RALPH LAUREN FW26 DRAWS ATTENTION FOR EARRINGS RESEMBLING TRADITIONAL JHUMKAS

During its Fall 2026 presentation at Paris Fashion Week, Ralph Lauren drew online attention after several runway looks featured earrings that closely resembled traditional Indian jhumka designs.

The bell-shaped earrings appeared in multiple variations throughout the show, from silver dome styles to elongated beaded drops. On the runway, the pieces were styled alongside Ralph Lauren’s signature tailored silhouettes and classic outerwear, adding a more ornate accent to the collection’s polished aesthetic.

The brand reportedly referred to the pieces simply as “vintage accessories” in its show description, without specifically referencing South Asian jewellery traditions. Soon after the show, fashion observers and social media users began pointing out the resemblance to jhumkas, a style of bell-shaped earrings that has been part of Indian jewellery heritage for centuries.

The moment quickly sparked conversation online, with some critics arguing that the cultural origins of such designs should be acknowledged when they appear on global luxury runways. Others viewed the styling as part of fashion’s long history of cross-cultural influence and reinterpretation.

The discussion has added to a wider industry conversation about inspiration, cultural exchange, and recognition—especially as international fashion houses continue to draw from traditions around the world.