Exclusive: Akshata Murty’s stylish lilac dress for G20 Summit has an India connect

Fashion is often used to make political statements. And Akshata Murty, who is UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's daughter, is leaving no stone unturned in embracing a blend of British and Indian appeal with her outfits during her visit to India for the G20 Summit.

On September 9, Akshata Murty attended a special agricultural exhibition in New Delhi at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, in a marble-print dress. The breezy dress she wore was symbolic of her British and Indian connection as it belonged to the label of Manimekala Fuller, a UK-based designer who is half-Indian.

Keeping it breezy and chic, Akshata attended the exhibition in a lilac dress with puffed sleeves. The mid-length dress also depicted her penchant for button-down silhouettes. She styled it with matching lilac pointed heels.

In an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in, designer Manimekala said that she was proud that Akshata was using her platform to highlight women-owned brands, both based in India and across the diaspora. Akshata, on Friday, met the students and staff of the British Council of India in New Delhi and wore an outfit from the Indian label Drawn, founded by Rhea Bhattacharya.

“I’m very proud that, as a woman of Indian origin, Akshata is using her platform to highlight other women-owned brands, both those based in India and across the diaspora, like Manimekala. It’s also wonderful that she is choosing smaller labels that create in a sustainable and ethical way, promoting a slower and more considered approach to fashion,” Manimekala said.

Talking about her India connect, designer Manimekala told IndiaToday.in: “I am half-Indian, half-British and I am based in the UK but regularly visit India. Growing up, all the women in my family made their own clothing, which inspired me to study fashion and then launch my own brand, Manimekala. I love the rich textile history and variety of traditional craftsmanship across the subcontinent and hope to work with more women-led craft enterprises as my brand grows.”

Akshata Murty landed in India in a fusion outfit – a combo of a pleated, crisp white shirt teamed with a traditional floral Indian skirt. The combo was a blend of Indian and Western fashion sensibilities.