With a textile industry that dates back to ancient civilization it’s no wonder India’s woven cottons, silks, embroideries, and brocades are considered among the world’s finest. Sought after for centuries by European and Far Eastern countries, Indian-inspired textiles now rule the runway!

A sari, the traditional garment for women in India, is a very long strip of cloth which is draped in various styles, typically around the midriff and then over one shoulder. Many designers, such as Costume National, draw inspiration from the intense colors and elaborate embroidery, as well as the different draping styles (think one-shoulder gowns and tops).

The Indian peacock is a beautifully-hued bird with long, iridescent blue-green plumes. The deeply-saturated blue and green colors of its neck and feathers have shown up on runways season after season, and many designers incorporate the actual feathers themselves into their garments. For Spring 2008 Marchesa featured a jaw-dropping gown with an enormous peacock feather embroidered across the front.

While most designers incorporated traces of Indian influences into their collections, Hermes designer Jean Paul Gaultier unveiled a collection that was entirely Indian – from the spicy orange backdrop (the signature color of Hermes) to the colorful turbans the models wore and the silk saris that draped their shoulders.

India-born designer Naeem Khan spent three weeks in his native country to draw inspiration for his collection. The result – elements of his homeland integrated with classic American glamour. He featured the elaborate beading and embroidery of India on western silhouettes, favoring the body-conscious stylings of the 1950s.

Nigerian-born designer Duro Olawu’s collection was heavily influenced by “the colors of the great jewels of the maharanis (great queens of India) - the Baroda pearls, emeralds, and rubies.” His Spring 2008 line was also filled with jewel-tone suits and dresses, as well as gingham, which is one of many textile-related words borrowed from India.