Fashion

Top 21 Indian Fashion Designers You Must Know About!

The Indian fashion industry is an ever evolving space, where new designers occasionally try to make a name for themselves and be seen. There are a couple of Indian designers who have ruled the roost for decades with their unique, bespoke, and scintillating collections. While some have come under the radar for being hypocritical, others continue to surprise and let their work speak for themselves. India’s talented pool of fashion designers have conquered global stages and made the country proud. Hashtag lists the top 21 Indian fashion designers you should know about in 2022.

21 Famous Fashion Designers In India

The fashion designing landscape in India has evolved over the decades and we have both, veterans and newbies, on the list. What makes these fashion designers the ones to reckon with? Read on to know more about the top 21 designers.

1.Manish Malhotra

One of the most celebrated fashion designers in India, Manish Malhotra has designed for an ensemble of Bollywood actresses. He is a designer to reckon with.He debuted without any professional training as the designer for Sridevi in Gumrah. He is known to translate the ideas for particular ‘looks’ into reality in the Indian film industry. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are a few actresses who have had the honour to wear his designs. Not known to style men, Shah Rukh Khan, Imran Khan, and Michael Jackson have been a few exceptions.

Website: https://manishmal h otra.in/

2.Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Think bridal wear, and the first name that pops up is Sabyasachi. Most celebrity brides who got married in 2021 flaunted their red Sabyasachi lehengas, which was a delightful sight indeed. Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Patralekha, and Anushka Sharma are among the many brides who got to wear the dreamy Sabyasachi lehengas on their special day. In fact, it is a dream for many to wear a signature Sabyasachi on one of their most important days. Band, Baaja & Bride is a popular TV show which makes this a reality for those brides who cannot afford to wear Sabyasachi. He also has an everyday line to showcase his diverse style.

Website: http://www.sabyasachi.com/

3. Neeta Lulla

Neeta Lulla is a designer whose label showcases contemporary and ethnic wear. She stepped up her fashion designing game after winning the Best Designer Award in college. There has been no stopping her since then. Neera Lulla debuted as a full-time designer for Sridevi in Lamhe and went on to work in 300 films, spanning seven languages. As the most awarded designer in Bollywood, Jodha Akbar, Devdas, Kochadaiiyaan are a few popular movies she has worked on.

Website: http://store.neetalulla.com/

4. Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre has always made noise in the Indian fashion scene with her clothing and jewellery designs. She got one of her most significant breaks when Kate Middleton flaunted one of her dresses in 2016. As a designer, she believes in catering to what her customers really want, and her designs are known to be elegant. Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra, and Sophie Turner have worn her label. She has two stores in America, one of which is a flagship store in New York. Anita also has four labels to her credit.

Website: https://www.anitadongre.com/

5. Ritu Kumar

A brand synonymous with progress, tradition, and contemporary ideas is what Ritu Kumar is all about. Ritu pioneered the boutique culture in India and was awarded the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for her immense contributions to fashion. Her aim was to package Indian tradition with a modern twist and deliver it in a contemporary way, and she did not disappoint. Forty years ago she started her design dreams from a Calcutta hamlet and now, her name is synonymous with Indian design and luxury.

Website: https://www.ritukumar.com/

6.Sheena Sood

Sheena’s obsession with travel, textiles, colour, and pattern ended in giving birth to her brand Abacaxi. Armed with a decade of experience designing for brands like Cole Haan, Tracy Reese, and Anthropologie, Sheena’s personal brand works with silk garments that mainly focus on vintage embroidery. She explored vintage embroidery during her stint as a freelance textile design consultant in Brooklyn. Her brand aims to provide work opportunities and visibility for artisans who practice ancient crafts on the verge of disappearing.

Website: https://abacaxi-nyc.com/story

7.Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani is one of the few designers who design exclusively for men in the ready-to-wear category. He is also known for designing wedding wear. ‘Ensemble’ is a multi-designer boutique started by Tarun and his wife in 1987. His boutique chains are present in many locations in Mumbai and Delhi now. The collection in his famous bridal line was a hit, and he went on to design for Hollywood stalwarts like Lady Gaga, who looked stunning in his ivory saree. He plays around with traditional aesthetics and combines them with sophisticated design. Of late, he has completed projects for interior designing for hotels in Goa and Hyderabad.

Website: https://www.taruntahiliani.com/

8. Masaba Gupta

As the youngest designer to receive ‘The Most Promising Designer’ at the Lakme India Fashion Week, Masaba Gupta has made heads turn with her work. A designer who has struggled to climb the success ladder in the Indian fashion space, she made sure that her work spoke for herself. Masaba is an inspiring designer, with eccentric outfits of geometric and bold silhouettes. Her creations include the polka dot jumpsuit, denim saree, and pocket saree, which became public favourites.

Website: https://www.houseofmasaba.com/

9. Suket Dhir

Suket Dhir’s unique and outstanding pieces, with magnificent prints do all the speaking. A winner of the 2016 International Woolmark Prize, Suket Dhir is one of the new generation designers who understand the sensibilities of contemporary fashion. He made a name for himself in the Indian fashion industry very quickly. To win the same award as the late Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent is an honour and speaks a lot about the designer.

Website: https://www.suketdhir.com/

10. Naeem Khan

One of the well-known faces in the fashion space, especially as a regular at New York Fashion Week, Naeem is an Indian American fashion designer based in New York. Some of his most famous clients include Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton and a couple of other A-listers. Painstakingly detailed gowns with beads and sequins and fabulous bridal collections are what he is known for. His ready-to-wear and bridal collections retail in 150 stores across the world.

Website: https://naeemkhan.com/

11.Shantanu Nikhil

As the name suggests, the label is run by brothers Shanthanu and Nikhil. A killer combination of arts and commerce is reflected in their brand. They understand their audience’s sensibilities — chic, elegant, and stylish — and resonate with a young crowd who form a major chunk of their target audience. The brothers are known for bridal, contemporary, and haute couture and their tie-up with Adidas. The jersey of the Mumbai Indians team was designed by this talented duo.
Website: https://www.shantanunikhil.com/

12.Sandeep Khosla and Abu Jani

From Bachchan to Beyonce, this iconic duo has had a strong clientele since they started working together thirty years ago. Their European influence can be found peppered across their couture collections, which are all about a fusion of tradition and heritage with a modern aesthetic. Their two-volume book series, Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla: India Fantastique Fashion, documents their exciting and intriguing journey.

Website: https://asal.co.in/

13.Bibhu Mohapatra

Growing up along the eastern coast of India, Odisha, Bhibhu currently draws inspiration from his hometown for his outfits. Based in New York, this fashion designer launched his label after moving to the U.S. He credits his skills to his mother, his first teacher in fashion, who taught him how to sew. His chic pieces are structural and also reflect his expert tailoring skills.

Website: https://www.bibhu.com/

14.Kanika Goyal

A former intern of Bibhu Mohapatra, Kanika Goel has made a name for herself in the industry. Originally from Delhi, this designer’s outfits have a strictly relaxed streetwear vibe. She has collaborated with Adidas Originals and was featured in Forbes India 30 under 30 in 2019. As a design student, she was constantly surrounded by shapes, lines, and angles, which enhanced her perspective.

Website:- https://www.notjustalabel.com/kanika-goyal-label

15.Gaurang Shah

As a young man, Gaurang Shah was running errands at his dad’s saree shop in Hyderabad a few years ago. As a self-taught artist, this young designer has brought back khadi to where it really belongs. He went on to win the Best Designer Award at the most recent Lakme India Fashion Week. He now works with more than 500 weavers from across four states, beginning with just 10 of them from Hyderabad. From spilling over wardrobes painstakingly to rousing young designers to utilise khadi, material, and cotton in manners that have never been seen, Gaurang has made considerable progress.

Website: https://www.gaurang.co/

16.Payal Singhal

Payal Singhal realised her love for design from a young age. She has advanced throughout the last decade and a half as a model designer. Her collection is a reviving interpretation of Indian wear yet with a highly new-age vision like swapping the risqué choli for a lehenga, lycra suits, cowl pants with short silk salwar. Her runway assortments are bewitching and unique.

Website: https://www.payalsinghal.com/

17.Nishka Lulla

What makes her label name ‘Nisshk’ novel is that it takes into account teens within her target audience, catering upto to young adults of 30 years. She recognized this gap in the market and immediately moved that way. The textures that you will for the most part see on this designer’s works are tulle, net, ribbon, and sequin, which function admirably for her objective gathering — bling, stylish and lively, exactly the way in which they like it.

Website: http://nishka.stylista.com/

18.Ridhi Mehra

After completing her Business course in the UK, Ridhi Mehra took up a course on Fashion Planning in Delhi, filling in as a store collaborator for her mom and aunt for quite a long time before setting off on making her own mark. Her focus began with marriage wear. She makes ethnic wear with a contemporary touch and has appeared for multiple shows at Lakme Fashion Week.

Website: https://www.ridhimehra.com/

19.Suneet Varma

Here is a fashion designer whose work is significantly affected by European culture and legacy, particularly after working for brands like Yves Saint Laurent. After gaining formal training at the London School Of Fashion, working in ensemble history, he tied up with brands such as BMW, Judith Leiber, and so on. He also hosted his own Star World show, Suneet Varma — Style Guru. In India, he owns a chain of multi-designer stores, which additionally highlight his collections. He is known for planning wedding wear for the elite.

Website: http://suneetvarma.in/profile/suneet-varma-profile/index.html

20.Asmita Marwa

A designer from Hyderabad who became famous and was on Vogue’s rundown of the Top 9 Upcoming International Designers, her distinguishing strength was her Kalamkari assortment that made heads turn. Basic, delicate and economical design is what resonates with her brand. She was invited to the Global Sustainable Fashion Week in Budapest, Hungary, where she exhibited her ‘Zero Wastage’ assortment. Reusing and upcycling makes her brand extraordinary and unique.

Website: https://asmitamarwa.in/

21.Rohit Bahl

A nonconformist of sorts, Rohit Bahl’s work and achievements are gigantic. Hailing from Kashmir, his professional life began looking up when he started working for his brother’s clothing company in 1986 and before long started a collection in his own name in 1990. His clientele includes but is not limited to Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, Anna Kournikova, and Naomi Campbell. Rohit Bahl is one of those planners who comprehend the energy of the design world, which is evident in his collections.

Website: https://www.rohitbal.com/

If you read the list completely, you would have noticed that we have included a couple of newbies as well as those who have rocked the fashion scene for a long time now. The talent pool of India’s fashion designers is only expanding by the day and it would be a shame if we did not include some of these iconic names. Every designer has a unique story and style which is reflected in their work. We are excited to observe how the fashion scene is going to evolve in 2022.

January 25, 2022

Gold Is Back: Why Classic Jewellery Is Regaining Its Shine in 2026

For the past decade, the jewellery industry has seen waves of change. Artificial jewellery, minimalist designs, and the rapid rise of lab-grown diamonds have transformed consumer preferences, especially among younger buyers looking for affordable luxury. Yet in 2026, gold jewellery is quietly reclaiming its throne. From weddings to everyday fashion and even men’s accessories, gold is experiencing a powerful resurgence not just as ornamentation, but as a trusted investment. The Investment Factor One of the biggest reasons for gold jewellery’s comeback is simple: stability. While diamonds and lab-grown alternatives have gained popularity due to affordability, they often lack strong resale value. Gold, on the other hand, remains a tangible asset that can be sold, exchanged, or passed down generations. This financial security has made gold increasingly attractive to modern buyers who want jewellery that doubles as an investment. During recent wedding seasons in India, jewellers have reported rising demand for plain gold jewellery in 22K, 18K and 14K forms as buyers prioritise long-term value over heavily diamond-studded pieces. With gold prices steadily climbing in recent years, many consumers now view gold jewellery as a form of wearable wealth something that carries emotional significance while also retaining monetary value. Celebrity Influence and the Wedding Effect Celebrity culture continues to play a major role in shaping jewellery trends. A recent example is the high-profile wedding of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, which sparked widespread discussion about heritage jewellery. The couple’s wedding looks prominently featured elaborate handcrafted gold pieces inspired by South Indian temple architecture. Rashmika reportedly wore eleven pieces of traditional gold jewellery, while Vijay made headlines for embracing bold groom jewellery including layered necklaces, ear studs, cuffs and other royal-inspired ornaments. Their wedding highlighted something significant: gold jewellery is no longer just for brides. Men Are Embracing Jewellery Again Historically,

Fashion

Alfiya Karim Khan: Mumbai YouTuber Redefining Modest Fashion and Digital Influence

Alfiya Karim Khan grew up in Mumbai in a family where education was non-negotiable, and ambition was encouraged, so long as it followed a conventional path. Academically strong, medicine seemed almost predetermined for her. But internally, she felt drawn elsewhere. “Deep down, I always knew my life did not belong in a hospital corridor,” she says. “It belonged in the creative industry.” Choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media instead of medicine was met with hesitation and doubt. Coming from a background where most women were financially dependent, she had rarely seen female entrepreneurship firsthand. That absence became fuel. “Every time someone questioned whether content creation was serious, it pushed me to take it more seriously,” she reflects. What began quietly in her bedroom evolved into financial independence and professional stability. Today, her work represents more than a career; it symbolises “choosing conviction over comfort.” A Cultural Voice in Modest Fashion Alfiya identifies as a digital entrepreneur and a cultural voice within the modest fashion space. A decade ago, the online fashion landscape felt misaligned with her personal style. “I did not want to shape-shift just to belong,” she explains. “I decided to build around my authenticity instead of bending away from it.” Over the past 10 years, she has collaborated with global and legacy brands, been recognised among Forbes’ Top 100 Digital Stars, and represented modest fashion at Paris Couture Week. For her, these milestones represent more than visibility; they signal representation. “This is not just fashion content,” she says. “It is about showing that ambition and values can coexist.” Reinterpreting, Not Rejecting At its core, her work reinterprets mainstream fashion through a modest lens. Rather than rejecting trends, she modifies them, layering strategically and reshaping silhouettes. “Fashion does not have to be abandoned to align with

Fashion

Tiara Dhody: Inspired by Heritage, Driven by Design

Tiara Dhody is a Mumbai-based founder and the creative force behind Treasures by Tiara. She studied at Cathedral and John Connon School, the United World College in Singapore, and later at Sarah Lawrence College, experiences that shaped her global perspective and independent thinking. Growing up in a household where fashion and design were part of everyday conversation, she was naturally immersed in aesthetics. Influenced by her mother, Queenie Dhody, and Raja Dhody, she absorbed a visual language early on. Yet, she credits her broader worldview to quieter influences. “Beyond formal education, I feel most shaped by the books I read, the films I watch, the places I travel to, and the people I surround myself with,” she says. “All of it quietly filters into my work.” Jewellery as Intimate Expression Tiara has chosen the path of self-expression, and for her, jewellery is one of the most intimate mediums through which to access it. “It’s something you can wear, feel, and move with; it becomes part of your story,” she explains. She also describes a more intangible element: “There’s something cosmic about it, the way certain pieces seem to find you at the right time.” In India, jewellery carries memory. It is passed down, inherited, gifted, layered with sentiment and history. That cultural weight deeply informs her design philosophy. “What sets my work apart is the balance between meaning and wearability,” she notes. The pieces are expressive without being loud, crafted to feel personal and enduring rather than purely ornamental. Many associate her designs with strong feminine energy, detailed craftsmanship, and jewellery that feels lived-in rather than showcased. Designed to Be Lived In Treasures by Tiara approaches jewellery differently. It is not created to be stored away for weddings or rare occasions; it is designed to be worn daily. “The idea

Fashion

Fashion Trends 2026 for India

As India’s fashion ecosystem matures at the intersection of culture, technology, and sustainability, 2026 is poised to be a defining year. Below is a structured outlook on the key fashion trends expected to shape India this year… Sustainable Fashion Becomes the Default, Not the Differentiator By 2026, sustainability will no longer be a niche or premium positioning in India—it will be an expectation. Materials: Increased adoption of organic cotton, bamboo blends, banana fibre, hemp, and recycled polyester. Practices: Circular fashion models—resale, repair, and upcycling, and rental— gain mainstream traction. Consumer mindset: Shoppers demand transparency around sourcing, labour practices, and carbon footprint. Brands that fail to integrate sustainability at the core level risk losing relevance, particularly among Gen Z and urban millennials. Indian Craft Revival with a Modern Lens Indian fashion in 2026 doesn’t abandon tradition; it reinvents it: Handloom fabrics and artisanal textiles such as khadi, chanderi, and bandhani are being updated with modern cuts and silhouettes. Ethnic pieces like sharara and gharara bottoms return with drama and movement, balanced by shorter kurtas or attached cape drapes. Indo-western blends—co-ord sets, dhoti pants with crop tops, and sari gowns—continue to appeal to younger gen. This trend reflects India’s fashion duality: honouring heritage while embracing global styling sensibilities. Fluid Fashion and Gender-Inclusive Design Gender boundaries in Indian fashion continue to dissolve, becoming more visible and commercially viable in 2027 Silhouettes: Kurta dresses, dhoti pants, oversized shirts, co-ord sets, and draped forms designed without gender labels. Retail evolution: Gender-neutral sections in both online and offline stores. Cultural impact: Particularly strong among urban youth and creative professionals. This shift reflects broader social acceptance and a move toward personal expression over conformity. Statement Accessories and Maximalist Flourishes While minimalism remains influential, accessories in 2027 are loud and expressive: Brooches, once relegated to formals, have made