Meet the Designers Behind the Chic Brooches at the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet: A Closer Look at the Swadesh Brand
The 98th Academy Awards saw celebrities shining not only in stunning gowns and tailored suits but also through exquisite accessories, particularly from the boutique Swadesh, which played a significant role in the evening’s fashion narrative.
Swadesh, founded by Indian businesswoman and philanthropist Nita Ambani, aims to showcase luxury craftsmanship from Indian designers, providing them with a platform for global visibility. The company has effectively brought together traditional arts, handlooms, and crafts, working closely with over 12,000 artisans across more than 500 craft traditions, ensuring the sustainability of these vital skills. “Each creation reflects authenticity, ethical sourcing, and the remarkable skill of the hands that make it,” a representative stated.
Throughout the event, stars like stylist Law Roach, actress Minnie Driver, actor Kyle MacLachlan, and musician Brandi Carlile were seen wearing distinctive pieces from Swadesh. Other attendees included model Alessandra Ambrosio, designer Tan France, TV host Justin Sylvester, beauty entrepreneur Pritika Swarup, and journalist Zanna Roberts Rassi, all showcasing exquisite jewelry and accessories from the brand.
Ambani’s daughter, Isha Ambani, was also present at the Oscars, contributing to Swadesh’s image as a beacon of Indian craftsmanship on a global stage.
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In collaboration with Indian designers, Swadesh created custom pieces for the Oscars, featuring exquisite handcrafted fabrics sourced from skilled artisans in India, complemented by fine jewelry that highlighted India’s rich traditions in metalwork and gemstone craftsmanship. Roach notably wore a striking brooch from Swadesh paired with a classic 1997 Alexander McQueen suit. The design, inspired by Art Deco’s bold symmetry, echoes the architectural elegance of Mumbai’s iconic Eros Building, which houses the Swadesh flagship store.
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Minnie Driver also showcased a Swadesh piece at the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, wearing the Celestial Tiers multi-row solitaire necklace, which features an elegant arrangement of diamonds set in descending rows, crafted in polished white gold.
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Brandi Carlile attended the awards with her wife, Catherine Shepherd, wearing Swadesh’s Petal Prism Brooch, inspired by the organic geometry of a sunflower. Former Us Weekly cover star Kyle MacLachlan made a bold statement with a brooch featuring a 10.95-carat cushion-cut tourmaline encircled by a halo of diamonds.
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The presence of Swadesh and its unique designs at the Oscars underscored the growing appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, highlighting a merger of traditional artistry with modern fashion on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages.
