When Christopher Nolan stepped onto the red carpet for the New York premiere of The Odyssey, his trademark understated tailoring looked familiar. The acclaimed filmmaker, known for favouring classic suits over flashy fashion, appeared in a charcoal ensemble that stayed true to his minimalist aesthetic.

But there was one detail that stood out- his tie. Instead of a plain silk necktie, Nolan opted for a custom Ajrakh silk tie, bringing a subtle touch of Indian craftsmanship to one of Hollywood’s biggest premieres of the year.

The accessory, created by Indian designer Aahaan Tandon, featured the centuries-old Ajrakh textile tradition, celebrated for its intricate geometric motifs and natural dyeing techniques.

Ajrakh is one of India’s oldest hand-block printing traditions, practised for generations by artisan communities in Kutch, Gujarat, and parts of Rajasthan. Characterised by symmetrical patterns and rich indigo, madder and black hues derived from natural dyes, every piece goes through multiple stages of hand printing, washing and dyeing, making no two creations exactly alike.

For someone like Nolan, whose public appearances rarely venture beyond timeless menswear, the choice felt deliberate rather than decorative. Rather than making a loud statement, the tie quietly spotlighted Indian textile heritage on a global stage.

The gesture also came days after Nolan visited Mumbai as part of
_The Odyssey_’s promotional tour, where he was joined by stars Matt Damon and Tom Holland. His India visit drew enthusiastic crowds and highlighted the country’s growing importance in the global theatrical market.

Indian craftsmanship made more than one appearance at The Odyssey premiere. Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o embraced Indian luxury in a statement necklace from Sabyasachi High Jewellery. Playing the dual roles of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in the film, Lupita completed her metallic gold ensemble with a multi-strand pearl necklace punctuated by two striking diamonds, a creation that reflected Sabyasachi’s signature celebration of Indian artistry on the global stage.

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Fashion observers have increasingly described the look as an example of “quiet luxury”- understated, craftsmanship-led fashion that values heritage over logos. In that sense, the Ajrakh tie fit seamlessly into Nolan’s personal style while introducing international audiences to one of India’s most celebrated textile traditions.