From winning medals for the nation on skates to winning hearts on global fashion stage, Mysuru’s Esther Prasanna Bernard makes India proud at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Paris/ Mysuru: Esther Prasanna Bernard, an international skater and Mrs. India Pride of Nation Face of South 2019, has added another memorable chapter to her journey by walking the Paris runway in 2026, representing India through Mrs. India Pride of Nation.

Her appearance brought together sport, fashion, Indian identity and personal purpose on an international platform.

Known for representing India in skating and for her achievements at national and international competitions, Esther stepped from the sporting arena onto the fashion runway with the same discipline and confidence that have shaped her journey as an athlete.

Her Paris appearance was especially significant for the way she chose to showcase the timeless six yards of the Indian saree on a global fashion stage.

Esther’s association with Mrs. India Pride of Nation began with her winning the title Mrs. India Pride of Nation Face of South 2019. The crown opened another avenue for her to express her personality beyond sport, while continuing to carry the confidence, fitness and discipline of an accomplished athlete.

Daughter of Prasanna Kumar, a retired Railway employee and Raji Prasanna, Esther is married to Rajesh Bernard and has two sons, Juwan Raunak Bernard and Ean Ethan Bernard.

Her Paris runway appearance is therefore being celebrated not only as a fashion milestone, but as another step in the story of a woman who has continually crossed boundaries — from sport to pageantry, from the skating rink to international stages, and now from medals to fashion.

Wearing the saree in Paris, Esther carried with her the elegance of Indian tradition and the confidence of a modern Indian woman. Her journey is a reminder that dreams need not remain in separate boxes: an athlete can be a titleholder, a mother can pursue an international dream, and a woman from Mysuru can take her story to a global stage.