'Bridgerton' is one of the most loved series on the internet. However, did you know that it also has a special link to Indian textiles?
Bridgerton is an American alternative-history regency romance TV series that premiered in 2020. Created by Chris Van Dusen for Netflix, it is based on the books of the same name by Julia Quinn. The series quickly gained immense popularity among viewers, inspiring not just upcoming trends but also reviving fashion styles. However, did you know that the show and its costumes share a special bond with India and its textiles?
Bridgerton is on its Season 4. However, the connection between the Indian textiles and Netflix's much-loved series goes back to 2022, when the second season premiered. Yes! We are talking about the 'Kate Sharma' wardrobe. 'Kate' essayed by Simone Ashley, along with 'Edwina Sharma' played by Charithra Chandran and 'Lady Mary Sharma' essayed by Shelley Conn, stood out for their outfits, featuring intricate embroidery and sari-inspired draping.
It was one of the most-loved fashion seasons in Bridgerton's history and earned a special place in fans' hearts for its muted pastels. However, what really stood out in regency fashion was its rich colours, Indian prints, and traditional jewellery. The season itself was a super success, and the fashion board was layered with vibrant embroideries and embellishments; the outfits quietly celebrated Indian heritage.
Even the costume designer, Sophie Canale, acknowledged the link between Bridgerton and Indian textiles. She shared in an interview with The Zoe Report that she "used lots of Indian silks in the cut of the Sharma family's costumes for pashminas." During the conversation, she explained how Indian fashion inspired the outfits in Bridgerton. She also revealed that not only the outfits but also the accessories for the 'Sharma' women were greatly influenced by Indian culture. She was quoted as saying:
"I was inspired by Indian fashion and [the culture's] jewellery. The accessories for both the Sharma daughters and their mother, Mary, stem from Indian designs, intricate beadwork and the use of rose gold as a base."
While the use of these textiles revived Indian weaves on screen, the history behind these clothes extends far beyond the show. Ages ago, these weaves were the pride of India, playing a significant role in driving global fashion as the world's textile powerhouse. However, the textiles bore the brunt of India's colonial past, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, colonial policies had devastated Bengal's muslin weavers and other Indian artisans.
Nonetheless, before the European colonial powers reshaped the global trade system, India stood as a global leader in textiles, exporting fine cottons, silks, and the legendary Bengal muslin. These textiles weren't just cloth; they were symbols of wealth, artistry, and innovation, defining trends across Europe and making India the centre of the fashion universe. Unfortunately, things changed by the late 18th and early 19th centuries, due to colonial policies, skilled weavers were displaced, traditional techniques were suppressed, and India's global dominance in fashion was erased.
Bridgerton is currently on Season 4. It is based on Julia Quinn's third book in the series, An Offer from a Gentleman. The show will follow the bohemian middle child, 'Benedict Bridgerton', who meets a mysterious 'Lady in Silver' at his mother, 'Lady Violet Bridgerton's' (Ruth Gemmell) masquerade ball. However, at the end of the night, our young bohemian gentleman is left holding the enigmatic stranger's satin glove, setting him on an extensive search for her true identity. With Part 1 already out, fans are eagerly awaiting Part 2, which will premiere in February 2026.
What are your thoughts on Bridgerton's connection to Indian textiles? Let us know.
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