Suri's Nehru jacket moment

Pianist, composer and producer Charu Suri had earned three nominations for the Grammys 2026, including Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, nominated for her own album Shayan; Best Global Music Album, as a co-producer on Sounds of Kumbha; and Best Children’s Album, as a performer/composer on Herstory by Flor Bromley. The artist graced the Grammys red carpet in a regal Indian ensemble by Indian designer Shruti Sancheti.

She donned a trench-style jacket inspired by the Nehru jacket, woven purely from Maheshwari silk. The interior features had Chanderi–Banarasi jacquard with Chanderi panels, along with embroidery of dabka, resham, ari and others. Paired with the ivory jacket was a panelled Anarkali gown, adding a touch of elegance to the creation.

“I am absolutely in love with the ivory regal silks and flow of my red carpet gown and jacket. I think it captures the royal Nehru jacket smartness while paying homage to our traditional Indian textiles. There’s a glamorous wow factor but it’s not ritzy or flashy, it’s pure and elegant," she said while describing her look.

Kelsea Ballerini's Sabyasachi jewellery

As many headlines she makes for her romantic life, Kelsea Ballerini's style speaks volumes. The singer whose album 'Patterns' was nominated for Best Contemporary Country Album arrived at the red carpet in a custom metallic beaded halter dress by Etro. Interestingly, she completed her look with a pair of dangling earrings and a ring from Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's fine jewellery line.

Lara Raj's mang tikka dazzle

KATSEYE singer Lara Raj has become an idol for all young girls of Indian and Sri Lankan origin. The group had been nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Gabriela' and arrived in six different versions of the same design by Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Raj, donned a halter-neck gown along with her signature bedazzled 'Om' necklace, a golden nose pin and a sleek diamond maang tikka, paying homage to her Indian roots.

Raja Kumari's animal-print saree

Indian-American rapper, singer and songwriter Raja Kumari attended the 68th Grammy Awards as a featured artist on composer-producer Siddhant Bhatia's Sounds of Kumbha, which had been nominated in the Best Global Music Album category. She attended the ceremony along with Indian music legend Shankar Mahadevan and donned a beautiful Sabyasachi saree in animal print. She enhanced her look with earrings from the designer and sunglasses along with a tiny black bindi.

The rich heritage of Indian culture has found an expanding stage across the globe over the past few years. Representation of the country's designers and traditional silhouettes seems like a moment of pride for sure.