ISLAMABAD: Paris just got a heavy dose of desi drama, and the fashion world may never be the same again. From shalwars strutting down the runway to prints straight out of your dadi’s old trunk, South Asian flair stormed the world’s most exclusive catwalk with all the confidence of a mehndi bride walking in late on purpose.

This wasn’t just fusion, it was a fashion takeover wrapped in nostalgia and stitched with sass. The City of Lights found itself awash in color, comfort, and culture, as designers borrowed, blended, and sometimes blatantly celebrated the subcontinent’s timeless silhouettes. Think luxury meets Lahore, couture meets Karachi, and Paris falling head over heels for the rhythm of the rickshaw.

Forget the stiff collars and minimal palettes, this season, it’s all about the shalwar shuffle, sari sass, and prints that whisper childhood chai memories. South Asia didn’t just inspire Paris Fashion Week; it owned it, one pleat, pattern, and perfectly ironic nod at a time.

Let's break down these runway moments that scream "DESI" louder than getting married to your cousin:

Shalwar showstopper

Models wear creations as part of the Giorgio Armani SpringSummer 2026 collection show in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (AP)

Honey, this isn't just a pair of pants – it's a cultural statement so bold, it could make your nani do a runway walk! Who needs Western tailoring when you've got the ultimate comfort wear that's been killing it for centuries?

Shalwar: 1, Western Fashion: 0

Models present creations from the Giorgio Armani SpringSummer 2026 collection during Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, September 28, 2025 (Reuters)

Models present creations from the Giorgio Armani SpringSummer 2026 collection during Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, September 28, 2025 (Reuters)

Models present creations from the Giorgio Armani SpringSummer 2026 collection during Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, September 28, 2025. (Reuters)

Okay, fashion world, we see what's happening here. Shalwar is officially the star of two fashion weeks. Milan, Paris – doesn't matter. This trend is spreading faster than gossip at a family gathering. Shalwar, shalwar, and more shalwar – we're not complaining!

Nostalgia on the runway

Models wear creations as part of the Giorgio Armani SpringSummer 2026 collection show in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (AP)

Close your eyes and smell the chai with rusk! This look is giving pure desi summer evening realness. Picture it: golden sunset, crows cawing, desi uncles striking their signature pose – hands on hips, white bunyan bursting over biryani bellies, shalwar hanging just right, and those trusty flip-flops completing the look.

The only thing missing? That legendary handlebar moustache! It's not just fashion; it's a time machine to every childhood memory you've ever cherished.

The half-baked kameez conspiracy

A model wears a creation as part of the Vivienne Westwood SpringSummer 2026 collection presented in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP)

Dear Designer, did you run out of fabric? Why stop at a shirt when you could've given us a full-blown kameez? It's like serving biryani without the raita – something's definitely missing! Fabric shortage or intentional tease?

Print perfection
Listen up – this print is the ultimate desi girl uniform. Every single South Asian girl has owned something like this at least once in her life. It's not just a print; it's a cultural rite of passage. Deny it, we dare you!

A model wears a creation as part of the Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2026 collection presented in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP)

Sari, not sorry
This look is so desi, even the most silver-tongued lawyer would throw in the towel. The blouse, the skirt, the way it's tied – this screams DESIIIIIIIII louder than your mom screaming at you for demolishing her favorite dinner set! Peak desi energy: confirmed!

A model wears a creation as part of the Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2026 collection presented in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP)

The takeaway

Fashion, darling, is borrowing our look with a wink and a smile. From the legendary Paul Smith's £300 "Robert" sandal (which is basically a £4 Peshawari chappal with a designer label) to these runway moments, South Asian culture is the secret muse of the fashion world.

Stella Jean gets a gold star for actually collaborating with Bhutanese artisans. The rest? It's a copy-fest that we're highlighting with all the subtlety of a Bollywood dance number!

Dear designers: Next time, try more collaboration! Your runway could use some authentic desi magic – handlebar moustaches optional, but highly encouraged!

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Desi designs shine bright at Paris Fashion Week