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Indian Maharanis of princely nations had already made a name for themselves in the early 20th century, long before Indian superstars began to walk the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week or attract the attention of the glitterati of the French capital. These Maharanis, as the adage goes, walked so that today’s superstars may run.

Princess Sita Devi, often referred to as Princess Karam of Kapurthala, was a fashion star who caused a stir in Parisian society from 1915 until 2002. She’s the newest “secular goddess,” according to Vogue. Elsa Schiaparelli produced a saree-inspired collection after drawing inspiration from her beauty and attire. BillyBoy says in Frocking Life: Searching for Elsa Schiaparelli, “A fashion show radio transmission to America kicked off the 1935 season. The style, which she dubbed Celestial, included saris and pleated gowns.”

He continues, “A astute Sherlock Holmes would have foreseen the next dress trends by closely examining an April 1935 Vogue image of Schiap in her workplace… Princess Karam de Kapurthala had made her first trip to Paris the previous year. Madame Grès told me about how Schiaparelli focused on “the embroidery, the colours, and the details” while she and Schiaparelli were inspired by her appearance and attire. Additionally, this resulted in the stunning Maharani purchasing and donning her clothing.”

As to Angma Dey Jhala’s book Royal Patronage, Power and Aesthetics in Princely India, she often made her purchases from the finest French couture designers, such as Madeleine Vionnet, Jeanne Paquin, Coco Chanel, and Jeanne Lanvin.

Known as the Maharani of Cooch Behar, Indira Devi (1892–1968) was one of the most stylish princesses in India. She is recognized for having introduced chiffon sarees to India from Paris. She worked with Sarees Inc., a Paris-based company, and Monsieur Erigua, a French textile manufacturer. Later, Maharani Gayatri Devi, her daughter, popularized chiffon sarees.

Maharani Indira was a well-liked social figure who often traveled to London and Paris. Indira Devi would go to England and France after her husband passed away, where she would throw and attend many parties. Her reputation for intelligence, grace, and charm therefore continued to grow.”Due to her social graces, Indira rose to prominence in European high society as a doyenne, a regular presence at aristocratic and royal weddings, and a prolific party host of her own.

Isaac Zamet for Tatler says, “Indira was a force to be reckoned with at any party because she could converse fluently in English, French, Marathi, and Bengali. She was also widely regarded as one of the best dressed women in the world.”

Maharani Sita Devi, the Baroda maharana, had an extravagant life. She was one of the most colorful Maharanis, a social butterfly who was renowned for carrying at least 1,000 sarees on her journeys. She had an apartment in Paris and was referred to as the “Wallis Simpson of India.”. It was well known that the Maharani and the Maharaja of Baroda frequently attended gatherings in London and New York. The Maharani had a soft spot for the French luxury jewelry brand Van Cleef & Arpels.