The rise of Sonam Kapoor as a global fashion inspiration

Since her initial days in Bollywood, Sonam Kapoor has carved a space for herself as an icon of Indian glamour. Many credit her as a pioneer in elevating the red carpet fashion of India, and rightfully so, having created waves with one stunning look after another. Sonam has regularly defined the upper limits of what fashion could look like. During a time when Bollywood red carpets were a flurry of predictable silhouettes and recycled aesthetics, Sonam was a breath of fresh air. From her on-screen looks to red carpet couture, Sonam has always put fashion at the forefront without compromise. 

While Sonam has worked extensively on a number of iconic movies, some have particularly stood out, marking her advent as one of Bollywood’s influential figures in fashion. Sonam’s memorable outfits from movies like Aisha and Khoobsurat have garnered a fan following, inspiring many to emulate her. The mint green plaid co-ord outfit from Aisha has a cult following of its own. It also happens to be Sonam’s personal favourite look from the movie as she stated in a throwback Instagram post celebrating the 6th anniversary of the movie: “This is from the look test of #Aisha ! My favourite outfit from the movie!”. But it wasn’t just the outfits. Aisha was India’s response to Hollywood's classic films like Clueless, Legally Blonde and Confessions of a Shopaholic, which celebrated the love for fashion with pride, and at the centre of it all stood Sonam. 

Sonam’s looks are not limited to a particular aesthetic. From preppy, put-together looks to pattern patchworks, Sonam has managed to show her versatility in the fashion front. The myriad roles she has played in her films act as an apt example. Her free-spirited, tomboyish role of Dr. Milli Chakraborty in Khoobsurat embodies the character’s personality through an explosion of fun patterns, silhouettes and colours that feel both detailed yet thrown together with ease. Another memorable example is her Dolly ki Doli ensemble, blending an embroidered lehenga with a leather jacket, sneakers and black sunglasses. 

Sonam’s versatility and willingness to experiment do not end on the silver screen. For many fashion enthusiasts, Sonam’s debut at the Cannes still remains one of the most memorable celebrity fashion moments of the 2010s. From avant-garde debut silhouettes to bringing Indian names to the international stage, Sonam Kapoor's role in the fashion world is not defined by universal appeal but by a constant attempt to push boundaries

She was one of the first Bollywood celebrities to sit in the front rows at Paris Fashion Week for several acclaimed luxury brands, including Chanel and Burberry. After being announced as a brand ambassador for Dior, Sonam’s influence in the fashion world was only made more apparent.

Sonam's fashion journey cannot be discussed without acknowledging the role of her sister and longtime stylist, Rhea Kapoor. Together, the duo built a distinctive aesthetic rooted in experimentation and individuality. Bringing global luxury brands into the Indian spotlight while collaborating extensively with Indian designers, Sonam and Rhea have consistently showcased their exquisite taste and a keen eye for detail. The power duo has exhibited their flair for curating designer garments from across the world and styling them with a unique twist as the final touch.

Whether it is showcasing Indian talent or her daring, sartorial choices, Sonam’s fashion has always embraced her individuality. Perhaps what sets Sonam apart is not a single iconic look, but a career defined by curiosity, experimentation, and an instinct for staying ahead of the curve.

Text by Judah Abujam

Edited by Sabrina Mathews