From BLACKPINK’s Jennie to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni: Indian jewellery goes global

Indian designs and their age-old craftsmanship are increasingly finding their way into global cultural and brand conversations. Luxury labels are drawing inspiration from traditional Indian craft, as seen in Prada’s Kolhapuri-style footwear and Ralph Lauren’s use of “jhumka” accessories and bandhini-style skirts. Such instances bring renewed attention to how Indian craft is being interpreted on global platforms.

While conversations around credit and cultural acknowledgement continue, moments where Indian elements are clearly identified tend to generate strong online engagement.

Two recent moments, one featuring Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and another featuring BLACKPINK member Jennie, have caught the attention of Indian audiences online.

Giorgia Meloni's Jhumka Selfie

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a selfie on Instagram alongside a pointed message on national sovereignty and political pressure. However, Indian social media, which has had a soft spot for Meloni since the “Melodi” selfie, turned its attention instead to her earrings.

She wore silver, bell-shaped earrings with latkan and ghungroo detailing, a design that users immediately identified as jhumkas.

Online reactions ranged from excitement to cultural pride, with users commenting on Indian culture’s growing global footprint. Many described it as “unexpected but iconic,” while others wrote “jhumkas have officially gone global.”

Some users also connected the moment to pop culture, referencing Bollywood songs such as “What Jhumka” and “Jhumka Gira Re.” One user called it “a full desi moment on the global stage.”

The selfie, framed as a political statement in one part of the world, quietly became a cultural one in another.

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A post shared by Giorgia Meloni (@giorgiameloni)

BLACKPINK's Jennie’s Swadesh Earrings

In contrast to ongoing debates around attribution and credit, Jennie’s recent appearance highlighted a case where Indian design was clearly identified and credited.

At the TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026 gala, Jennie was seen wearing gold drop earrings from Swadesh, the Indian brand founded by Nita Ambani. The pieces featured elements of traditional craftsmanship, drawing attention for both their design and origin. The jewellery was not only visible but also spoken about by Jennie during coverage of the event, with the brand name being picked up by international media and subsequently by Indian audiences online.

The moment quickly gained traction on social media, with users highlighting the brand’s visibility and attribution.

Reactions included “this is how Indian craft should be showcased globally,” and “good to see the brand being credited properly.” Others noted the significance of recognition, writing “Swadesh getting global attention like this is big,” and “this is what representation with credit looks like.”

Some users also commented, “Jennie is wearing an Indian brand Swadesh — Indian Blinks and Rubies we got our crumbs.” while others said, “A lot of western celebrities are also wearing Swadesh nowadays, and now this too.”

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A post shared by J (@jennierubyjane)

Together, these moments highlight how Indian design is increasingly finding global visibility on platforms around the world. At the same time, they reflect how audiences are paying closer attention not just to visibility, but to how that visibility is generated.