Bollywood's Fashion Grip Loosens: Stars No Longer Style Icons

Filmmaker Karan Johar has observed a significant shift in fashion influence, noting that Bollywood stars no longer dictate style trends as they once did. As of 2026, individuals are actively seeking to develop their own unique looks, moving away from mirroring celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, or Deepika Padukone. This desire for individuality is reshaping consumer attitudes towards fashion.

Johar highlighted this change during a podcast, explaining that people are less inclined to wear outfits previously seen on stars, preferring to avoid appearing as mere copycats. The demand for exclusivity is also evident in the luxury fashion market, where clients increasingly expect bespoke treatment and unique offerings, wanting to feel special and distinct from others.

This contrasts sharply with past decades, as recalled by designer Manish Malhotra. He reminisced about the immense popularity of costumes from films like 'Dil To Pagal Hai' in the late 1990s, which led to widespread copying by tailors and a strong public desire for celebrity-inspired fashion. Malhotra's realization of his own label's potential came from witnessing his designs being replicated.