Three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej once again turned heads at the Grammy Awards,not just for his music, but for the powerful story stitched into what he wore. Attending the Grammys for the 11th time, Kej marked the occasion as a three-time winner and four-time nominee by using the global stage to spotlight Indian heritage, conservation, and sustainable fashion.
For the ceremony, Kej chose a black achkan adorned with an intricately hand-embroidered Asiatic lion, paired with a traditional gold dhoti. The lion, a potent symbol of Indian heritage and conservation success, holds special significance as its population has crossed 890 in 2025 and is also represented in India’s national emblem. Through this design, Kej blended cultural pride with a subtle but resonant message about environmental stewardship.
Complementing the ensemble was jewellery created in collaboration with designer Priyanka Desai of De’Anma. The collection draws inspiration from handmade earrings gifted to Kej by a Banjara woman in Rajasthan,an exchange that has now evolved into a full-fledged jewellery line. The upcoming collection will feature earrings, an anklet, and a wrist bracelet, reflecting indigenous craftsmanship and community-led design narratives.
Staying true to his long-standing commitment to sustainability, Kej reaffirmed his support for conscious fashion through the #ReWear4Earth movement. He shared that he plans to wear the same outfit to multiple events, challenging the culture of single-use luxury fashion. “Fashion can be fashionable more than once,” Kej noted, underscoring the irony that the most expensive clothes are often worn only once. He also revealed that an outfit worn at last year’s Grammys has since accompanied him to numerous concerts and events across the world.
Kej’s appearance at the Grammys stood out as a reminder that global platforms can be used not only to celebrate artistic excellence, but also to amplify conversations around sustainability, heritage, and responsible consumption. In doing so, he continues to position himself as an artist whose influence extends far beyond music,using culture, craft and conscience as his calling cards on the world stage.