Lara Raj of KATSEYE added an Indian element to her Paris Fashion Week debut, but a traditional detail on her look quickly became the centre of an online debate. On October 2, the singer was seen with bandmate Megan Skiendiel. Lara stood with her signature styling that included a bright yellow mini dress with a bindi, maang tikka, jhumkas and gold payals. But the most visceral reactions were to the prominent red sindoor on her hair parting. Later, Lara shared that the styling was inspired by Bollywood icon Rekha and added a personal fashion reference to an appearance that divided social media.
Lara Raj adds desi glamour to Paris Fashion Week
For her first Paris Fashion Week appearance, Lara opted for a yellow halter mini dress with Indian accessories. To complete the look, she sported a bindi studded with gems, a gold maang tikka, silver jhumkas, a nose pin and stacks of gold anklets. Her centre-parted hair up allowed the jewellery and yellow outfit to take centre stage. But the most striking thing was the red vermilion (sindoor) in her hair parting.
Lara Raj is known to always incorporate her Indian roots and desi elements in her fashion picks, including her must-have bindis and an “Om” necklace. Her Paris performance went a lot further in that direction with the standout South Asian references that proudly flaunted her heritage.
Why did Lara Raj wear sindoor?
The sindoor, however, raised some eyebrows given its traditional, cultural, and religious significance in India, that’s mostly associated with marriage in Hindu communities. However, its use and meaning are different across regions, communities and contexts.
Lara’s choice was not presented as a reference to her marital status. According to reports from the event, she explained that the red kumkum was inspired by Rekha. The Bollywood veteran has long been associated with dramatic traditional Indian styling, including her signature use of sindoor, silk saris and elaborate jewellery. Lara seemingly paid homage to the Indian fashion icon whose visual identity has been influential for decades.
Lara’s sindoor divided Indian fans
Lara’s explanation, however, did little to prevent an online debate. That symbolism became the foundation for divergent responses to her styling. Some on social media questioned the use of sindoor as a fashion accessory. Others defended Lara, claiming her style was representative of her Indian roots and that it was possible to combine traditional symbols with modern styling.
The debate also expanded beyond questions of cultural symbolism. Some online discussions focused on whether wearing sindoor outside its traditional marital context challenges or reinforces gender expectations. Others accused Lara of “appropriating” her own culture, while supporters pushed back against that criticism. These reactions have largely played out across social media rather than representing a single consensus.
Earlier, Lara was also seen wearing a tank top with a printed image of Goddess Lakshmi, done up in a way that is a direct nod to the 2000s culture. Many believed this was a personal nod to her own birth name Vijayalakshmi, one of the many avatars of the Goddess.
Lara’s Indianness takes centre stage
Lara’s appearance comes as KATSEYE continues to make waves on the international fashion and entertainment circuit. Her debut at Paris Fashion Week put her Indian heritage within t he framework of major European luxury fashion, making the styling choice particularly visible.