From a dream-struck girl mesmerised by a piece of fashion news to owning her eponymous label. With resilience and creative brilliance, hers is a story that inspires.
Over three decades ago, a young Dilnaz Karbhary gazed at the Sunday Times, transfixed by a spread showcasing one of her favourite designers, Shahab Durazi. The imagery – featuring Madhu Sapre, Milind Soman, and Mehr Jesia draped in Durazi’s sartorial brilliance – ignited a dream within her. That pivotal moment marked the genesis of her journey into the world of fashion design. For Dilnaz, who hailed from a family of Indian government professionals, this path was anything but conventional. Yet, her conviction was resolute.
After completing her graduation and a part-time design course, fate intertwined her aspirations with the mentorship of Tarun Tahiliani at the tender age of 19. Thus began a transformative 16-year tenure that would shape her career indelibly. “So my entire career path can be broken up into two. One is the time that I spent working with a label, and one is the time that I spent working in my own solo capacity,” says Dilnaz.
The year 2009 marked a seminal moment in her life when she ventured to launch her eponymous label. However, the transition was far from seamless. While the tutelage of a luminary like Tahiliani had equipped her with unparalleled experience, discovering her unique voice as a designer required time and introspection. “We had many setbacks, but I just knew that I never wanted to give up. I knew I wanted to make this work. I knew I just wanted to do beautiful clothes for the rest of my life. I think not giving up has been my biggest strength. I don’t give up, and I work very hard. I don’t know if I always work smart, I have learnt to try and work smart, I have learnt to try and do this as a business,” she shares candidly.
Navigating the intricate terrain of entrepreneurship demanded resilience, adaptability, and an insatiable hunger for learning, unlearning and re-learning – qualities Dilnaz embodies with elegance. These values are also deeply woven into her latest endeavour, The Saree Protrays, a celebration of India’s timeless sartorial emblem: the saree. Inspired by memories of her mother gracing occasions in breathtaking drapes, Dilnaz sought to craft a collection that underscores the saree’s ageless allure.
Her vision reimagines this quintessential garment, showcasing its versatility and ensuring its appeal transcends generations. The campaign for The Saree Protrays reinforces this belief, offering an inclusive narrative that resonates universally. Central to the collection is the signature ‘Dilnaz’ touch: dazzling bustiers and bralettes designed to evoke comfort and sophistication while embracing the Indian staple.
Although Dilnaz remains the figurehead of her brand, she is quick to credit her team for its accomplishments. From the masterful tailors and artisans to the meticulous production crew, every individual’s effort forms the backbone of her success. Starting from a modest atelier, her brand recently expanded to a new location – an attestation to growth and the designer’s relentless ambition. The new space houses her embroidery division, a cornerstone of the label’s exquisite creations.
As a little girl, Dilnaz Karbhary dreamt of crafting dresses that would make women feel beautiful. That dream, nurtured by her perseverance and an unwavering creative vision, has cemented her legacy in the Indian fashion landscape. Her journey, far from reaching its zenith, is a story woven with aspiration, artistry, and audacity. While our conversation with the designer concludes, her story continues to inspire and captivate women across the globe.