Aishwarya Rai Shines At Paris Fashion Week: Redefines Androgynous Fashion And Indian Heritage
Discover how Aishwarya Rai's sherwani at Le Defile L'Oreal Paris 2025 reimagines Indian heritage menswear into a powerful, gender-neutral fashion statement blending tradition with modern couture.
Aishwarya Rai turned the sherwani into a modern, gender-neutral fashion piece.
Fashion has evolved remarkably over the decades, achieving numerous milestones since its inception. From the introduction of denims for workers to women wearing skirts for the first time, fashion has always been a powerful medium for making bold statements. Today's Gen Z uses fashion as a means to express their emotions and challenge societal norms. They have shattered stereotypes by embracing gender-neutral styles and opting for thrifting over fast fashion, promoting sustainability and individuality.
Aishwarya Rai turned the sherwani into a modern, gender-neutral fashion piece.
This progressive mindset is now gaining acceptance among top designers. Renowned designer Manish Malhotra embraced the androgynous trend at the Le Défilé L'Oréal Paris 2025 Fashion Show. Androgynous fashion, which blends masculine and feminine elements, creates gender-neutral looks that redefine traditional clothing boundaries and encourage self-expression beyond conventional gender roles. At the annual event, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made headlines by wearing a custom Manish Malhotra sherwani, traditionally a men's garment, in a bold androgynous style, challenging cultural fashion norms and celebrating inclusivity.
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The Sherwani: A Symbol Of Heritage And Tradition
The sherwani is a traditional Indian garment, historically worn by men for formal occasions such as weddings, cermonies and parties. It symbolises dignity, heritage, and royalty. Aishwarya Rai's choice to don a sherwani reimagined the garment's role in fashion by presenting it as a gender-neutral piece. Designed by Manish Malhotra, the sherwani celebrated heritage while introducing softness and modern elegance.
Manish Malhotra described the outfit as a “powerful androgynous statement,” crafted with couture precision. The design perfectly balances structure and softness, powerful tailoring combined with modern sensuality. This reinterpretation makes the sherwani accessible and relevant beyond traditional gender boundaries.
The sherwani features striking details such as 10-inch diamond-embroidered cuffs that function as modern armour and jewellery, symbolising both strength and vulnerability. At the back, layered diamond scallops mimic the traditional ‘nau lakha haar' necklace, transforming a heritage adornment into a fluid androgynous symbol of power. Subtle diamond tassels and animal brooches add refinement, grace, and artistic motion.
Challenging Cultural Norms With Fashion
By wearing the sherwani, Aishwarya Rai challenges entrenched cultural ideas that associate specific clothing with only one gender. Her look paves the way for women and non-binary individuals to reinterpret traditional menswear with elegance, making a strong statement about identity and inclusion.
This sherwani also signifies India's engagement with global fashion discourse, blending traditional craft with contemporary, inclusive concepts. It positions Indian couture as a key player in worldwide trends that celebrate gender fluidity and individuality.
Tradition Meets Progress
In 2025, this fusion of heritage and modernity feels both respectful and revolutionary. It honours classic craftsmanship while pushing boundaries on who can wear iconic, regal garments. This is the essence of androgynous fashion, a celebration of freedom and power through clothing.
Aishwarya Rai's sherwani at the L'Oréal Paris show is a landmark moment, transforming a classic menswear piece into a timeless statement of equality, strength, and sophistication. It signals a bright future where tradition evolves with inclusivity and style.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is androgynous fashion?
Androgynous fashion blends masculine and feminine styles to create clothing that is gender-neutral, allowing freedom of self-expression beyond traditional gender norms.
2. Why is Aishwarya Rai's sherwani at Paris Fashion Week significant?
Her sherwani challenges the traditional idea that sherwanis are only menswear, transforming it into a couture statement that embraces gender fluidity and modern elegance.
3. Who designed the sherwani worn by Aishwarya Rai?
Renowned Indian couturier Manish Malhotra designed the sherwani, combining heritage elements with contemporary androgynous style.
4. What traditional features were included in the sherwani to highlight heritage?
The design featured diamond-embroidered cuffs, scalloped diamond layers at the back inspired by the ‘nau lakha haar' necklace, and diamond-studded animal brooches, all paying tribute to Indian craftsmanship.
5. How does this fashion moment impact Indian fashion globally?
It bridges Indian traditional craft with international couture trends, positioning Indian heritage as progressive, inclusive, and relevant on the global fashion stage.
