Remember Alia Bhatt in Student of the Year, casually eating a softy while flaunting Gucci, Prada, and Louboutins? That was 2012. Back then, wearing international designer labels was the ultimate flex—proof of privilege, access, and an eye for global trends. Fast forward to 2025, India has a thriving luxury scene of its own. Think brands like Moonray, Lovebirds, Kanika Goyal, S&N, and Saaksha & Kinni—the list is endless. But are we really in a different place?

Luxury shopping has never been just about the purchase, for it’s also about the experience. Whether it’s strolling down Avenue Montaigne in Paris, stepping into a flagship boutique in Milan, or snagging a limited-edition piece before it even arrives in India, there’s still something special about it. And let’s be honest—saying, “I got this in London” just feels different.

But with homegrown brands offering the same level of craftsmanship and design as their international counterparts, is the obsession with shopping abroad still justified? Or are we just stuck in a mindset that foreign always equals better?

What the reports say

India’s luxury market is on a rapid rise, with projections estimating a 7% annual growth, reaching $13.83 billion by 2033, according to a report from Statista. The biggest drivers? Younger generations with more disposable income, who are indulging in high-end purchases more than ever. However, despite this boom, Indian shoppers still have a strong preference for international labels. A McKinsey report highlights that around 67% of luxury consumers in India continue to buy from international platforms. This isn’t just about better quality—it’s about exclusivity, variety, and, most importantly, status.

Malaika Arora, actor, model, and entrepreneur, who’s no stranger to luxury shopping both at home and abroad, breaks it down: “Buying luxury abroad doesn’t mean people are ignoring local brands. It’s about finding a balance.” She points out that global luxury brands have had decades to build an aspirational identity. “We’ve grown up seeing them in the media, worn by celebrities, and admired worldwide. That influence is hard to ignore.”

Why do Indians still prefer International brands?

Despite this progress, global luxury brands still hold a certain untouchable status. And for obvious reasons. One of them being heritage.  Brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior have been aspirational names for generations, deeply embedded in pop culture, Hollywood, and the pages of international fashion magazines. Indian luxury is growing fast, but it hasn’t had the same long runway to build that kind of legacy.

Then there’s accessibility. Many homegrown luxury brands still operate on a made-to-order model, meaning longer wait times and limited availability. Meanwhile, international brands offer instant gratification—walk into a Louis Vuitton store anywhere in the world, and you know exactly what to expect, both in terms of product and experience. Indian brands are catching up, with more flagship stores and international stockists, but it’s still a work in progress.

Whether it’s the variety, the exclusivity, or just the thrill of walking into a boutique in Paris or Milan, it’s an experience in itself. Many Indian shoppers even plan their travels around luxury shopping, hunting for pieces that aren’t available back home.

The rise of Indian luxury

While international brands still dominate, India’s homegrown luxury scene is moving at full speed. Designers are carving out their own identity, and their work is gaining global recognition. Established names like Sabyasachi, Anita Dongre, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, and Tarun Tahiliani have long been in the spotlight, but there’s also a fresh wave of both couture and ready-to-wear brands redefining Indian fashion.
 

Designers like Kanika Goyal, Dhruv Kapoor, Studio Lovebirds, and Moonray are making waves with contemporary, experimental designs, while Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta are taking Indian couture to the world stage. The buzz their collections created at the recently concluded Paris Haute Couture Week is a testament to this. Mishra’s The Pale Blue Dot showcased futuristic yet handcrafted detailing, while Gupta’s Across the Flame played with structure and storytelling in a way that was both bold and evocative. Their impact isn’t just limited to the runway—Queen Latifah wore a Rahul Mishra ensemble to the 2025 Grammys. In Emily in Paris season four, Ashley Park was seen wearing a Gaurav Gupta piece. So by now, we know Indian designers are becoming a red-carpet staple.

Even Arora acknowledges this shift, saying, “It’s incredible to see more Indian designers on global runways and red carpets. It’s no longer just about heritage—they’re creating pieces that feel modern, edgy, and international.”

Adding to this, Shalini Passi, art patron and star of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, shares her perspective. “Indian brands have come a long way. The quality is phenomenal, the pricing is competitive, and the design language is uniquely their own—I’m truly drawn to it.” With designers redefining luxury and homegrown labels making their mark, the world is taking notice.
 

What’s driving this shift

The notion that luxury only comes from Europe is fading, with stylists and actors increasingly choosing Indian brands.

Celebrity stylist Isha Bhansali went on to tell us that while styling an actor, she sourced suits from an international brand and from Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna. The latter’s design and finish were so impressive that it left her in awe. She added that she always finds herself gravitating towards homegrown brands. So, clearly, we know that India’s homegrown brands are not just catching up but are setting new standards in design and craftsmanship too. Many have carved their niche, and their influence is only growing stronger.

As Arora puts it,“It’s an exciting time. I think the next generation will be more open to buying luxury from India, not just because it’s homegrown, but because it’s just as good—if not better.”

The world is watching, and India’s luxury scene is no longer just catching up—it’s setting the tone.

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

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