Top 10 Fashion Designers in India

Introduction

India is one of the strongest fashion markets globally and is expected to grow by a CAGR of 10-11% to $115 to $ 125 billion by 2025. It is a big exporter of ethnic designs and fashion material. India's claim to the international fashion scene is supported by a huge pool of talented fashion designers.  

When referring to fashion, we often get lost in the mirage of clothes and designs without considering who is behind the success of these designs. To get started in fashion designing, you should undergo a suitable fashion design course at a reputable institute such as Idea World in Bengaluru. 

• The booming landscape of the Indian fashion industry

The Indian fashion industry sets itself apart from the rest of the world owing to its regal elegance. The country's rich cultural heritage and diversity have created a space for unique designs and garments.

• Contribution of fashion designers in pushing boundaries and setting trends

Fashion designers face various creative challenges that bring out the best in them. Every passing year, top fashion designers in India leave a mark on the world by redefining fashion in the country.

10 Top Fashion Designers in India 
Manish Malhotra: The Emperor of Bollywood Fashion

Manish Malhotra is considered the king of fashion design in Bollywood. He is a key player in shaping the fashion trends of the industry.

• Early life and rise to prominence.

Manish Malhotra started his career as a model while still in college. He never got a formal degree in fashion but is passionate about creating patterns and designs for fashion wear.

• Impeccable designs and celebrity collaborations

Manish Malhotra has collaborated with Bollywood stars such as Sridevi, Deepika Padukone, Urmila Matondkar, and Kareena Kapoor. It is a dream for actors to wear a Manish Malhotra piece.

• Influence on red-carpet fashion and Bollywood

Manish Malhotra's name is synonymous with fashion in Bollywood. Even people who do not know fashion aspire to wear his designs someday.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Mastering the Art of Tradition

Sabyasachi is one of the top fashion designers in India, known for his spectacular bridal collections and unique detailing.

• A. Revitalizing traditional Indian clothing

Sabyasachi Mukherjee has breathed new life into traditional Indian wear through his original artworks. He is the perfect example of staying in the trend without missing out on your "Indian-ness."

• B. Fusion of craftsmanship and modern aesthetics

Sabyasachi's designs are the perfect culmination of modern aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. The designs are elegant, while they don't lose out on the age-old conventional touch either.

• C. Global recognition and signature bridal couture

He was the only Indian designer to be part of all the major fashion weeks in New York, Milan, and London. His name is also the epitome of wedding outfit design in India. Celebrities such as Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, and many more choose to wear his designs at their wedding.

Ritu Kumar: A Pioneer in Indian Fashion

Ritu Kumar has been a popular name in the industry for over four decades. She has also designed winning gowns for Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.

• A. Pioneering the revival of Indian textiles

Ritu's excellent designs have revived traditional craftsmanship in India. Her efforts have helped create employment for rural textile workers in underdeveloped areas.

• B. Celebrating Indian craftsmanship and sustainable fashion

Her revival of handwoven sarees and embroideries has created space for sustainable fashion in the country.

• C. Innovations in contemporary ethnic wear

Ritu's designs serve as a display of pure Indian elegance. She is the perfect example of giving a modern twist to conventional styles.

Tarun Tahiliani: Blending Heritage with Modernity

Tarun Tahiliani finds a place in almost all conversations regarding top fashion designers in India. He is known for seamlessly fusing modern trends with traditional styles.

• A. The harmony of traditional embroidery and contemporary silhouettes

Tarun Tahiliani creates designs with root-level Indian craftsmanship without ever getting out of trend.

• B. Reinventing Indian bridal fashion on the global stage

Tarun's unique eye for detail and original fusion of Indian and European styles have made him a fashion icon across the globe.

• C. Collaborations with luxury brands and international showcases

His designs were among the very first examples of Fashion Fusion worldwide. His unique draping techniques and embroidery set him apart in the Indian fashion industry.

Rohit Bal: Redefining Couture with Elegance

Rohit Bal revels in recreating dying arts and crafts of India in his fashion garments. He has designed clothes for the popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). He started his independent line in 1990 and caters to both men and women. He has stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai. 

• A. Iconic designs and craftsmanship steeped in heritage

Times magazine named Rohit "India's maestro of fabric and imagination," establishing him as one of the top fashion designers in India.

• B. Bridging the gap between Indian and Western fashion

Rohit Bal is known for his elegant styles that bridge the gap between Western and Indian wear. He uses regal textures such as velvet in unique combinations with modern trends.

• C. Nurturing young talent and the future of Indian couture

Rohit has a huge hand in nurturing young talent in the fashion industry. His legendary designs push the bars of Indian fashion design in the world.

Anamika Khanna: Shaping Global Fashion Trends

Anamika Khanna is one of the newest Indian fashion designers on the world stage. She operates from her office in Kolkata and has been covered by various magazines, including Business of Fashion, for her exceptional work.

• A. Revolutionary designs juxtaposing traditional and modern elements

Anamika effortlessly collaborates Indian cultural heritage with world fashion in her designs.

• B. Influence on Indian and international runway shows

Anamika was one of India's first designers to start her global clothing brand "Ana Mika." Her styles have inspired countless designers worldwide.

• C. Trailblazing the concept of "drape" in contemporary fashion

She is known for her unique draping styles -- the dhoti style drape, the wavy drape, and the tulip drape. Her sarees, draping in such innovative styles, stand out on ramp.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla: The Dynamic Duo

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, who work together under a single brand, have crafted a name for themselves in the industry.

• A. Collaborative journey transforming Indian fashion

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla came together in 1986 to start their brand - Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The duo shared a passion for creating unique fusion styles for everyday wear and occasions.

• B. Extravagant couture and opulent bridal wear

The designer duo is one of India's oldest and most well-known among top fashion designers. They designed the awe-inspiring white wedding reception dresses that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone wore.

• C. Creating a distinct mark in both Indian and international markets

The two individuals have also collaborated on creating costumes for several renowned films, including Devdas.

Masaba Gupta: Breaking Stereotypes with Quirky Designs

Masaba started her career at a very young age. Since then, she has made bold statements through her designs and pieces.

• A. Making a bold statement with unconventional prints and motifs

Masaba Gupta's designs flaunt a blend of contemporary and traditional with rich embroidery. She uses cotton, silk, and chiffon and loves to create ethnic wear. 

• B. Revolutionizing Indian contemporary fashion

DBA called her work "a unique Indianness in a very modern context." She even has creative ways of naming her collections.

• C. Empowering women through unique fashion choices

At 19, Masaba presented her first collection at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai in 2008. Her strength to deal with life's hardships with courage is reflected in her bold style. She employs millions of women worldwide. 

JJ Valaya: Artistry Meets Fashion

Initially planning to become a chartered accountant, JJ Valaya eventually studied fashion design at the National Institute of Fashion (NIFT) and graduated in 1989. Since then, there's no stopping him.

• A. Blending heritage-inspired designs with contemporary sensibilities

JJ Valaya's designs bring much-needed freshness to the fashion industry. He seamlessly merges different cultures' fashion styles without going out of trend.

• B. Innovations in luxury menswear and Indian bridal couture

He founded the House of Valaya along with his brother in 1992. It is a luxury fashion and lifestyle brand which creates aesthetic pieces.

• C. Contributions to the craftsmanship and artistry of Indian fashion

JJ Valaya is also the founder board member of the board of directors of FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India). His influence on the Indian fashion industry is profound, and he is among India's top fashion designers.

Gaurav Gupta: Redefining Couture with Avant-garde Designs

Gaurav Gupta is known for his creative and out-of-the-box designs. He has a very unique style of presenting contemporary Indian women on stage.

• A. Pushing creative boundaries with sculptural silhouettes

Gaurav Gupta's works are heavily inspired by surrealism and fanaticism. He is known for his signature sculptural silhouettes. These showcase his ability as a talented couturier.

• B. Modernizing Indian fashion with experimental designs

Gupta has achieved significant success since the inception of his brand in 2004. His designs have an element of modern fashion while keeping up with cultural roots.

• C. Gaining recognition on global runways and red carpets

His creations have adorned the covers of magazines, adorned billboards, appeared in 

music videos, and adorned red carpets across the world. Notable personalities who have worn his designs include Lizzo, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Hudson.

Summary

The Indian fashion industry has grown rapidly over the past few decades. Indian bridal gowns and contemporary dresses are known worldwide. This change has become possible due to talented designers' passion and vision.

The 10 top Indian fashion designers in this list are only a few names among many designers that continuously raise the bar of Indian fashion in the world. They are role models to anyone interested in fashion design.

Every fashion designer has a long journey to stardom; the first step is getting started. A comprehensive course in Fashion Design is just the beginning you need to get started in this industry. 

A fashion design course at Idea World can be just right for you. 

Say yes to your dreams and visit IDeA WorldWide to learn more about affordable, comprehensive courses on Fashion Design.