He operates a chain of multi-designer stores.
Let’s dive into Indian fashion, where tradition meets contemporary elegance, and every stitch tells a story of heritage and innovation.
Indian fashion designers have been making waves on home turf and across the globe, blending craftsmanship with avant-garde aesthetics.
From the opulent embroideries of bridal couture to the minimalist charm of prêt-a-porter, these maestros of the fabric are redefining fashion one collection at a time.
Our curated list of the 25 top Indian fashion designers is your gateway to the crème de la crème of Indian fashion.
Get ready to be inspired by the designers who are the backbone of Indian style, setting the runways ablaze with their innovative designs.
Manish Malhotra
Manish Malhotra, a towering figure in Indian fashion, is synonymous with luxury and has been a dream designer for Indian brides since his debut in 1998.
Renowned for his work as a costume designer, Malhotra has ascended to the pinnacle of the industry, dressing not just Bollywood celebrities but also international stars such as Reese Witherspoon and Michael Jackson.
His designs are a blend of traditional allure and contemporary glamour, making him a favourite among the elite for their wardrobe-essentials.
Anupamaa Dayal
Anupamaa Dayal, known for her exploration of roots with a free-spirited approach, crafts fashion that liberates and empowers women, transcending size constraints and celebrating stories and souls.
Her designs, acclaimed by Vogue UK as potentially the “UK’s next best friend,” blend tactile allure with an empowering ethos, gaining global recognition and a notable presence in Bollywood.
Dayal’s work, characterised by its critical acclaim and social objectives, positions her as an unstoppable force in the fashion industry, advocating for more than just aesthetic appeal.
Neeta Lulla
Neeta Lulla, a luminary in Indian fashion and costume design, has left her mark on over 300 films and is celebrated for her bridal wear since 1985, including iconic outfits for Aishwarya Rai in Khuda Gawah and Devdas.
Her mastery of Paithani style and designs have adorned Bollywood’s finest like Shilpa Shetty and Sridevi, earning her prestigious accolades such as the National Film Award and the IIFA Best Costume Design Award.
Lulla’s work, characterised by its elegance and cultural richness, continues to influence both the film industry and bridal fashion trends.
Gauri & Nainika
Gauri and Nainika, a sister duo, launched their brand 12 years ago, focusing on bespoke cocktail dresses and evening gowns, a concept both progressive and futuristic for the Indian market at the time.
Despite the challenges and the luxury market’s preferences, they steadfastly built their label into a successful homegrown brand, drawing inspiration from European culture and fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn to blend elegance with understated designs.
Their journey reflects a commitment to their vision and the timeless beauty that influences their creations.
Ritu Kumar
Ritu Kumar, an artist, historian, and musicologist, has played a crucial role in reviving Indian artisanal traditions, seamlessly blending traditional designs with contemporary fashion.
Her contributions to the fashion industry were recognised when she was awarded India’s prestigious Padma Shri honour in 2013.
Kumar’s work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the past and present of Indian fashion, making her a pivotal figure in the industry.
Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are celebrated for their fusion of traditional and contemporary designs, dressing celebrities like Ranveer and Deepika for their wedding reception and designing for the film Devdas.
They have played a crucial role in redefining and revitalising traditional embroidery arts such as chikan and zardozi, making significant contributions to their resurgence in modern fashion.
Their extensive career and impact on Indian couture are encapsulated in their comprehensive two-volume set, “Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla,” offering an in-depth look at their design philosophy and creations.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the favoured designer for Bollywood brides, including Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma, making his name synonymous with wedding lehengas.
His designs are deeply influenced by the cultural customs and clothing styles of Bengali women, reflecting his early experiences.
Renowned for his grand sculptures, Sabyasachi’s work seamlessly integrates traditional Indian art and rituals into modern elegance.
Shantanu & Nikhil
Shantanu & Nikhil, a renowned brother duo, have been influential in the fashion industry for nearly two decades, known for their dynamic yet classic designs aimed at the urban youth.
Their collaboration with Adidas merges high fashion with sportswear, showcasing their versatility and appeal to a broad audience.
Esteemed for dressing celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Shilpa Shetty, their work epitomises the blend of modernity with tradition.
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani, renowned for his innovative fusion of Indian and Western aesthetics, has made a significant mark in the fashion industry as a pioneer who masterfully blends fashion and design.
Alongside his wife, Sailaja ‘Sal’ Tahiliani, he founded Ensemble in 1987, a ground-breaking venture aimed at showcasing the work of various designers.
His work stands as a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural design in Indian fashion.
Payal Singhal
Payal Singhal, a prodigy in Indian fashion, launched her career at just 15, drawing inspiration from her award-winning father, Dinesh, to forge her path in the industry.
Since founding her label in 1999, she has earned accolades such as Shopper’s Stop’s “Designer of the Year Award,” and her designs have been worn by luminaries including Aishwarya Rai.
Singhal’s commitment to making her designs accessible to a broad audience underscores her success and influence in fashion.
Masaba Gupta
Masaba Gupta celebrated as one of India’s top 10 most successful fashion designers, made a striking debut at just 19 during the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.
Known for her bold and innovative approach to design, she thrives on creating original prints and patterns.
Her work exemplifies a blend of youthful energy and creative brilliance, setting her apart in the fashion industry.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Bibhu Mohapatra, an Indian fashion designer renowned for his evening gowns and luxurious furs, moved to the USA in 1996 to pursue a Master’s degree and launched his career in New York City.
His designs, which have adorned figures like Michelle Obama, reflect a blend of his early sewing lessons from his mother and his professional contributions to American brands like Halson and J. Mendel.
Mohapatra established his label, Bibhu Mohapatra – Purple label, in 2008, marking a significant milestone in his journey from Odisha to the global fashion stage.
Kanika Goyal
Kanika Goyal, a dynamic force in fashion hailing from Delhi, has carved her niche with a relaxed streetwear aesthetic, drawing from her early influences of shapes, lines, and angles as a design student.
Her noteworthy journey includes an internship with Bibhu Mohapatra and a collaboration with Adidas Originals, culminating in her recognition in Forbes India’s 30 under 30 in 2019.
Goyal’s work stands out for its innovative approach to everyday fashion, making her a distinguished name in the industry.
Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal, celebrated by Time Magazine as “India’s maestro of fabric and imagination,” stands out as a prominent figure in Indian fashion, known for his use of luxurious materials like velvet and brocades.
Dubbed the “royal designer,” his creations captivate with their opulence and craftsmanship.
His fashion shows attract large, enthusiastic audiences, underscoring his status in the fashion world.
Anamika Khanna
Anamika Khanna, the visionary behind the globally recognised Indian brand Ana Mika, has made a significant mark in the fashion industry with her unique bohemian-inspired designs.
Her creations are available both online and in stores across India and internationally, setting her apart in the world of fashion.
Khanna’s distinctive approach to design has positioned her as an unmatched figure in capturing the essence of bohemian style.
Sheena Sood
Sheena Sood, leveraging her extensive experience with brands like Cole Haan and Anthropologie, founded Abacaxi, a brand that marries her love for travel, textiles, colour, and pattern with a focus on silk garments and vintage embroidery.
Through her work, she not only explores the rich heritage of vintage embroidery but also aims to preserve ancient crafts by providing visibility and opportunities for artisans.
Her brand stands as a testament to her commitment to sustainability and the revival of endangered artisan techniques.
Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre, the visionary behind the House of Anita Dongre and its diverse sub-brands including AND, Global Desi, and Grassroot, has transformed her dreams into reality by crafting exquisite ensembles.
Known for her unique ability to blend timeless details with contemporary styles, Dongre has established herself as a distinguished figure in the fashion industry.
Her designs reflect a commitment to innovation, tradition, and sustainability, making her a beloved name among fashion enthusiasts.
Suket Dhir
Suket Dhir has quickly made a significant mark in the Indian fashion industry as a new-generation designer attuned to contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Winning the 2016 International Woolmark Prize, an accolade once received by fashion legends like Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent, underscores his remarkable talent and contribution to fashion.
This honour highlights Dhir’s exceptional design prowess and his rising influence in the global fashion scene.
Manish Arora
Manish Arora, celebrated for his use of bold hues and unique, kooky details, has earned the title “King of Avant-Garde” in the fashion industry for his innovative designs.
His work has gained recognition in numerous prestigious Indian and international fashion publications.
Arora’s creations have been worn by global icons such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, showcasing his influence on the world stage.
Gaurang Shah
Gaurang Shah, once a young man assisting in his father’s saree shop in Hyderabad, has emerged as a self-taught designer who revitalised Khadi.
Expanding his collaboration from just 10 weavers in Hyderabad to over 500 across four states, Shah has significantly influenced the fashion industry’s use of khadi, cotton, and traditional materials.
His journey from running errands to inspiring young designers showcases his profound impact on bringing traditional fabrics back into the spotlight.
Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan, an Indian American fashion designer celebrated for his presence at New York Fashion Week, is renowned for his intricately detailed gowns adorned with beads and sequins, particularly in his bridal collections.
His designs have captivated a clientele that includes high-profile figures such as Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, among other A-list celebrities.
Khan’s ready-to-wear and bridal lines are available in over 150 stores worldwide, marking his global influence in the fashion industry.
Surily Goel
Surily Goel has made a significant mark in the fashion industry, especially known for her Bollywood designs starting with Preity Zinta in Salaam Namaste, and has since dressed in numerous stars and movies.
After graduating from the Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising in LA, she launched her label ‘Ensemble,’ showcasing her work at prestigious platforms like Lakme India Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week.
Known for her use of fabrics and colours that resonate with the seasons, Goel’s career has seen rapid growth, establishing her as a notable name in both the Indian and international fashion scenes.
Asmita Marwa
Asmita Marwa, celebrated by Vogue as one of the top up-and-coming international designers, is known for her innovative fusion of traditional and global styles, particularly her vibrant take on Kalamkari that captivated the fashion world.
Her fashion label stands out for its commitment to sustainability, adhering to ethical norms and practices in garment creation and manufacturing.
Marwa’s work represents a bold, eclectic mix that has made a significant impact on the fashion industry.
Suneet Varma
Suneet Varma, a designer influenced by European culture and legacy, especially after his tenure with Yves Saint Laurent and formal training at the London School of Fashion, has made a significant mark in the industry.
He has collaborated with high-profile brands like BMW and Judith Leiber and hosted his show on Star World.
In India, he operates a chain of multi-designer stores that feature his collections, specialising in wedding wear for the elite.
Prathyusha Garimella
Pratyusha Garimella, a self-taught designer from Hyderabad, has shattered stereotypes of South Indian fashion with her European-inspired collections that blend pristine pastels and luxurious fabrics like satin cotton, tulle, and organza.
Her designs, which have become popular among Bollywood stars, challenge the notion that pastels don’t suit all skin tones.
Garimella’s timely entry into the fashion world, coupled with her knack for elegant designs, has made her a favourite among celebrities, marking her as a significant figure in modern Indian fashion.
As we wrap up our journey through the enchanting world of Indian fashion, it’s clear that the designers on our list are true visionaries.
They weave stories through their designs, combining Indian culture with the dynamism of global trends.
Each designer on our list has a unique voice, a distinct style, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that sets them apart in the bustling world of fashion.
As they continue to push boundaries and explore new horizons, they not only put Indian fashion on the global map but also inspire a new generation of designers to dream big.
So, whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or admire the artistry behind fashion, keep an eye on these 25 top Indian fashion designers.
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