Source: INDIGITAL / INDIGITAL
Bibhu Mohapatra didn’t just send gorgeous looks down the runway during February’s iteration of New York Fashion Week (NYFW). This time he told his story. Every piece in his Fall/Winter 2025 collection carried meaning, stitched together with love, memory, and cultural pride. The clothes were fashionable and deeply personal.
For those lucky enough to snag a seat, Bibhu’s show felt like an intimate journey through his world. With a collection of 45 looks, the celebrity designer showed attendees who he is, where he comes from, and what his aesthetic is all about.
Bibhu Mohapatra remains a designers to watch (and love)
Bibhu Mohapatra is that designer—one who blends luxury with storytelling. For years, he’s been giving us red carpet magic, dressing icons like Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o, Taraji P. Henson, and Tamron Hall.
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Bibhu’s designs are intricate, elegant, and always tell a deeper story. But this season? He took things to a whole new level.
In an exclusive chat with HelloBeautiful after his NYFW show on Monday, February 10, Bibhu shared the inspiration behind his collection. Surrounded by cameras, models, influencers, and longtime supporters, he was beaming with pride—and emotion.
On the meaning behind his latest collection, Bibhu shared:
“It came from my pilgrimage that I went on last year with the ashes of my parents and my brother to three holy places in India to immerse their ashes and finally say goodbye. So, it’s leaning into my childhood, my memories, the loved ones that I’ve loved and lost, and along with that, the craft and magic of textiles—everything from my heritage has come through.”
He added, “It is a very personal collection I always wanted to do.”
Bibhu Mohapatra celebrates his cultural heritage at NYFW
And it showed. The runway was draped in rich, dreamy hues—deep nude, ivory, plum, and rose gold—flowing through cozy knitwear, tailored trousers, oversized coats, and jaw-dropping cocktail and eveningwear. Bibhu also brought in some seriously luxe textures, introducing faux leather, custom-woven lace, and velvet embroidery, all inspired by traditional rice paintings from his culture.
Embroidery was a major moment in this collection, taking inspiration from techniques his mother once used. But it wasn’t just in the clothes—the whole show was a tribute.
Source: Arturo Holmes / Getty
Floral motifs, which hold deep significance in Indian traditions, were everywhere. Models walked against a backdrop of delicate blooms, their hair adorned with fresh flowers, while guests were greeted with jasmine flown in straight from India.
The whole vibe was immersive yet genuine, blending heritage with high fashion in the most beautiful way.
As Bibhu told HB, “It’s so important for all of us to understand where we come from and really say it loud and clear—more than ever—that we have a heritage. And that we are unique. That’s what we celebrate. More than ever.”
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