Nobody aced pop style of '90s quite like Karisma Kapoor did

Before we had access to mood boards, Instagram and influencers — there was Karisma Kapoor. In the 1990s, when Indian women wanted to know what to wear, how to wear it, and how to own a room the moment they walked in, Karisma was their inspiration. Karisma wasn't just a Bollywood star; she was a one-woman fashion revolution during a time when Indian pop culture was hungry for exactly that kind of bold, unfiltered style.

Karisma's film costumes weren't just costumes — they were statements. During a time when an actor’s visibility primarily came from the silver screen, her style in films played a major role in shaping the fashion world outside of Bollywood as well. Karisma’s wardrobe was not limited to a specific silhouette, although there were definitely many fashion reprisals that were iconic to the actor. We simply cannot talk about Karisma’s fashion without mentioning her influence in popularising velvet outfits with her instantly recognisable Hero No. 1 midnight blue velvet dress, which had velvet flying off the shelves after the film came out. 

Over the course of the decade, Karisma had monopolised the fashion department as her playground, introducing new silhouettes and trends that would eventually find their way to the rest of the country. Famously, no single garment is better associated with Karisma's 90s look than the crop top. While the rest of Bollywood was still rooted in modest, traditional silhouettes for its heroines, Karisma showed up in fitted midriff-baring tops paired with high-waisted trousers and skirts — and the country collectively approved the trend as one they'd happily include in their wardrobes. It was daring for the era, but she wore it with such effortless confidence that it felt natural rather than scandalous. 

Let’s not forget that Karisma was the flagbearer for the co-ord set that is still trending today. Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge featured a series of sleek co-ord sets that had the entire country in a chokehold. From the Dheere Dheere Chalna's full denim co-ord set paired with a denim cap and sunglasses to the beachwear co-ord set in bright stripes of blue and yellow, this film really served up a collection of co-ord sets to draw inspiration from. Cropped tops and miniskirts aside, Karisma’s style was not limited to one look as she was often seen sporting baggy, oversized jackets and overshirts that brought about an edginess that could be wearable for the ordinary person. To further prove that she was definitely not a one-trick pony, Karisma’s ethnic looks were equally arresting. She wore embroidered kurtas, layered dupattas, and statement jewellery with the same ease she carried Western wear. 

Karisma’s fashion was not the only thing that inspired fans across the country to emulate her - makeup and hair were also a big part of her identity. Sometimes seen in a sleek updo or maybe let down in thick voluminous curls, Karisma knew which hair to put together with which look - and everybody loved her for it. Karisma's makeup in the 90s was as iconic as her wardrobe. She favoured strong, defined brows, kohl-rimmed eyes, and bold lip colours at a time when the beauty standard leaned softer. Her look was graphic and intentional. The combination of her sharp features and confident makeup choices gave her an almost editorial quality.

What made Karisma a genuine fashion icon, rather than simply a well-dressed celebrity, was her attitude. Fashion in the 90s was still largely dictated by what was considered appropriate for a Bollywood heroine. Karisma’s influence was led by her ability to quietly dismantle those expectations, outfit by outfit, film by film. She dressed herself, and in doing so, inspired an entire generation of Indian women to do the same. Decades on, her 90s looks are referenced in fashion editorials, recreated by stylists, and celebrated on throwback pages with millions of followers.

Text by Judah Abujam

Edited by Sabrina Mathews