What Jhumka? Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s ‘Desi’ Earring Moment Goes Viral

Last Updated:April 24, 2026, 14:25 IST

Move over Alia Bhatt. Social media is obsessed with Italian Prime Minister Meloni's traditional Indian-style earrings.

I don’t think we had “Italian Prime Minister wearing Dilli Haat-style jewelry" on our 2026 bingo card! Amidst all the international chaos that is keeping the Twitterati busy, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni has sent Indian social media into a complete meltdown after posting a selfie sporting a pair of silver earrings that look remarkably like traditional Indian jhumkas.

The internet was quick to react, with X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram flooding with comments on the origins of the said earrings. While the caption on Meloni’s post was a serious political statement about sovereignty and Italian interests, the Indian “desi" lens was focused squarely on her lobes. The earrings, a delicate blend of chandbali and classic bell-shaped jhumka styles, have sparked a massive conversation about the global reach of Indian craftsmanship.

Interestingly, this isn’t just a random fashion choice. Go through Meloni’s Instagram and you can notice that she has been pairing these traditional South Asian silhouettes with her signature power suits in several recent Instagram videos. It seems the Italian leader has developed a genuine affinity for the “desi" aesthetic.

The Ralph Lauren Controversy

Meloni’s viral moment comes just weeks after Ralph Lauren faced a social media storm. During Paris Fashion Week, the brand featured “jhumka-style" earrings in its Fall/Winter 2026–27 collection but labelled them as mere “vintage accessories," completely omitting their South Asian heritage. Unlike the corporate “cultural erasure" debate, Meloni’s unintentional nod to Indian design has been met with excitement and memes rather than outrage.

What the Internet Is Saying

The comments section on X has been a goldmine of humour and cultural pride.

“I have seen those jhumkaas in Dilli Haat 2 months ago," wrote one user on X. Another said, “That’s an Indian Jhumka… #IYKYK ❤️🙊"

Many pointed out how Indian accessories look beautiful, no matter who wears it. “There is a quiet, sober uniqueness in Indian designs. Whoever wears them looks more beautiful and elegant."

Another user said, “Change outfit to a suit and she resembles a punjaban on lohri."

News viral What Jhumka? Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s ‘Desi’ Earring Moment Goes Viral

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