Oct 04, 2026 1:21pm IST
Lara Raj Reveals Rekha Inspired Her Loewe Show Look, Responds to Criticism Over Indian Elements
Lara Raj from "KATSEYE" has addressed the criticism surrounding her look for the Loewe show at Paris Fashion Week, explaining the personal significance behind the Indian elements she incorporated into her outfit. She also mentioned how veteran actor Rekha and her mother Kavita Raj inspired her look.
Raj stepped out in a canary-yellow halter minidress by Loewe. The sculptural design was defined by layers of folds and creases, with the fabric gathered into a chunky knot around her neck. The singer often draws from her South Asian heritage when putting together her looks. For this one in particular, she paired with Indian jewellery, a ruby-and-white gemstone bindi, kumkum, layered gold anklets and a red French pedicure.
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While the outfit drew negative comments online due to the incorporation of kumkum, Raj said she felt confident in the ensemble and particularly loved the way she incorporated elements of her Indian heritage into it. “I loved my dress so much, and wearing it with Indian jewelry and kumkum made me feel so confident and beautiful,” she said.
For Raj, kumkum is more than just a styling choice. She explained that the traditional mark has been a part of her life since childhood and carries a deeper personal and spiritual significance. “Kumkum has been part of my life since childhood, a sacred blessing I've grown up receiving from my family during puja and aarti. I wear it as a symbol of intuition, strength and the divine feminine energy I feel so deeply connected to,” she said.
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Raj also revealed that the look was partly inspired by two women who have had a lasting influence on her understanding of Indian beauty and style, her mother Kavita Raj and veteran actor Rekha. “For this look, I styled it in my own way while paying homage to my forever style icon, the legendary Rekha, and the woman I look up to the most, my mom… I've always loved the way they both carry Indian beauty with such boldness, individuality and grace. It felt so special to channel a little bit of that energy while celebrating my heritage,” she added.
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