Revisiting Indian textile influence in Netflix series Bridgerton

The fourth season of Bridgerton dropped on Netflix recently. For Indians, however, the season 2 remains one of the most memorable seasons with the introduction of Kate and Edwina Sharma. The season also gave a hat tip to Indian textile legacy

Updated On: 2026-02-05 07:14 PM IST

Compiled by : Athulya Nambiar

Bridgerton

Bridgerton Season 2 introduced Kate Sharma and Edwina Sharma, portrayed by Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran, marking the show’s most prominent South Asian representation

The Sharma sisters are depicted as being of Indian origin, with their backstory rooted in Bombay (now Mumbai), subtly weaving Indian heritage into Regency-era England

Kate is written as strong, independent, and protective—traits that echo the archetype of a responsible elder sibling often seen in Indian family dynamics

Edwina’s portrayal as the season’s “diamond” aligns with traditional expectations of grace, obedience, and matrimonial desirability, resonating with cultural ideas of marriageability

Costume designer Sophie Canale infused Indian aesthetics into the Sharma sisters’ wardrobes through jewel tones, embroidery-inspired textures, and regal silhouettes

Kate’s costumes feature structured silhouettes, high-necklines, and bold colours like deep purples and teals, symbolising authority, restraint, and inner strength

Edwina’s outfits lean towards pastels, florals, and lighter fabrics, visually reinforcing her innocence, romanticism, and traditional femininity

The sisters’ jewellery—especially Kate’s—includes pieces inspired by Indian heirloom styles, such as chokers, gemstones, and ornate hair accessories

Kate’s sleek buns and structured hairstyles subtly reference Indian updos, while Edwina’s softer curls reflect her gentler persona

Season 2 was widely praised for normalising Indian representation in a global mainstream series without exoticising it, making the Sharmas central to the narrative rather than cultural tokens

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