The Return of Red

 In a country where an element of tradition is consistently woven into the threads of contemporary chic, the color red reigns supreme, transcending the boundaries of seasons and becoming a perennial symbol of style and culture.

 

“Red is not seasonal, it’s iconic,” echoes the visionary Sabyasachi, the powerhouse of Indian fashion. In a country where an element of tradition is consistently woven into the threads of contemporary chic, the color red reigns supreme, transcending the boundaries of seasons and becoming a perennial symbol of style and culture.

Amidst the diverse patchwork of global fashion, Indian sensibilities are undoubtedly painted red when festivities set the stage. But this isn’t just any red; it’s the vivid, vibrant hue that emanates from the heart of Indian culture. It’s the color of Hindu brides, the quintessential choice for festivals, and the undeniable go-to when you want to be noticed. Red isn’t just a color; it’s a statement, a badge of honor that exudes confidence and strength.

Significance in India 

Red, being one of the primary colors, holds a unique position in the annals of history. It’s largely the first color a human eye can discern, following the monochromatic spectrum of black and white. Synonymous with love, passion, power, and the raw intensity of emotions, it evokes the image of flowing blood, the depth of feelings, revolutionary fervor, and the marker of celebration. Time and time again, women return to red, not just as a fashion choice but as a deep-rooted symbol of their cultural identity. In India, red is ingrained in the very essence of femininity—Teeka is red, Aalta is red, Sindoor is red, and the Bindi is red. Red is the heart and soul of Sringaar, the art of adorning oneself.

More than just a fleeting trend; Red is a permanent fixture in the Indian fashion lexicon, especially during this time of the year when the atmosphere is buzzing with festivities and weddings. It consistently influences the global fashion scene with its magnetic appeal, making it unmistakably Indian. Red signifies a bold embrace of cultural identity, a colour we call “aggressively Indian” – which doesn’t represent the erstwhile colonial notion of tacky, but a confident reassurance of who we are, and what we stand for, rather flamboyantly.

Indian Couture and Bollywood

Indian couture proudly flaunts red at every turn. The ramp at India Couture Week boasts an unapologetic dominance of red, while at the Lakme Fashion Week, it appears as subtle yet impactful accents. This dichotomy underscores that red is more than just a color; it is the soul of Indian fashion, especially in the realm of bridal couture.

In the world of Bollywood, red is a prominent and recurring theme. Recently, we saw the screen bathed in rich shades of red in the song Dhindora from the movie Rocky Rani ki Prem Kahani. Here, Karan Johar, the director, openly acknowledges drawing inspiration from the cinematic genius of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who has left an indelible mark with films like Devdas.

In recent weeks, red has taken the world of social media by storm, whether it is the Ganpati celebration at the Ambanis or Pujo/Dussehra festivities organised by Rani Mukherjee and family. Celebrities of all ages, from Deepika Padukone and Ananya Panday to Katrina Kaif and Shanaya Kapoor, are seen donning red outfits for Indian occasions just as often as they do for other events. It’s a testament to the timeless allure of red and its undeniable presence on the global stage. 

The images featured here showcase a blend of Indian, contemporary, and Western wear spotted in red recently. For more fashion inspiration and homegrown labels, check out @visionxtinsights.

Words by Aakriti Gupta