Bridgerton's Indian Textiles Revive Forgotten Fashion Legacy
The Sharma family's stunning costumes in Bridgerton quietly celebrate India's lost status as the world's textile powerhouse. These vibrant silks and intricate embroideries tell a story centuries in the making.
When Kate Sharma swept onto screens in Bridgerton, her jewel-toned gowns and sari-inspired draping stopped viewers in their tracks. But those gorgeous costumes represent something far deeper than just beautiful clothing.
The Sharma family's wardrobe stood apart from typical Regency pastels with rich colors, Indian prints, and traditional jewelry. Costume designer Sophie Canale deliberately chose Indian silks for pashminas and drew inspiration from Indian fashion traditions, using intricate beadwork and rose gold throughout.
These design choices weren't random. They echo a time when India dominated global fashion as the world's textile powerhouse, exporting fine cottons, legendary Bengal muslin, and vibrant silks across continents.
Long before colonial powers arrived, Indian textiles defined wealth and artistry worldwide. The fabrics weren't just cloth but symbols of innovation that set trends throughout Europe and beyond.
By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, colonial policies devastated this thriving industry. Skilled weavers were displaced, traditional techniques suppressed, and India's fashion dominance was systematically erased from history.
Why This Inspires
Despite centuries of erasure, the artistry refuses to die. When costume designers layer vibrant embroidery and drape shimmering silks on screen, they're not just making pretty clothes.
They're quietly reviving forgotten techniques and telling stories about artisans whose work once dressed the world. Each beaded detail and rich fabric choice becomes a small act of cultural remembrance.
The Sharma family's costumes remind global audiences that Indian textile mastery shaped fashion history. Today's viewers see these stunning outfits and want to know more about the traditions behind them.
What makes this moment special is how mainstream entertainment now celebrates rather than erases these cultural contributions. The story of Indian textiles is finally being told again, one gorgeous costume at a time.
Based on reporting by The Better India
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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