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At the 43rd India Day Parade in New York held last month, Rashmika Mandanna led the celebrations in an intricate anarkali by Ritu Kumar.
Rashmika Mandanna was styled by Meagan Concessio.
There are few stages as symbolic as Madison Avenue on India Day, when the diaspora gathers in the heart of New York to celebrate heritage, pride, and unity. This year, Rashmika Mandanna stepped into that space not only as co–grand marshal of the 43rd India Day Parade but also as a striking vision of contemporary Indian couture. Choosing a creation from Ritu Kumar’s Threads of Time: Reimagined collection, she carried Indian tradition into a global frame – making the bustling avenues of Manhattan her runway.
Rashmika Mandanna’s look, a flowing anarkali suit, wove together history and modernity with effortless grace. The muted beige base served as a canvas for intricate motifs and rich embroidery, a reminder of the timeless storytelling embedded in Indian textiles. In contrast, a vivid red dupatta, edged with metallic detailing, provided a powerful counterpoint.
The styling made the ensemble feel both regal and approachable. Rashmika paired the outfit with a heavy choker and matching earrings, jewellery that lent gravitas without overshadowing the garment’s artistry. Sunglasses, however, added a contemporary flair, grounding the couture in the present moment while underscoring her effortless cool. Flat sandals kept the look practical for the parade, yet did nothing to diminish its elegance.
What stood out was the way her presence transformed the garment into more than just occasion wear. On Madison Avenue, among waving flags and chants of celebration, her anarkali became a statement of identity which paid an ode to Indian craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of ornate traditional attire against Manhattan’s modern grid was powerful.
In this appearance, Rashmika Mandanna didn’t just wear Ritu Kumar couture – she embodied its spirit. It was a reminder that couture can live outside the rarefied spaces of fashion weeks and gala halls. It can command attention on the streets, amidst the pulse of a parade, where cultural pride and aesthetic beauty converge. For the diaspora, the look carried a quiet but resonant message: heritage is not only remembered, it is proudly worn.
Delhi, India, India
September 13, 2025, 12:34 IST
