Indian fashion and craftsmanship shone brightly at the 67th Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles on February 5, 2025, as renowned rapper and actress Queen Latifah dazzled in an exquisite creation by celebrated Indian designer Rahul Mishra. The Grammy-winning artist took the stage to present the prestigious Dr. Dre Impact Award, but it was her avant-garde outfit that caught global attention.
Latifah’s choice of attire for the event was a breathtaking, floor-length cape featuring intricate three-dimensional embellishments, worn over a sleek black suit. The statement cape, fresh off the runway from Rahul Mishra’s spring/summer 2025 haute couture collection, was a masterclass in craftsmanship and creativity. It was adorned with elaborate 3D structures symbolizing skyscrapers, meticulously hand-embroidered using threadwork and sequins. The futuristic silhouette was further accentuated by 60 pyramidal structures in four different sizes, giving it a striking architectural aesthetic.
Mishra, known for his ability to merge traditional Indian textiles with contemporary design sensibilities, revealed that this particular masterpiece required a staggering 12,000 human hours to complete. His atelier in Noida, India, was abuzz with skilled artisans who worked tirelessly to craft this one-of-a-kind ensemble, highlighting the depth of Indian craftsmanship on an international platform.
Queen Latifah wasn’t the only one championing Indian fashion at the Grammys. Indian-origin vocalist Chandrika Tandon, who made history by winning her first-ever Grammy award, also paid homage to her roots through her sartorial choice. She graced the event in a resplendent champagne-colored anarkali, beautifully layered with a contrasting pink long brocade jacket, designed by legendary Indian couturier Manish Malhotra.
Manish Malhotra, a stalwart in the Indian fashion industry, has long been associated with luxury and opulence. His intricate designs, which blend rich Indian heritage with modern silhouettes, have been worn by global icons such as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Naomi Campbell. At the Grammys, his creation for Tandon seamlessly encapsulated grace and grandeur, bringing Indian cultural aesthetics to the global stage.
Rahul Mishra, on the other hand, has been making waves in international fashion circuits, particularly as a regular at Paris Fashion Week. His art-inspired couture pieces have been donned by Hollywood A-listers such as Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, and Selena Gomez, further cementing his reputation as one of India's most influential designers. His philosophy of slow, sustainable fashion, rooted in intricate hand embroidery and Indian craft traditions, continues to make an indelible mark on global fashion.
The Grammy Awards, often referred to as music’s biggest night, have also evolved into a platform for high fashion. The 2025 edition was no different, with stars like Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan making bold and unforgettable fashion statements on the red carpet.
With Rahul Mishra and Manish Malhotra’s designs gracing the Grammys this year, Indian fashion once again proved its ability to blend heritage with innovation while making a strong global impact. Their meticulously crafted ensembles stood as a testament to India’s unparalleled craftsmanship, redefining luxury fashion on an international scale.
