Fashion is no stranger to reinvention. Styles are borrowed, reimagined, renamed, and marketed anew. But sometimes, in the process of global repackaging, age old cultural identities get diluted. One such case- The elegant, royal, and legendary Indian lehenga being casually renamed and marketed as a “beaded maxi skirt.”
Let’s get one thing straight — a lehenga is not just a skirt. It carries centuries of tradition, regional craftsmanship, and cultural pride stitched into every thread and bead. It’s time to give credit where it’s due.
The Rise of the “Beaded Maxi Skirt” — A Rebrand Gone Wrong
From international runways to global fast-fashion websites, there’s a noticeable trend where fashionistas are casually labelling the ornate, flare indian lehenga skirts with intricate embroidery or beadwork as “boho-chic”, “ethnic-inspired”, or the infamous “beaded maxi skirt.” What they don’t realise is that in their bid to be chic and trendy, they are actually erasing and diluting the roots. Not giving enough credit can, with time, blur the identity of the lehenga behind a Western label.
What’s missing? Acknowledgment of the lehenga’s Indian roots.
A lehenga is not a trend originating from nowhere — it is a legacy garment. From royal courts to commoners, the lehenga was everywhere. Transcending generations in India, in royal courts, weddings, festivals, and cultural celebrations. Reducing it to a generic fashion term strips away its rich identity and history.
The Lehenga: A Cultural Powerhouse
From Banarasi brocades to mirror-worked Gujarat styles, from Rajasthani gota pattis to Chikankari flares, every region in India has given its unique spin to the lehenga. It has evolved, yes — cropped cholis, capes, jackets, belt bags, and sneakers — but what remains untouched is its soul.
A lehenga is bold, celebratory, and regal. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s a statement. And let’s not forget, it’s hot and trendy right now — both in India and globally.
Why We Must Call It What It Is
In an age of cultural appropriation and fast fashion, it’s more important than ever to respect cultural roots. When designers in Paris, London, or New York showcase lehenga-inspired pieces on runways without acknowledgment, it’s not innovation — it’s erasure.
Let’s flip the script:
- The beaded maxi skirt never was lehenga’s inspiration.
- The beaded maxi skirt is inspired by the lehenga.
And there’s nothing wrong with cultural influence. The problem arises when you ignore the origin and misplace the credit.
Don’t Ditch the Lehenga — Flaunt It
To everyone thinking of stashing away their lehengas for something “modern,” think again. Lehenga is not just traditional wear; it’s modern, fierce, and fabulous — you only need to style appropriately. The lehenga can be modern beyond your imagination. Ditching your lehenga? Think again! For a casual day out, go for a simple lehenga skirt without embellishments or with minimal beads and no can-can. Style with a denim shirt or a crop top, minimal jewellery, sneakers and you’re ready.
Style Tips:
- Pair your lehenga with crop tops, shirts, or jackets for a fusion look.
- Style it with sneakers or heels — both styles work.
- Add statement accessories or keep it minimal — the lehenga looks great both ways.
- Wear it to weddings, parties, photoshoots, or even as everyday glam — yes, it’s possible. Just go for a simple lehenga skirt without embellishments.
Crown It: Lehenga > “Beaded Maxi Skirt”
So the next time you see a flared, beaded, embroidered skirt being sold online as a “boho maxi,” remember — it’s our lehenga in disguise. And instead of blending in with the vague language of global fashion, celebrate our stunning garment that the West is obsessed with—and now trying to rebrand. Don’t take pride in a Western label. It’s high time we realise and reclaim what’s ours. Or like all things Indian, this too risks being buried under a fancy label, lost beyond reclaim.
So let’s ditch the fancy name and say it loud and proud:
“It’s a lehenga. And yes, I’m wearing it. Proudly.”
