Jayanti Reddy’s The Gilded Era Reimagines Hyderabad’s Heritage for Modern Couture
Hyderabad has long shaped Jayanti Reddy’s creative vision, and for The Gilded Era, presented at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 in association with Nexxus New York, the designer turned once again to the city’s rich architectural heritage and regal past. The collection reflected her signature approach to couture, where meticulous craftsmanship, intricate embroidery, and graceful silhouettes came together in a contemporary interpretation of occasion dressing.
Comprising 60 looks across womenswear and menswear, the collection explored the intersection of tradition and contemporary dressing with remarkable clarity. Structured corsets, elongated tunics, fluid kaftans, dramatic trail skirts, and impeccably tailored sherwanis created a wardrobe that balanced architectural precision with graceful movement. Every silhouette was thoughtfully composed, allowing the artistry of the atelier to remain the focal point.
A defining element this season was Jayanti Reddy’s exploration of luminosity. Rather than relying on overt sparkle, sequins, metallic threads, and intricate embellishments were layered with extraordinary precision, allowing the garments to reveal texture, depth, and dimension as they moved under the light. The effect was subtle yet captivating, underscoring the collection’s refined aesthetic.
Spanning 60 looks across womenswear and menswear, The Gilded Era celebrated the artistry of Indian couture through sculpted corsets, elongated tunics, fluid kaftans, dramatic trail skirts, and impeccably tailored sherwanis. Each silhouette was thoughtfully constructed, allowing proportion, movement, and craftsmanship to remain central to the collection while reflecting the elegance that has become synonymous with the House.
Texture and luminosity played a defining role throughout the collection. Sequins, metallic threads, and finely detailed embellishments were layered with precision, creating richly textured surfaces that revealed depth and dimension from every angle.
Speaking after the show, Jayanti shared that the collection was deeply personal, shaped by the city where she was born and raised.
“So much of my inspiration comes from Hyderabad—its palaces, architecture, and extraordinary cultural heritage,” she said. “This season, I wanted to explore the element of light. My intention wasn’t simply to make the garments shimmer, but to build layers of embroidery that gradually reveal themselves while still feeling delicate.”
A palette of antique gold, champagne, ivory, and jewel tones echoed Hyderabad’s royal legacy while lending the collection a timeless sophistication. Traditional craftsmanship was interpreted through contemporary silhouettes, creating a seamless dialogue between heritage and modern couture.
The collection also marked a notable evolution for the House with the introduction of menswear as an integral part of the narrative. Tailored sherwanis and structured jackets carried the same attention to craftsmanship as the womenswear, reinforcing Jayanti Reddy’s vision of occasion dressing that is refined, versatile, and deeply rooted in Indian artistry.
The evening concluded with one of the season’s most anticipated moments as Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth walked the runway together, marking Siddharth’s first-ever runway appearance. Their coordinated finale brought an effortless sense of elegance to the collection’s closing chapter.
Reflecting on the experience, Siddharth admitted he had spent nearly two decades watching Aditi walk fashion runways and was delighted to finally experience one himself. He praised Jayanti’s artistry, joking that agreeing to wear his sherwani without an inner layer was something he would do only for her. More importantly, he spoke about how regal the ensemble felt while remaining surprisingly comfortable, crediting the embroidery, jewelry, and styling for creating a look that was both striking and effortless. For Siddharth, that genuine excitement spoke volumes about the confidence and joy the collection inspired in those wearing it.
Jayanti, smiling, thanked him warmly, revealing that their friendship stretches back nearly fifteen years. She described the finale as especially meaningful, adding that seeing Siddharth finally agree to walk the runway made the collaboration feel all the more special.
For Aditi Rao Hydari, returning to Jayanti Reddy’s runway felt deeply personal. Having collaborated with the designer on several occasions, she spoke about the connection they share through Hyderabad and her admiration for the way Jayanti continues to celebrate the city’s artistic legacy while remaining unmistakably true to her own creative identity.
“You instantly recognize a Jayanti Reddy creation,” Aditi said. “Her work is rooted in her memories and her aesthetic. Even with multiple layers of embroidery, every garment feels delicate, effortless, and incredibly beautiful to wear.”
She also applauded the designer for building a distinctive couture house while remaining unwaveringly authentic to her vision. Calling Jayanti “a sister from another mother,” Aditi described sharing the finale with Siddharth as a moment she would always cherish.
Presented in partnership with Tibarumal Jewellery, the collection reflected a shared appreciation for exceptional artistry and timeless elegance. The finely crafted jewels complemented the garments with understated sophistication, completing each look without overshadowing the couture.
With The Gilded Era, Jayanti Reddy continued to celebrate the enduring beauty of Indian craftsmanship while presenting couture that feels relevant to today’s discerning clientele. The collection reflected a thoughtful balance of heritage, meticulous handwork, and contemporary elegance, reaffirming the designer’s place among the leading voices in Indian luxury couture.
