Style Guide: A Passage to India

After Slumdog Millionaire’s triumph at the Oscars, it’s no surprise that Indian cultural influence has subsequently folded into America’s melting pot. But Slumdog’s largesse has simply confirmed a cinematic movement that’s been building for years; Monsoon Wedding and Bride & Prejudice broke here first. And film isn’t the only Indian export booming Stateside: Indian textiles are making their way into Western homes, and Indian fashion designers like Naeem Khan and Manish Arora are having a major impact on American pop culture.

Various Pillows, $90-130. Rajboori.com

“The work of Indian designers is now being appreciated in the West because we have a unique perspective in the world market and a design sensibility that is a true mix of traditional and modern,” Arora says. “And also because the West has discovered that modern India has an interesting mix of old and new, the poor and the rich, traditional and contemporary. It’s messy and beautiful, but, most of all, a happy place where there is inspiration everywhere.” It’s a description that citizens of these messy and beautiful United States can relate to. And while Arora is already a runway hit, the general public will get to know him better when he

rolls out major design projects for Swatch and Nivea available this summer.

Bollywood Inspired Mug, $22. CreativeWithClay.etsy.com

The high-fashion trickle-down effect is already in full swing at mass-market retailers like H&M and Urban Outfitters. You can buy all manner of gorgeously patterned print dresses and shimmery bangle bracelets right now at Forever 21, plus soft cotton tunics at your mom’s favorite Talbots store and exotic sandals at Target. Naturally, the global village that is the Internet makes it a cinch to score more authentic pieces on eBay, and lots of independent sellers on Etsy handmake Indian-influenced items—from clothing and jewelry to paper products and home accessories.

Indian Peacock Ring, $4. PoppyJoy.etsy.com

“Infusing Indian inspiration into American décor adds interest, depth, variety, vibrancy and a touch of other-worldliness,” says Mitun Chakrabarti, co-founder and CEO of textile company Rajboori. “In terms of textiles, various forms of block prints, beadwork, top-stitching and more have made their way into contemporary American design, where they have been pared down or designed to suit the décor needs of contemporary Western homes.”

Orange Ganesha Ring, $24. JuneShin.etsy.com

The Indian influence on apple-pie American style goes even deeper: In 2007, General Motors built a design studio outside of Bangalore. And during the last Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, Indian designers competed to dress models styled as Barbie dolls in celebration of the American icon’s 50th birthday, a sure sign of sartorial cultural convergence.