- She attained the honour of becoming the first Indian to unveil the FIFA World Cup trophy.
It was December 2022 when Deepika Padukone achieved a milestone that made headlines in fashion, sports, and cinema. In the run-up to the FIFA World Cup finale between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, she became the first Indian to unveil the football industry’s most coveted prize: the FIFA World Cup Trophy. The actress was accompanied by former Spanish goalkeeper and World Cup winner Iker Casillas, who escorted her onto the field. This moment instantly became a sensation in celebrity culture, luxury, and sports.
2. Her outfit that we still can’t stop talking about
Deepika represented the French luxury house as the global ambassador for India of Louis Vuitton and wore a customised ensemble. She started with a crisp, oversized white-collared shirt and a caramel-bronze, oversized leather jacket that featured metallic shoulder detailing, layered with a sleek black skirt and balanced the look with a voluminous crop jacket. What instantly uplifted the look were her knee-length black leather boots paired with a polished slick-back bun.
3. Leaving the internet divided
The ensemble immediately sparked debate online as some praised the bold, high-fashion silhouette, while others expected a more glamorous yet traditional look for such a historic occasion. Regardless of the online trolling, the ensemble succeeded in what luxury fashion aims to do: start a conversation. Deepika herself described the fit as ‘comforting’ and ‘perfect’, where she accentuated the fact that it was designed for the significance of the occasion and was indeed the right choice.
4. And then came the trophy
The trophy came onto the field inside a handmade Louis Vuitton trunk, which was covered in the luxury label’s iconic monogram canvas. Featuring brass corners, locks, and sharp leather trim and customised to fit the FIFA World Cup trophy perfectly, it was also designed for secure transportation across continents. The dramatic reveal of the trophy was absolutely a sight to watch. The luxury brand has also partnered with Formula 1, the NBA, the Olympics, and even the Australian Open.
5. Finally, why do people still remember this moment?
Even years later, the moment remains memorable because it wasn’t just about fashion or football but about India’s representation on an international platform, which Deepika handled with iconic flair. The image of her unveiling football’s ultimate prize from a handcrafted LV trunk is not something we witness every day. It remains one of the most powerful examples of how luxury fashion and celebrity power contribute to sports heritage and establish an unforgettable moment.
