As the festive 2025 season unfolds, India’s fashion market is buzzing with energy. For brands and retailers, this isn’t just the busiest time of the year — it’s also the most creative, with new trends, campaigns, and collections shaping how India dresses to celebrate.
The festive and wedding season continues to be the heartbeat of India’s ethnicwear market, contributing nearly half or more of annual sales for most brands. It’s also the time when ethnic fashion sees its highest traction.
From weddings to Diwali, brands are innovating to cater to evolving consumer tastes. But what’s interesting is how festivewear itself is evolving — from maximalist couture to modular everyday sets, from artisanal storytelling to globally inspired hybrids.
We bring you a curated look at the top festive wear trends shaping this season, drawn from insights of leading Indian ethnic wear brands.
- Fusion and Multi-functional Silhouettes
Indian consumers increasingly prefer garments that bridge tradition and modernity. Classic sarees, kurtas, and lehengas are being reimagined with functional twists—think cape kurtas, dhoti pants, pre-draped sarees, and co-ord sets.
“As we step into the festive season, there’s a real sense of return to roots but with a fresh, individual twist. At Ray Ethnic, we’re seeing people gravitate towards outfits that honour tradition while letting their personality shine,” says Trisha Roy, Brand Manager, Ray Ethnic.
“Recent innovations include prints, stretch blends for comfort, and cross-category pairings to encourage mix-and-match styling. We’re introducing silhouettes that redefine the boundaries of ethnicwear, making the segment more appealing to a younger, fashion forward audience that enjoys experimenting with style and form. These are complemented by cross-category pairings to encourage mix-and-match styling,” adds Vinay Chatlani, Co-Founder & CEO, Soch.
Brands are creating modular garments that transition from day to evening or can be styled multiple ways. trueBrowns, for instance, is experimenting with waist-accentuating overlays, kaftan sets, and jacket-kurtas for effortless versatility.
“We’re exploring modular garments—like convertible sarees and detachable blouses—as well as novel blends of fabrics (e.g., silk with banarsi). We’re also bridging categories with festive co-ord sets and ethnic indowestern hybrids,” notes Saurabh Gupta, Founder & CEO, Kalki Fashions.
“We see a growing preference for versatile styling such as kurtis with jeans, sarees with jackets or belts, and dhoti pants paired with crop tops. Layering and fusion silhouettes are in vogue, with Gen Z and millennials embracing cultural authenticity alongside modern aesthetics,” says Himanshu Chakrawarti, CEO, Stellaro Brands (Rangita).
- Rise of Everyday Ethnicwear
Comfort-driven, wearable ethnic clothing is gaining momentum, blurring the lines between daily wear and occasionwear. Brands are constantly experimenting with hybrid silhouettes that offer versatility—like tunic sets that double as workwear or festive kurtas styled for both day and evening, while also leveraging breathable fabrics like cotton, Chanderi, rayon, and dobby to create outfits that are stylish yet practical.
“There’s a clear movement toward everyday ethnicwear, where traditional garments are being reimagined for daily wear. trueBrowns responds to these shifts with thoughtfully designed pieces that prioritize comfort, function, and style, such as kaftan sets, hybrid tunics, and festive co-ords that are equal parts chic and practical. The brand also continues to introduce collections that reflect seasonal and cultural sensibilities in a modern palette,” Udita Bansal, CEO & Founder, trueBrowns shares.
“Our design innovation lies in reinterpreting heritage with a fresh lens. We focus on layering festive elements into wearable daywear, mixing Chanderi with casual silhouettes, and experimenting with Mukaish and Kantha embroidery on lightweight rayon and dobby fabrics. Collections such as Leher, Kala, and Rooh incorporate metallic threads, asymmetrical hemlines, and distinctive detailing to create garments that work across occasions,” adds Himanshu Chakrawarti of Rangita.
- Craft Revival & Regional Narratives
Handloom stories, mirror work, gota patti, Chanderi reinterpretations, and Kantha embroidery are returning in modern forms.
“We’re integrating versatile silhouettes, launching capsule collections rooted in regional craftsmanship, and incorporating sustainable fabrics. Our marketing strategy also emphasizes education around textile stories and mindful consumption,” says Saurabh Gupta, Kalki.
Rangita’s Neyadam line reinterprets traditional Chanderi into modern forms, while collections like Manjaree and Kantha celebrate heritage crafts with a modern twist.
“All our drops are always tied to a narrative, either rooted in craft, community, or contemporary culture. Whether it’s spotlighting street-style meets ethnicwear or celebrating artisan stories through music and movement, trueBrowns’ festive edits move beyond traditional styling and are designed to resonate with modern India’s evolving expression of celebration,” says Udita Bansal.
“There’s a growing love for handcrafted details like mirror work, gota patti, silk embroidery and handloom textures that carry a story. What’s exciting is how younger customers are embracing these elements, not just for how they look, but for what they represent,” Trisha Roy of RayEthnic also adds.
- Gender and Size-Inclusive Festivewear
From extended size ranges and made-to-measure couture, to gender-fluid drops, inclusivity is reshaping festivewear. “Another shift we’re seeing is in gender-fluid festivewear pieces that are easy, expressive, and not bound by old-school rules,” notes Ray Ethnic.
“Versatile silhouettes, gender fluidity, and conscious fashion are shaping consumer preferences,” Udita Bansal says.
“Our collections are available in sizes XS to 4XL, and we offer custom fits upon request,” says Saurabh Gupta of Kalki Fashions. While brands like trueBrowns extend this further with a 2XS–6XL range, while luxury labels like Divya Aggarwal offer bespoke couture experiences, ensuring clients get made-to-measure outfits.
- Lightweight & Rewearable Wedding Wardrobes
Wedding fashion is undergoing a shift toward lighter, reusable, and travel-friendly ensembles. Brides and guests alike are leaning toward multipurpose couture, including fusion lehengas, pre-stitched sarees, and co-ord sets. From lightweight lehengas to pre-stitched sarees and easy-fit kurtas, comfort is no longer secondary, even for weddings. Customers increasingly demand clothing that moves with them, without compromising elegance. Brands are responding to this trend with capsule collections designed to mix and match, creating wardrobe flexibility while maintaining regal aesthetics.
“Customers are seeking more wearable wedding wardrobes—lightweight lehengas, minimal saris, and pieces that can be repurposed. Destination weddings are also fueling demand for travel-friendly yet regal ensembles,” notes Saurabh Gupta.
“We’re seeing a shift towards practical opulence—outfits that are festive yet reusable. Bridesmaids, guests, and even brides are opting for lighter, modular pieces that offer flexibility without compromising on style,” adds Vinay Chatllani of Soch.
According to Joseph Paul Geoge, Executive Director, Vismay, there’s also a notable increase in demand for modern cuts and non-traditional color palettes.
“Brides and wedding-goers are increasingly seeking multipurpose ensembles, with a move toward lighter, repeatable festivewear. trueBrowns has responded by offering versatile lehenga sets, fusion co-ords, and sarees that can be styled post-event, allowing maximum value for the consumer,” emphasises Udita Bansal.
- Sustainability and Mindful Fashion
Sustainability has moved beyond buzzword status. Modern Indian shoppers seek garments crafted with care, using long-lasting fabrics and artisanal techniques.
“Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; shoppers are genuinely seeking mindful choices—fabrics that feel good, last longer, and are made with care,” says Trisha Roy.
Brands like Divya Aggarwal and KALKI are integrating craftsmanship-driven collections with sustainable textiles, while fostering regional artisan communities.
- Colour and Print Evolution
While rich jewel tones remain popular, there’s a growing appetite for tone-on-tone palettes, minimal embroidery, and clean prints. Consumers are gravitating toward ensembles that reflect personality, mood, and occasion, rather than just following traditional colour rules, notes Trisha Roy.
Brands like Divya Aggarwal and trueBrowns leverage visual storytelling and curated color narratives to make festive collections feel unique and personal.
Conclusion
The Indian ethnic wear market is evolving rapidly, blending heritage with modernity, comfort with couture, and craftsmanship with conscious fashion. From fusion silhouettes and size inclusivity to modular ensembles and digital-first strategies, brands are responding to a new generation of shoppers who value versatility, personalisation, and meaning in every outfit.
Festive 2025 promises ethnic fashion that’s expressive, conscious, and wearable—perfectly in tune with modern India’s style ethos.
