Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian landing in Mumbai was one of those moments that basically broke the internet for the week. It was July 2024. The occasion? The massive, $600 million wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. Honestly, the sheer scale of the event was hard to wrap your head around. We're talking about Asia’s richest family throwing a party that lasted months.
But when Kim stepped out, it wasn't just the opulence that got people talking. It was her clothes. Specifically, a very bright, very bold red lehenga.
In the world of Indian weddings, red is a big deal. It’s usually the bride's color. Imagine wearing a white lace gown to a wedding in Kentucky; it’s kinda like that, but with more historical weight. People were divided. Some called it a "diabolical" fashion choice. Others pointed out that if you're a Kardashian, the rules of mortal guests don't really apply.
The Reality Behind the Kim Kardashian Indian Wedding Looks
Kim didn't just show up and pick a dress off a rack. She was styled by Dani Levi and wore custom pieces by Manish Malhotra, who is basically the king of Bollywood high fashion. Her first big look was that scarlet red lehenga. It was dripping in sequins and tassels. She paired it with Lorraine Schwartz jewels that probably cost more than a small island. We’re talking about a 70-carat diamond nose-to-ear chain.
It was a lot.
Some fans on Instagram were quick to judge. "You had one job, Kim," one commenter wrote. The argument was simple: red is for the bride. In Hindu tradition, red symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity. It’s the "bridal" shade. By wearing it, critics felt Kim was trying to outshine Radhika Merchant.
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But here’s the thing. This wasn't a typical neighborhood wedding. This was an Ambani event.
Did She Actually Break the Rules?
If you watched the later episodes of The Kardashians on Hulu, you’ve seen the behind-the-scenes footage. Kim and Khloe actually talked about this. Kim mentioned that she didn't even know the Ambanis personally before the invite arrived. The connection came through Lorraine Schwartz.
When they got to the fittings, Manish Malhotra himself was there. Kim reportedly asked if the outfits were "too much" or too revealing. The consensus from the local experts? It was fine. In the high-society circles of Mumbai and the "Bollywood-business" crossover world, the rules are way more flexible than in a traditional village ceremony.
Also, Radhika Merchant didn't even wear red for every event. She wore a stunning white and red "Panetar" for the main ceremony, which is a Gujarati tradition. Kim actually pivoted to a white lehenga for the actual wedding ceremony to avoid a direct clash.
Sensory Overload and Diamond-Studded Cows
Khloe Kardashian described the whole experience as "sensory overload in the best way possible." It’s hard to disagree. There were millions of flowers hanging from the ceilings of the Jio World Convention Centre.
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Kim even pointed out a detail that sounded like a fever dream: the cows. During one of the rituals, the family prayed to cows that were wearing diamond-studded foot cuffs. "Real gold was painted on the stuff," Kim said. It was a world where even the animals were more accessorized than most Hollywood A-listers.
- The Invitation: It weighed about 40 to 50 pounds.
- The Tech: It had a built-in screen that played music and videos when opened.
- The Flight: They flew in on private jets (obviously) and were greeted with a traditional aarti welcome at the Taj Mahal Hotel.
The trip was a whirlwind 48 hours. They went from the airport to fittings, to a quick rickshaw ride through the streets, and then straight into the madness of the festivities.
What Most People Miss About the Invite
A lot of people wondered why the Kardashians were even there. Was it just for the clout? Well, the Ambanis are known for their philanthropy. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, they paid for the groceries of 5,000 people for a year. They also organized a mass wedding for 50 pairs of underprivileged couples.
Kim mentioned this on her show, noting that while the wedding was incredibly opulent, the family was also giving back. Having global icons like Kim and Khloe there served a dual purpose. It turned a local wedding into a global media event, showcasing modern India’s "Gilded Age" to the entire world.
The Missing Diamond Mystery
No Kardashian trip is complete without a little drama. During the wedding reception, Kim actually lost a massive diamond from her necklace. It just... vanished. Despite the security and the pristine floors of the convention center, the diamond was never found.
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It’s a bizarrely fitting end to a trip defined by excess. One minute you're wearing a fortune, the next, a piece of it is just part of the floor.
Lessons for Your Own Destination Wedding
If you're looking at the Kim Kardashian Indian wedding saga and planning your own trip to a South Asian celebration, there are a few takeaways.
- Consult the Hosts: If you’re worried about color, ask. Kim had the designer’s blessing, but for most of us, checking with the bride is the safer bet.
- Comfort is King: Kim struggled a bit with the weight of the traditional jewelry. These pieces are heavy. If you aren't used to a heavy lehenga or a maang tikka, do a trial run.
- Expect the Unexpected: From 50-pound invites to missing diamonds, Indian weddings are unpredictable. Embrace the chaos.
The controversy over the red dress has mostly cooled down now, replaced by the sheer awe of the production value. Whether you loved the look or thought it was a "diabolical" mistake, you can't deny that Kim Kardashian knows how to make an entrance—even in a room full of billionaires and diamond-clad cows.
To get the most out of a high-profile cultural event like this, always research the specific regional traditions of the family. A Gujarati wedding like the Ambanis' has different "rules" than a Punjabi or South Indian ceremony. If you're attending one soon, look for a "Panetar" or "Gharchola" style for the bride, and try to pick a color that complements the theme without stepping on the couple's toes.