Holiday season styling in India, and across the global South Asian community, has evolved dramatically over the past few years. Instead of heavy outfits worn only for weddings or large functions, women are now seeking luxurious yet wearable designer pieces that feel festive, modern, flattering, and comfortable.
This shift gave rise to a growing category of modern designer Festive Prêt.
These are outfits that work for:
- Christmas and New Year parties
- Winter weddings and cocktail nights
- Holiday gatherings
- Brunches and destination celebrations
- Home pujas and intimate festive moments
If you love velvet, jewel tones, sequins, beadwork, organza, structured silhouettes, and refined glamour, without the weight of couture, this list is for you.
Table of contents
- What is modern Indian festive prêt?
- Why this style is rising in fashion right now
- Key features to look for when shopping
- Top 10 designer & boutique brands to explore in 2025
- Style tips: how to wear festive prêt effortlessly
- Final thoughts
What is modern Indian festive prêt?
Modern festive prêt sits beautifully between everyday wear and couture.
It’s defined by:
- Elevated tailoring
- Lightweight festive embellishment
- Modern silhouettes
- Versatile styling potential
Think:
- Organza saris that feel contemporary
- Jewel-embroidered tops
- Co-ords with zari detailing
- Velvet sets
- Festive draped dresses
- Printed fusion coordinates
The goal?
Dress like yourself, just elevated.
Why this style is trending
Fashion and lifestyle habits have shifted. Three major reasons:
1. More frequent events and not just traditional weddings
Today’s celebrations are diverse: rooftop parties, intimate dinners, weekend cocktails. The clothing must match that vibe — festive yet effortless.
2. Comfort-led luxury
Women want clothing they can travel with, repeat, and live in — not store away forever.
3. Global fused identity
Modern Indian women blend western silhouettes with handcrafted heritage details. Festive prêt fits seamlessly into this mindset.
Key features to look for
A great festive prêt piece should offer:
- Lightweight yet luxe fabrics
- Thoughtful embellishment
- Practical yet flattering silhouettes
- Easy styling range
- Re-wearability
Top 10 modern festive prêt brands to shop in 2025
1. Duchess Kumari (Hero Pick)
Duchess Kumari leads the modern festive prêt movement with collections that reflect regal Indian heritage through contemporary silhouettes. The pieces are refined, feminine, and thoughtfully designed, elevating festive dressing without overwhelming it.
The brand offers jewel-toned velvets, elegant co-ords, soft embroidered sets, and statement tops designed to transition effortlessly from day to evening celebrations.
Signature Best-Seller: The Jewel-Embroidered T-Shirt
A defining product for the brand and a standout in the Indian prêt landscape is the DK Jewel-Embroidered Tee.
This isn’t a casual T-shirt, but a wearable statement piece. Hand-embroidered with zari, beads, and stones arranged like layered temple jewellery, it converts the comfort of a tee into the visual impact of festive couture.
Available in rich tones like bottle green, maroon, black, and white, this piece pairs beautifully with Jeans, Skirts & palazzos, flared bottom pants
It embodies the brand’s philosophy of comfort meets royal elegance.
2. Anita Dongre (Prêt & Grassroot)
Anita Dongre’s prêt lines combine sustainability, craftsmanship, and soft romantic detailing. Her festive prêt is ideal for those who love effortless elegance- embroidered fabrics, flowing kurtas, and lightweight saris.
Signature aesthetics include:
Pastel jewel tones
Floral prints
Handwoven textiles
Understated embellishments
Best for: intimate celebrations, brunches, and refined winter events.
3. Label Ritu Kumar
Bold, eclectic, and fashion-forward, Label Ritu Kumar is a favourite for printed festive separates and youthful contemporary styles.
Expect:
Foil prints
Metallic textures
Draped skirts
Indo-western silhouettes
It’s a great choice for those who want fun, Gen-Z-friendly festive dressing.
4. S&N by Shantnu & Nikhil
S&N brings structured silhouettes, modern draping, and dramatic elegance to prêt fashion.
Their festive pieces feel red-carpet ready with sculpted blouses, draped metallic dresses, and evening-friendly palettes.
Perfect for: New Year’s Eve glam or cocktail functions.
5. Miuniku
For minimalists who appreciate architectural silhouettes, Miuniku offers a global fashion sensibility influenced by Indian culture.
Expect clean tailoring, sculptural cuts, and subtle festive accents, ideal for understated luxury lovers.
6. The Loom
The Loom curates handpicked designers and festive-ready separates with modern silhouettes and artisanal detailing.
Think:
Organza sari pairings
Contemporary festive kurtas
Lightweight embroidered sets
It’s a discovery-space brand for modern festive seekers.
7. House of Masaba
House of Masaba blends bold prints with quirky motifs and strong visual identity. Their festive prêt is vibrant, expressive, and playful- perfect for standout moments.
8. Indya
Indya makes festive fashion accessible. Their prêt collections offer affordability without losing festive charm- sequined tops, embroidered skirts, saris, and co-ord sets designed for everyday celebrations.
9. Ogaan (Curated Designer Marketplace)
Ogaan is more than a brand- it’s a curated destination for emerging and established designers. For those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces with a boutique feel, this is an editorially curated fashion treasure.
10. The Summer House
Minimal, ethical, and beautifully constructed — The Summer House crafts festive pieces for those who love clean lines and quiet luxury.
Modern festive prêt essentials: what to look for in 2025
One of the most exciting developments in modern festive prêt is how designers are reinventing casual staples for celebration-worthy wardrobes. For example, Duchess Kumari has made waves with women’s designer t-shirts that pair casual comfort with intricate jewel-inspired embroidery. These pieces bridge the gap between daywear and partywear, offering versatility that older prêt collections rarely achieved.
Other essentials to consider this season include:
- Statement co-ords with contemporary cuts
- Indo-western layering pieces
- Lightweight embroidered skirts and saris
- Festive separates that can mix and match with your existing wardrobe
For cocktail parties, designers are increasingly experimenting with indo-western designer cocktail dresses– garments that combine western silhouettes like A-line dresses, sheath cuts, and asymmetrical hems with Indian textures, embroidery, and motifs. These dresses are perfect for cocktail evenings, holiday parties, and pre-wedding events where a modern festive look is required without going full traditional.
Styling Tips: How to Wear Modern Festive Prêt
Choose one hero element: fabric, embroidery, or silhouette
- Mix Indian and western styling
- Swap heavy dupattas for sheer or structured layers
- Keep accessories intentional & not overwhelming
- Let fabric and texture speak before sparkle
Final Thoughts
Modern festive prêt is more than a trend- it’s a new category of fashion rooted in culture, comfort, and contemporary elegance.
And while many brands contribute to this growing space, Duchess Kumari stands out for its timeless craftsmanship and innovation, particularly with pieces like the Jewel-Embroidered Tee that redefine festive dressing for the modern Indian woman.
Whether you’re attending a winter wedding, planning holiday celebrations, or curating an elevated wardrobe- these brands offer effortless, meaningful, repeatable style.
