Paris Fashion Week: How the last Maharaja of Indore inspired Wales Bonner’s Paris Fashion Week show |
Here’s the fascinating story behind how an Indian maharaja’s timeless style became the driving force behind Wales Bonner’s Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Fashion Week, a collection that not only celebrated heritage and craftsmanship but also redefined modern elegance with a fresh, bold perspective.This wasn’t just any runway show; it was a big 10-year celebration for Wales Bonner, and honestly, it was everything the brand’s known for: sharp tailoring, a clear vision, and just the right amount of flair to keep things exciting. And the secret muse? Yeshwant Rao Holkar II, the last Maharaja of Indore. Yes, a royal dude from India who basically invented cool way before it was a thing.Holkar was all about mixing old-school royal vibes with the sleek, artsy styles of the 1920s and ’30s, think Bauhaus and Art Deco meets Indian luxury. He rocked some seriously sharp suits that looked classic but fresh, and Wales Bonner’s collection totally gave off those vibes. The runway had these tailored suits that just screamed “Holkar style,” with that perfect balance of tradition and modern swagger. Bonner also took to Instagram to share the obvious reference.
But wait, there’s more! The collection also took cues from this year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine Style,” so expect some luxe, preppy vibes – think crisp blue collars, leather gloves, and those clean lines that make you want to suit up ASAP. Wales Bonner even mixed in some sporty pieces, thanks to a collab with Y-3, like straight-cut tracksuits and vinyl bags, which made the whole thing feel super fresh and wearable.One look that stuck out was a beige linen suit paired with a striped top, total vintage meets today. It felt like the perfect outfit for the kind of guy who’s got one foot in old-school elegance and the other in modern cool.
And here’s the kicker: the whole collection was called “Jewel,” and it wasn’t just about bling. It was about those meaningful accessories – rings, watches, necklaces that tell stories and get passed down like family heirlooms. Think diamond brooches on jackets and berets by Stephen Jones that added a nice royal touch. Wales Bonner was basically showing us how to dress like a true gentleman, but with a twist that’s all about heritage and future vibes.In the end, Wales Bonner nailed it, bringing together the best of Indian royalty’s style, old-school glam, and today’s fashion-forward edge. It was a perfect way to celebrate 10 years of killing it at Paris Fashion Week, with a nod to a maharaja who clearly knew how to rock a suit way before most of us were born.
