HELLO! India Exclusive: The many colours of style chameleon, Kanika Kapoor

Ever since she broke into the Indie music lover’s consciousness in 2012 as the singer who delivered the successful number ‘Jugni Ji,’ Kanika Kapoor has been enjoying her place in the sun. Two years later, a Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Sunny Leone-starrer ‘Baby Doll’ would crown her entry into the competitive circle of Bollywood playback music, with the dance track topping the music charts, and Kanika receiving wide critical acclaim as well as several accolades for her unique rendition.

Armed with talent, the celebrity steadily earned widespread recognition and laurels for becoming a bankable artist, singing some of Hindi cinema’s top rated songs, including ‘Lovely’ as well as ‘Kamli’ for Happy New Year (2014), ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’ for Roy (2015), and many more.

A GLOBAL MUSE

Also a recognised entity at national and international red carpets, Kanika’s musical prowess is interestingly complemented by her eye for style that’s been reflected in her fashion choices over the years. International luxury purveyors have often noticed and scrutinised this evolved knack for crisp dressing, considering Kanika’s work has always kept her in the spotlight. And that she was made the brand ambassador of Swiss Watch label 88 Rue du Rhone — an independent brand by Raymond Weil in 2016 — proved that Kanika was not just a popular singer, but also a personality whose sartorial sense was making an imprint on the global fashion radar.

Blessed with a petite frame, Kanika has been spotted at events and soireés in outfits that reflect a combination of luxe glamour and sophisticated street style. For instance, at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the singer was spotted at the French Riviera exuding charm and serving looks that showcased her eclectic fashion sensibility. At the star-studded Chopard Party, a Cannes staple where she performed live before the who’s who of the world, Kanika wore a crystal-embellished flutter-sleeve gown by New York-based design studio, AREA. The dramatic ensemble was accessorised with Chopard diamond earrings and the brand’s L’Heure Du Diamant watch.

For a day outing, Kanika channelled a breezy summer look in an Emilia Wickstead’s Judie cropped top with a matching high-waisted skirt from the designer. A pair of statement Hawaii gold earrings by Buccellati, Loewe’s Paula Ibiza white oval-framed sunglasses, and Loro Piana’s L19 North-South Wicker Bag were the fun and flirty add-ons. Also, intermittently seen in high-end labels such as JW Anderson, Loewe, and Hermès for casual wear, Kanika clearly goes by cuts and silhouettes that accentuate her slender structure while making a smart and elegant statement.

INDIAN COUTURE, HER FIRST LOVE

For her many calendar events, Kanika selects varied creations by global luxury brands, proving her versatile and discerning taste with regard to the standards that guide the international fashion circuit. However, she still does acknowledge her love for Indian couturiers and designers.

Brought up in Lucknow and pretty comfortable with carrying traditional Indian clothing, Kanika typically opts for intricately detailed lehengas and embroidered sarees for festive and formal occasions. That said, she also opines on Indian crafts and design having the potential to make a mark on foreign shores. Perhaps why she turned up in a dreamy ensemble from Roseroom by Isha Jajodia for the Serpentine Summer Party held recently in London. The artiste clearly wanted an Indian couture creation to catch the gaze at one of the most exclusive soireés in global fashion.

A muse for several ace designers over the years, Kanika has been globally feted as a fashionista, in addition to her singing chops. Remember her appearance at London Fashion Week, where she turned up like an impeccable diva in an edgy yellow dress from luxury label Roksanda’s Fall 2022 collection? The fashion police couldn’t stop talking! Her love for vivid and colourful creations evident, Kanika stood out in the crowd like a consummate style doyenne, making an emphatic statement that when it comes to fashion, she just knows which mood board will work when.

CANDID WITH KANIKA

My personal style? “Is playful, eclectic, and bold. I love mixing colours, prints, and textures.”

My style icons? “I’ve always admired women who dress with confidence and individuality.”

My favourite brands? “I love Alaïa and Pucci.”

A recent look I loved? “My striped oversized shirt dress with a rainbow hat and crochet bag. It felt like summer, sunshine, and circus fun, all rolled into one!”

Chic or glam? “Glam with a twist of chic. I love to shine, but in a way that feels playful.”

Choosing an outfit for a stage performance? “I always think about the mood of the music first — if the song is high-energy, I go for something bold and sparkly. If it’s more intimate, I choose softer fabrics and silhouettes. Comfort is key, too, because I need to move and connect with the audience.”

Favourite purchases? “The new Kelly multipocket from Hermés, a Destree silk suit, an Alaïa bodysuit, a denim jacket, and a tote from Art-chives India.

This story was featured in the September '25 issue of HELLO! India. For more exclusive stories, subscribe to the magazine here.