In the last few years, Indian fashion has been redefining trends, capturing the attention of the international audience. Celebrated for its extravagant craftsmanship, vibrant colours, and rich, layered silhouettes, our heritage-infused fashion remains a favourite amongst admirers on momentous occasions. While we couldn’t be prouder as Indians, the credit mainly goes to the famous fashion designers in India, who have placed our country’s fashion sensibilities on the global stage. From prominent red carpets to elite fashion weeks, Indian designers have created masterpieces that capture our country’s exuberance and versatility in all its glory. As fashion visionaries continue to shape the country’s global fashion identity, we bring you a curated list of the best fashion designers in India who have genuinely earned a coveted place in the fashion world.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Kicking off the list with the man who revolutionised Indian fashion with his timeless masterpieces and recently marked 25 years of his label, Sabyasachi. Hailing from a middle-class family in Kolkata, Sabyasachi’s rise in the fashion industry was anything but easy. But when he combined his Indian vintage aesthetics with contemporary elements, his creation caught the attention of high-profile celebrities and socialities, who incorporated them into their wardrobe. His work is a confluence of rich textiles and delicate motifs, narrating a story of India’s rich culture and celebrating the artisans behind them.
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani is more than a mere label; it symbolises Indian fashion with a rich legacy that has flourished for over three decades. Every design under the label stays true to the designer’s core philosophy, honouring India’s rich textile heritage but reimagined for the modern era. By incorporating ancient artistic techniques like chikankari, phulkari, and kashida into contemporary designs, he crafts creations that resonate with modern Indian celebrations, making him a preferred choice for today’s fashion-conscious elites.
Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
While minimalism dominates the modern wardrobe, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla embraces extravagance in the most artistic way. They have carved a distinctive niche in the fashion world with an unapologetic embrace of boldness and maximalism. Be it their bejewelled ensembles for Isha Ambani Piramal and Gigi Hadid or Radhika Ambani’s reception lehenga adorned with Jayasri Burman’s hand-painted marvel, the designer duo seamlessly blend art with fashion, create a piece that’s nothing short of a grand spectacle.
Manish Malhotra
No discussion about top Indian designers is complete without mentioning Manish Malhotra’s name. Despite having no formal education in fashion or design, his deep passion for the craft steered him into the film industry, where he styled A-list celebrities who became style icons for the masses. It has been three decades since he launched his label, yet one thing that continues to define his design ethos is celebrating India’s rich culture and traditions in the most sophisticated form.
Gaurav Gupta
Indian designers are far from limited to traditional artistry, and Gaurav Gupta proves this point with his designs, which showcase a futuristic and innovative approach to our country’s fashion. From showcasing his trailblazing collection at prestigious fashion weeks to dressing Hollywood celebrities like Beyoncé, Mindy Kaling, Megan Thee Stallion, and Adele, his creations have earned a special space in the hearts of global fashion enthusiasts.
Anita Dongre
When traditional block prints, luxurious fabrics, time-honoured designs and a commitment to sustainability come together, you know it’s Anita Dongre we are talking about. Her ability to embrace minimalism while preserving the grandeur of Indian craftsmanship cements the designer as a true fashion connoisseur who believes that extravagance can be effortless. Beyond her eponymous label, the designer also has multiple fashion ventures that continue to celebrate the modern Indian woman, all rooted in eco-conscious craftsmanship and refined elegance.
Ritu Kumar
A stalwart in the Indian fashion industry, Ritu Kumar’s illustrious career is a testament to heritage and creativity. Over five decades into her journey, the fabulous designer still stays true to her legacy, weaving luxury traditional Indian fabrics and time-honoured artwork into her creations with a contemporary twist. With her powerful return to India Couture Week last year, she reaffirmed her position as the OG designer who brought Indian fashion to global prominence.
Anamika Khanna
From a self-taught designer to the first Indian designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week in 2007, Anamika Khanna’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her collection perfectly shows how reinterpreting India’s traditional wear can transform contemporary fashion into versatile and classic. Certain pieces, such as dhoti pants with zippers and belts and draped sarees, are some of her signature pieces that stirred a sensation in India’s fashion landscape.
Masaba Gupta
Just mentioning Masaba’s name in front of a fashion enthusiast instantly brings vivid images of her eclectic and bold prints, giving her creations a distinct personality. Having launched her label in 2009, the Queen of Prints ensured from the very start that her design sense would be rooted in traditions but with an unconventional and quirky twist to everything she creates. From resort wear to festive wear, her label offers an extensive lineup of breathtaking silhouettes, perfect for every moment marked on the social calendar.
Rohit Bal
Last but certainly not least, no list of Indian fashion designers would be complete without Rohit Bal’s name. He was instrumental in shaping the face of Indian fashion during the ‘90s. Although he has bid adieu to the world, his iconic creations will remain an everlasting legacy. His outfits were distinguished by signature elements like roses, lotuses, and peacocks, which became an inseparable part of his masterpieces. He had the calibre to weave fantasy into fabrics, creating silhouettes that harmoniously blended traditional and modern sensibilities.