
Filmmaker Karan Johar has said that Bollywood celebrities no longer dictate fashion trends, as audiences now prioritise individuality over imitation. Speaking on the podcast 'The BarberShop with Shantanu', Johar noted that people actively avoid wearing outfits already seen on stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, or Deepika Padukone.

Johar, who also runs jewellery brand Tyaani, said consumers now demand personalised experiences from luxury fashion designers. He cited examples of clients telling designers like Manish Malhotra that they do not want to wear what another celebrity has worn, seeking exclusive treatment instead of celebrity-inspired styling.
This shift reflects a broader change in India's fashion economy. For decades, Bollywood was the primary aspirational reference for millions, driving sales for designers and retailers. The rise of social media influencers, regional cinema, and direct-to-consumer brands has fragmented that monopoly. Consumers now have more reference points and greater access to global trends, reducing Bollywood's gatekeeping power. For designers like Manish Malhotra, whose business model relied heavily on celebrity endorsement, this means they must re-engineer their client engagement to offer bespoke services. The trend also poses a challenge for brand endorsements by stars, as the perceived value of a celebrity-worn product may decline. The next signal to watch is whether Bollywood stars pivot to more niche, personalised collaborations rather than mass-market endorsements.
Source: millenniumpost.in
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