Eka Lakhani on Bringing Indian Craft and Cinema Fashion to the Global Stage

Celebrity stylist and costume designer Eka Lakhani has steadily built a reputation for blending Indian craftsmanship with contemporary fashion storytelling across cinema, red carpets, and global events.

From styling films like Ponniyin Selvan, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, The Sky Is Pink, and Ok Jaanu to creating memorable looks for stars including Trisha Krishnan, Ranveer Singh, Siddharth, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, Eka’s work has become closely associated with modern Indian visual culture.

Most recently, the stylist gained international attention for collaborating on Karan Johar’s Met Gala appearance inspired by legendary painter Raja Ravi Varma.

Eka Lakhani on Karan Johar’s Met Gala Debut

Speaking about the experience, Eka described the project as both exciting and deeply meaningful.

“It was his Met Gala debut. It was my Met Gala debut,” she shared, explaining that the team wanted the look to feel unmistakably Indian while remaining elegant and contemporary rather than theatrical.

According to Eka, the idea to draw inspiration from Raja Ravi Varma came naturally once Karan Johar received his Met Gala invitation.

She revealed that the visual direction was influenced by the artist’s romantic imagery, jewel-toned palettes, vintage Indian textiles, and royal draping styles often seen in his paintings.

The look was developed in collaboration with designer Manish Malhotra, while jewellery elements were crafted with vintage-inspired influences to complement the outfit’s aesthetic.

Journey From Cinema to Global Fashion

Eka Lakhani credited filmmaker Mani Ratnam for shaping much of her artistic foundation after beginning her career in South Indian cinema as a costume designer.

Over the years, working across industries helped her develop a deeper understanding of how fashion connects with identity, storytelling, and regional culture.

She explained that South Indian cinema especially introduced her to traditional weaves, embroidery styles, and artisanship that continue to inspire her work today.

Exploring Contemporary Indian Style

Eka also highlighted her creative collaborations with actors like Siddharth, describing him as someone open to experimenting with modern interpretations of South Indian fashion.

From blending lungis with structured blazers to combining traditional silhouettes with contemporary styling, she said such collaborations allow her to push creative boundaries while still staying rooted in Indian aesthetics.

One element she repeatedly returns to in her styling work is South Indian jewellery, which she described as rich in craftsmanship and storytelling detail.

Focus on Indian Craftsmanship

As Indian fashion gains greater international recognition, Eka says her goal remains centered on creating meaningful narratives through cinema, editorials, and global fashion collaborations.

Her work continues to spotlight Indian textiles, heritage craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling within modern fashion conversations across global platforms.