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Indian jewellery and dresses dazzle at Oscar red carpet, some took hundreds of hours to make: Sabyasachi to Gaurav Gupta
Oscar 2026 red carpet witnessed a convergence of Hollywood glamour and Indian heritage, as global stars chose Indian couturiers and jewellers for the big night.
The 98th Academy Awards red carpet was more than just a parade of Hollywood elite; it was a triumphant global stage for Indian couture and high jewellery. From the sculptural silhouettes by Gaurav Gupta to the intricate hand-embroidery of Rahul Mishra and Sabyasachi's heirloom-inspired gems, Indian designers showcased a level of artistry that took hundreds of hours to perfect. Also read | Kylie Jenner, Anne Hathaway to Gwyneth Paltrow and Priyanka Chopra: Oscar 2026 sparkles with majestic diamond jewellery
At Oscar 2026, Indian couturiers showcased avant-garde designs that blended architectural form with delicate detail.
Li Jun Li in Gaurav Gupta
The Sinners actor stunned in a fiery red ensemble from the designer. The look featured a sculpted red satin corset with his signature fluid architectural draping, paired with a daring high-slit skirt and lace-up detailing.
Rei Ami in Rahul Mishra
The South Korean singer and rapper made a bold statement in a black-and-gold embellished mini dress. The highlight of the look was a voluminous, heavily embroidered cape jacket that exemplified Rahul Mishra's mastery and took hundreds of hours to create.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee continued his reign as the jeweller of choice for global stars, bringing vintage Indian opulence to modern silhouettes.
Ginnifer Goodwin in Sabyasachi jewellery
She paired her sheer black organza gown with a magnificent Sabyasachi choker. The 18K gold piece featured a central emerald weighing over 10 carats, flanked by mint tourmalines and brilliant-cut diamonds.
Rachel McAdams in Sabyasachi jewellery
Making a rare red carpet appearance to honour late icons Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, she wore an Alberta Ferretti gown complemented by Sabyasachi drop earrings. The earrings – set in 18K gold with peach-toned morganites – added a soft, feminine glow to her regal look.
A significant moment for Indian textiles came through Swadesh (Reliance Retail's artisanal initiative), which collaborated with veteran designers to highlight traditional techniques.
Zanna Roberts Rassi in Swadesh x Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
The fashion journalist wore a striking Swadesh x Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla creation. The ikat-inspired beaded crop top featured sculpted power shoulders and was meticulously hand-embroidered with thousands of bugle beads, stones, and crystals. This single piece reportedly required over 2,000 man-hours of labour on a silk brocade canvas.
Minnie Driver in Swadesh jewellery
At the Vanity Fair afterparty, she let her jewellery take centre stage, wearing a necklace by Swadesh. The multi-row solitaire piece was crafted in Surat over 150 hours, and featured pear and emerald-cut diamonds designed to maximise light play.
Bespoke accents by Swadesh
Even the smallest details made a big impact. Celebrity stylist Law Roach and singer Brandi Carlile both opted for handcrafted brooches by Swadesh. Carlile’s 'Petal Prism' brooch, inspired by sunflowers, was a masterpiece from Telangana goldsmiths, featuring a luminous oval-cut emerald at its heart.
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