Cultural roots of colours script fashion narratives

Deccan Herald

31-05-2025

In recent years, Indian colours have begun to make a powerful impact on global design and fashion landscapes. Once considered too vibrant or culturally specific for mainstream international tastes, colours such as Rani Pink, Turmeric Yellow and deep Indigo are now making appearances across global runways, high-end fashion collections and design forecasts. This shift isn't just about aesthetics - it's about the growing recognition of India's cultural richness, emotional depth and symbolic storytelling embedded in colour..Colour in Indian culture is not just visual - it is deeply philosophical, symbolic and emotional. From the traditional festival of Holi to wedding ceremonies and spiritual rituals, colours have long played a central role in India's expression of identity and emotion. The concept of Navarasa, or the nine human emotions, has shaped Indian art, dance and performance for Centuries, and each rasa (emotion) is often associated with specific colours. These associations are not arbitrary - they form a language of emotion that connects directly with people, giving Indian colour palettes a uniquely emotional resonance..It is this emotional depth that global designers and colour forecasters are now embracing. As consumers worldwide look for more meaning and authenticity in their fashion and lifestyle choices, Indian colours offer more than just surface beauty - they carry history, narrative and cultural depth..Jacqueline Fernandez sizzles in body-hugging seafoam gown, pics break the internet.Rani Pink, for instance, is not just a bold hue. It represents celebration, royalty and feminine power in India. The name itself – 'Rani', meaning queen - evokes a sense of grandeur. Now, this colour is seen gracing international runways, not just as a statement but as an embodiment of confidence and cultural pride..Similarly, Turmeric Yellow, inspired by the golden spice used widely in Indian households and rituals, is emerging as a global favourite. It symbolises health, happiness and purity in Indian tradition. Beyond its visual appeal, the colour connects deeply with ideas of wellness and positivity, aligning perfectly with contemporary global values of mindfulness and holistic living. Turmeric Yellow has found a place in everything from high fashion collections to interior decor and branding palettes, thanks to its vibrant, yet grounded, appeal..Another notable influence is the widespread use of earth tones in Indian textiles and traditional clothing. India's long history of natural dyeing - using ingredients like indigo leaves, madder root and turmeric - has given rise to a palette of earthy, muted tones that resonate with the global move towards sustainability and organic living. Hues such as deep brown, rust red and moss green are now being featured in minimalist Scandinavian-inspired interiors, artisanal fashion collections and eco-conscious packaging design, showing that Indian aesthetics are seamlessly merging with global sensibilities..This growing presence of Indian colours in global trends points to a much larger cultural moment - the world is finally embracing diverse aesthetic traditions as valuable and influential. Rather than treating non-Western colour palettes as niche or exotic, the design world is beginning to understand their depth and relevance. This cultural exchange is not just enriching design, it's also reshaping it to be more inclusive and globally aware..Beyond the visual, Indian colours also offer designers tools for emotional storytelling. When designers choose Rani Pink or Sindhoor Red, they're not just choosing a pretty shade, they're invoking love, power, femininity or divinity. This ability to communicate emotion through colours is what makes Indian hues especially powerful in an age where storytelling is at the heart of branding and design..Indian colours are not just influencing global design, they're expanding the definition of what is considered luxurious, expressive and modern. As designers and brands continue to look beyond traditional Western palettes for inspiration, the vibrant, symbolic and emotionally-rich colours of India are offering a new language of design - one that celebrates culture, diversity and connection. The future of global colour trends is brighter, bolder and unmistakably more Indian..Photographer: Jiten Agarwal