From traditional to modern, these designers have left their mark on the world of fashion. In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 India fashion designers of all time and their contributions to the industry.
Table of contents:
- Introduction to Fashion Industry in India
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee
- Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
- Anita Dongre
- Manish Malhotra
- Rohit Bal
- Tarun Tahiliani
- Neeta Lulla
- Ritu Kumar
- Masaba Gupta
- Anamika Khanna
The fashion industry has blossomed into a massive sector of the economy in the modern world with the rise in demand for textiles and clothing on both domestic and global markets. One of India’s oldest sectors, textiles has contributed numerous design trends through its fabrics and accessories while also generating employment for millions of individuals including fashion designers, curators, models etc. As per the survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India in 2016, the Indian fashion market was estimated to surpass $18 billion due to increasing brand recognition and rising purchasing power. This industry provided 12% of India’s export revenues and 2% of the GDP in 2018 and 2019, and it is expected to increase within the coming decades.
A significant portion of the entire fashion industry is made up of fashion designers. From flagship stores expanding into retail stores, the changing runway scene and the labels displaying their newest collections, in India fashion designers have inspiring stories that are worth highlighting. This list includes top 10 Fashion Designers in India who have gained prominence and become celebrity favourites over the years.
1 – Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Known for his classic and exquisite designs, Sabyasachi Mukherjee became well-known after the Femina British Council named him the ‘Most Outstanding Young Designer of India’ in 2001. His designs frequently combine Indian and Western trending styles and are popular among both celebrities and fashion connoisseurs. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone are just a few of the renowned celebrities who have sported bridal attire created by Sabyasachi.
2 – Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
In India fashion designers like Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are renowned for their beautiful and opulent designs created by fusing traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary sensibility. Established in 1986, they are acclaimed for their beautiful craftsmanship, exquisite embellishments and lush fabrics. Many Bollywood celebrities have donned their creations, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Isha Ambani and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, to mention a few.
3 – Anita Dongre
Anita Dongre is famous for creating modern pieces that draw inspiration from traditional Indian motifs. She frequently uses delicate embroidery and embellishments on her works. Her journey from Jaipur to Mumbai, starting off with two sewing machines in a bedroom, to launching two stores in America, creating four labels and dressing up the Duchess of Cambridge is an illuminating example of commitment and perseverance.
4 – Manish Malhotra
One of the popular names in India fashion designer Manish Malhotra is known for his classy and refined creations. He has designed costumes for a number of Bollywood stars as well as for numerous big-budget movies. This celebrated fashion designer did not have any professional training, but he made his breakthrough by creating outfits for Sridevi in the film Gumrah and Michael Jackson during his tour to India.
5 – Rohit Bal
The stunning designs of Rohit Bal are notable for showcasing his passion for traditional Indian fabrics and workmanship. Being from Kashmir, he began his career by working for his brother’s clothing business in 1986. Soon after, in 1990, he launched his own clothing line. His clientele has expanded over time and currently includes celebrities like Uma Thurman, Naomi Campbell, and Pamela Anderson among others.
Also read: Artofia – AI Artist Imagines Animated Version of Shark Tank India Judges with their Epic Responses.
6 – Tarun Tahiliani
The fusion designs of Tarun Tahiliani merge traditional Indian motifs with contemporary fashion. His patrons include Bollywood as well as Hollywood stars like Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Hurley among others.
7 – Neeta Lulla
As a college student, Lulla got the best designer prize, but she had bigger dreams to follow. She is recognized as Bollywood’s most-awarded costume designer and worked in nearly 300 films, including Devdas, Jodha Akbar and Kochadaiiyaan. She has established a reputation in the fashion world by striking the perfect balance between modern and traditional attire. For her work on the Marathi film Balgandharva, Neeta Lulla won the National Film Award for Best Costume Design in 2012.
8 – Ritu Kumar
In a small village close to Calcutta, Kumar began her fashion career forty years ago with a simple setup of four hand block printers and only one table. She is credited with creating the boutique idea in India and is renowned for her refined and exquisite creations. For her contributions in the fashion industry, she received the distinguished ‘Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award.’ Ritu Kumar is a globally appreciated and worn label. Its clientele encompass Indian celebrities like Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Aishwarya Rai as well as global personalities including Princess Diana, Anoushka Shankar and Mischa Barton.
9 – Masaba Gupta
Masaba Gupta, the daughter of prominent actress Neena Gupta, is recognized for her bold and unique designs, which frequently contain flamboyant fabrics and designs. In addition to designing for various Bollywood celebrities, she has also shown her work at international fashion events. Bollywood A-list stars including Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif and Karan Johar have all been spotted wearing designs by House of Masaba.
10 – Anamika Khanna
From India fashion designer Anamika Khanna was the first to introduce her line in the Paris Fashion Week ten years ago. The fashion world was rocked by her distinctive and singular sense of style. She is referred to as the “designers’ designer” and combines Western designs and fabrication with traditional Indian weaves and crafts. Her hallmark styles include the Dhoti saree and the concept of utilizing a cape for Indian attire.
Also read: Top 10 Most Subscribed YouTube Channels in India.
