Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh made an unforgettable first appearance at the Met Gala last month, leaving a deep impression on global fashion circles. The 41-year-old artist, already celebrated as the only Punjabi musician to have performed at Coachella, walked the iconic red carpet wearing a look inspired by early 20th-century Indian royalty.
He was dressed in an extravagant ivory and gold outfit designed by Prabal Gurung, which featured a feathered and jewel-studded turban. The ensemble captured the attention of many and became a trending topic across India for weeks. Adding to the grandeur was a dazzling diamond necklace, whose design echoed a Cartier piece once worn by a former monarch from Punjab in northern India.
His outfit was completed with a Panthère de Cartier watch, a lion-head accessory, and a jewel-encrusted sword. A particularly personal touch was the cape, which had an embroidered map of his home state Punjab along with letters in Gurmukhi, the traditional script of the Punjabi language.
Dosanjh’s Met Gala appearance wasn’t an outlier—he’s long been recognized for his distinct fashion sense. Just as his music blends traditional Punjabi roots with modern hip-hop elements, his wardrobe does the same. He is frequently spotted in anti-fit pants, bulky sneakers, and a stack of necklaces that complement his colorful turbans. This signature mix of traditional and contemporary has become a form of personal expression that resonates with millions and has transformed Punjabi fashion in unexpected ways.
This evolution in style is evident across the globe. For example, high-energy bhangra competitions in California now rely on high-performance sneakers rather than traditional footwear. Meanwhile, bhangra-themed nights in Berlin’s basements are frequented by attendees wearing crop tops and creatively designed pants.
Punjabi music itself has developed into a full-blown subculture, bursting with energy and loud volume. The lyrics often name-drop international cities and luxury brands, cementing its global appeal. While Dosanjh leads this style movement, he’s not alone in influencing Punjabi fashion.
Punjabi-Canadian singer Jazzy B once made headlines with his enormous rings—some as big as cookies—his oversized Kanda pendants, and his silver-blonde hair streaks. More recently, artist Badshah’s yellow-tinted sunglasses, Yo Yo Honey Singh’s loose-fitting hoodies, and AP Dhillon’s designer outfits featuring Louis Vuitton jackets and Chanel timepieces have taken center stage among Punjabi youth.
Despite their fashion-forward choices, the influence of earlier artists remained mostly regional. However, Dosanjh and a select few have managed to elevate Punjabi style to a global platform. Their fashion resonates not only with the Sikh diaspora but also with a wider international audience. Dosanjh’s t-shirts, pearl accessories, and sneakers from his recent world tour sold out in just hours. AP Dhillon’s fashion appearances at Paris Couture Week have also sparked admiration and aspiration among young Punjabis.
According to cultural analysts, the fusion of music and fashion seen in today’s Punjabi artists has deep roots in Western pop culture, especially since many of these musicians live and perform abroad. As art historian and author Alka Pande observes, “Punjabi men are inventive. The region has been at the forefront of fusion, it believes in hybridity. This is especially the case with the Punjabi diaspora—even when they live in ghettos, they are the showmen [of their lives].”
With the rise of the Punjabi diaspora, a new generation of musicians began blending modern hip-hop with traditional Punjabi aesthetics. Their unique style vocabulary—marked by gold chains, faux fur, oversized jewelry, braids, and beards—has attracted the attention of academics and media alike. Numerous articles, books, and doctoral theses now explore this cultural evolution in South Asia.
Back in Punjab, the shift was immediate. When luxury fashion labels entered the Indian market in the 2000s, Punjabis—many of whom come from farming backgrounds—were quick to adopt and integrate these global styles. As renowned singer Rabbi Shergill puts it, “It symbolised the movement of the Punjabi identity from a farmer to a global consumer.” He believes these fashion choices reflect the realities of the modern world, stating, “These impulses are a response to the hyper capitalist world.”
Interestingly, the fashion of Punjabi musicians across genres—from bhangra pop to Punjabi rap and fusion—tends to remain grounded and even androgynous. These performers might don Balenciaga or traditional creations by Indian designer Manish Malhotra, appear in cities from Ludhiana to London, dance with Beyoncé near Dubai’s Burj Khalifa or on the lawns of a British mansion, but they never lose touch with their Punjabi heritage.
Dosanjh’s Met Gala appearance illustrated this perfectly. “It’s like the popularity of his androgynous style was waiting to happen,” notes Pande.
The ripple effects of this cultural blend are now clearly visible across Punjab’s creative scenes. Traditional bhangra outfits are no longer limited to the standard “dhoti-kurta-koti” with juttis (ethnic shoes). Performers now step on stage in sneakers, graphic T-shirts, unconventional pants, and even jeans. This updated wardrobe mirrors the hybrid identities of the artists themselves.
Harinder Singh, the owner of the 1469 brand, confirms the growing demand for such styles. “Such items are highly sought after by customers,” he says. His stores offer accessories made popular by Punjabi music stars, including Phulkari turbans worn by Dosanjh and Kanda pendants first made famous by the veteran Bhangra performer Pammi Bai. Singh himself owns turbans in over 100 shades, showcasing the diversity in modern Punjabi headwear.
This shift isn’t confined to performers alone. Everyday men’s fashion in Punjab now incorporates global influences. Gurpreet Saini, a young poet who performs at cultural events across India, wears shawls printed with Gurmukhi letters in ombre tones—a unique style he sources from his hometown of Hariana. He acknowledges the impact of musical icons on his aesthetic choices, particularly the legendary folk singer Gurdas Mann.
What started out as individual flair has now grown into a full-blown cultural movement. These fashion choices are no longer just personal—they have evolved into symbols of identity. Through bold rhythms, stylistic innovation, and a deep connection to heritage, Punjabi artists have reshaped how their culture is seen both at home and abroad.
Dosanjh’s statement at the Met Gala was not just about fashion—it was a declaration of identity. The blend of tradition and trend that he and his peers embody represents more than style; it reflects a new, confident Punjabi identity that is as global as it is rooted.