Designers: Profiles

Abdul Halder

He started his career designing for the king of pop Michael Jackson in 2002, then moved to work with the Italian fashion house SB italia, experiencing shows across Europe and middle east. His debut at the Lakme Fashion Week 06, was followed by the Dubai fashion week 07and the Lakme Fashion Week 07,08.He is the only designer to showcase his collection at the United Nation General Assembly, New York 2nd July 08.

Agnimitra Paul

Women who value pulchritude are likely to flock to Agnimitra Paul, who proves that you can look glamorous and create enchantment. Her creations reach out to a confident, independent individual who are looking to make a western statement while at the same time keeping the Indian exotic touch intact. Agnimitra’s background is a Master’s in Business Management from Jadavpur University, topped off by a diploma from the Fashion School of the Birla Institute of Liberal Arts & Management Sciences, which triggered her launching of her own label INGA A trendsetter in her own rights, she shot to fame with her stint in the movies- both in Bollywood and Tollywood. She has the credit of single handedly changing the style quotient of Bengali films.

Anand Bhushan

Anand Bhushan is an Indian design label for fashion clothing and textiles started by a Delhi based designer Anand Bhushan. The designer is a post graduate from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (2008) and an undergraduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi (2005), but his training and experience as a designer are informed by more than his formal education. An understanding of where fashion and textile has been and where it may be going is vital to Anand’s technique and to his creative process. The label ‘Anand Bhushan’ makes fashion creative but also able. The label exhibits a play of sharp cuts, embellishments and surface detailing indicative of high voltage glamour and luxury.

Archana Kocchar

She is a self taught designer and has been part of the fashion fraternity from the past decade. She has 3 stores in Mumbai. Her pret collection comprises of dresses with cascades of ruches, well- fitted bodices, bead fringes and minute plisse folds, ideal for glamourous occassions. She designs for women who have a global mindset and yet has the coy indian sensibilities of the yesteryears.

Arjun Saluja

Arjun Saluja, designer of Rishta, finished his education in 1998 from Philadelphia College of Textile and Science, graduating with a fashion Merchandising and Design degree. He returned to India at the end of 1999 to create Rishta’s first collection. After this, Arjun opted to go back to where it all started – New York City. He gave New York City an experience of his culture even when India was not trendy. His unique approach provided him with an instant success by selling to stores like Henri Bendel, Anthropologie, Barnets Japan and various high-end boutiques like Tootsies.

Asmita Marwa

"An Awakening" Of The Free Spirit Within Herself, Asmita Draws Immense Inspiration From Nature's Vibrant Creations. Simple Understated Elegance Defines Her Label With Classic Cuts, Natural Fabrics And Structural Simplicity All Coming Together In A Synergy To Unfold A Story. A Global Outlook Imbibed From Her Proud Indian Roots.Her Creativity Runs On The Engine Of Passion, Shape, Textures And Touch In A Pattern With An Inherent Sense Of Aesthetics To Innovate The Fashion World Around Her. A Perfectionist For Details And Finish, Her Designs Combine Avant-Garde Artistry, Traditional Workmanship, And Carefully Selected Fabrics. She Is The Most Sought After Designer For All The Top Stars In The Telegu Film Industry.
Ayan & Preetika

“Couturewala” … the name itself is an inspiration for the designer couple Ayan & Preetika and its being influenced by the simplicity, truth and purity of this most beautiful life. It’s a little more than 4 yr. now Ayan & Preetika completely absorbed by fashion and its flamboyancies. It’s there constant urge and energy to come up with the most refreshingly stunning concepts and new innovations that makes each and every creation of “Couturewala” a timeless piece.”Couturewala” retails selective all over India and Spain. The label specializes in Couture, its influences and implementations in simpler forms.

Deepika Gehani

Launched in 2000, the label believes in the philosophy of being hip, contemporary, sexy & eclectic. Associated with Genesis Colors Pvt. Ltd. since 2005, the label has traversed newer boundaries. Deepika’s Spring/Summer collection – Patch of Paradise is her latest resort wear cruise collection. The collection features free flowing & chic dresses & tunics in a medley of prints and fluid silhouettes.

Digvijay Singh

Digvijay Singh is a multi facetted designer whose inspiration lies in the cultural influences and the classical eras of our country. A graduate in fine arts, he has studied design from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. According to him, each garment is an experience to cherish; each has an individualistic character. Therefore he experiments with materials and techniques to develop interesting textures and varied experiences in clothing.

Drashta Sarvaiya

A western wear label for women recognized for its quirky and unique use of colors and styles has earned tremendous appreciation all across the country and globally in a short time span of three years. Drashta's pick on embellishment has a young and fresh outlook, making the range widely acceptable by her international clients. A label that believes in creating a range of clothes that not only look "beautiful but feel beautiful".

Gayatri Khanna

After Graduating from Babson College, Boston 1997, and having worked with Saks Fifth Avenue and various garment companies, Gayatri ventured out to incorporate Milaaya Embroideries in the US and India. A range of Global couture fashion houses like Christian Dior, Escada, Armani, Anna Sui, Balenciaga get their precise cuts, embroideries and finishes done at Milaaya. Gayatri set up her own fashion house ‘Gayatri Khanna House of Fashion’ in 2006, in India for the global market.

Kallol Datta

From the early days at NIFT, Datta asserted his stamp of individuality in every element of his design process and learning. After his graduation from NIFT in 2004, where he did not win any awards, Datta wanted to evaluate himself on a global level, where the competition would be more intense, and the exposure would be tremendous. His fondness for reading and doodling was key to his gaining admission to Central Saint Martin`s, London (2004), where he pursued a Womenswear degree programme for the next two years. London- where conventions were meant to be challenged, perceptions were waiting to be altered, the box was meant to be stretched and molded- welcomingly absorbed Datta.

Kiran & Meghna

Myoho - Buddhist for the mystic forces of nature. Myoho - a seamless confluence of inspiration, ethnicity and femininity. Each ensemble is designed to come alive on the wearer & frame her feminine core. The confident detailing that is definitive but never daunting or the subtle design that has tiny folds, pleats and tucks tell their own timeless story. Easy, relaxed and organic, each Myoho ensemble is derived from a storehouse of earthy Indian handlooms.

Malini Agarwalla

Malini Agarwaalla launched the label Malaga in 2004. Malaga specializes in carefully handcrafted bags, belts, footwear and fashion jewellery of a wide range and design for women with both traditional and contemporary tastes. Rich embellishments of jeweled pieces, precious and semi-precious stones, swarovski crystals, embroidery, beadwork and zardosi (gold threadwork) are interwoven with use of materials such as fibre, leather and various fabrics (silk, brocade, jute, linen, denim, velvet, cotton etc.) to create a stunning array of formal and casual line of accessories for women.

Manish Gupta

Manish Gupta graduated from the Pearl Academy of Fashion in the year 2001 bagging the ‘Best Academic Performance’ and ‘Technical Excellence’ awards at the graduating show. While still in college, he interned at Ritu Beri’s design studio working as an assistant designer. With five years of experience working with highly talented designers such as Abhishek Gupta/Nandita Basu and Rohit Bal, Manish launched his label ‘Manish Gupta’ in January 2007 as he felt the time is finally right to pursue his dream of being a designer with his own label.

Narendra Kumar

Narendra Kumar was part of the first ever graduating class from National Institute of Fashion Technology (1990) while it was still being run in conjunction with FIT, New York, and Trent Polytechnic, UK. The NK line for both men and women is based on modern cuts and silhouettes but integrates the luxurious aspects of specially woven Indian fabrics and hand-crafted detailing to maintain a couture feel to the line.

Nikasha

A self-trained designer, a professionally trained psychoanalyst, an aesthete with interests in arts and crafts, Nikasha Tawadey made her debut in the Indian fashion industry in 2003 with her eponymous label ‘Nikasha’. She stood out as one of the promising designers, a sentiment echoed internationally with her designs gracing the racks at Selfridges in London and Macy's in San Francisco.

Nikhil and Shantanu

Masters of elegance and sophistication, Shantanu and Nikhil, are a label synonymous with ethereal luxury. The understated appeal of their design aesthetic goes beyond the here and now into a realm of pure classicism. While keeping the handwriting essentially subtle with Indian monochromatic tones, the language is most definitely contemporary and silhouette centric. Blacks and whites, pastel shades of gold and beiges teamed with vintage colors like fiery reds, flirty deep pinks, rich emerald greens, and deep chocolates and coppers have in fact become a strong color palette signature of Shantanu & Nikhil.

Pallavi Jaipur

Once upon a time, there lived a girl in a desert kingdom. She roamed the streets full of colours, ornaments, and designs. All that she experienced, she kept away in her treasure chest. The chest transformed into the Pallavi Jaipur label a couple of years ago. A true graduate of her environment, Pallavi is greatly influenced by the art and culture around her. Her treasure chest reveals the exquisite art and craft of Rajasthan for this Spring Summer collection.

Raghavendra Rathore

Born and brought up in the epicenter of heritage and tradition in the ancient city of Jodhpur, designer Raghavendra Rathore knows only too well the value of ‘Brand India’. His traditional upbringing and training of his craft at the Parsons School of Design in New York gave him the international edge and the insight to create the right mix of aesthetics, craft and heritage in his designs. Mixing old-fashioned workmanship with modern aplomb, Rathore finds newer, subtler ways to evoke the spirit of a by-gone age with a fresher approach. Working in various mediums such as Interior & furnishing design, Outdoor Iron & Wood Furniture Design, gourmet products, Fashion Design and now Lifestyle & Home, he works towards setting newer standards in the design frontier.

Rimzim Dadu

An amalgamation of rich fabric textures with chic street style, of luxury with simplicity, of playfulness with soberness- that’s ‘my village’. The creative fire of this high street fashion label is fueled by a young designer Rimzim Dadu, who classifies her designs as neither Indian, nor western but truly global. An alumnus of Pearl Academy of Fashion, Rimzim works on different fabric textures and mixes unusual fabrics together to create a look, which is truly unique. A minimalist by nature she is inspired by the imperfections around. Her label ‘my village’ reflects her simple design philosophy of understated chic garments.

Ruchi Mehta

Soft feminine dresses and cover-ups skim the curves with ease and grace. Sheer chiffons, textured silks, cutwork constructions, self-on-self embroideries all extend the surface explorations which are the signature of the label. Muted pale and deep colours with gentle sparkles and pearl embellishments complete the feel of relaxed, sophisticated old world charm. Strictly for textile lovers!

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Summer of 1999, Sabyasachi Mukherjee graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, India with three major awards. Four months later, Sabyasachi started his eponymous label. Early 2001, Sabyasachi won the Femina British Council’s most outstanding young Designer of India award, which took him to London for an internship with Georgina Von Etzdorf, an eclectic designer based in Salisbury. He was the first Indian designer to have incorporated the use of Indian textiles in his collections but in a modern context. He describes his own collections as `an International styling with an Indian soul’.

Shantanu & Nikhil

Masters of elegance and sophistication, Shantanu and Nikhil, are a label synonymous with ethereal luxury. The understated appeal of their design aesthetic goes beyond the here and now into a realm of pure classicism. While keeping the handwriting essentially subtle with Indian monochromatic tones, the language is most definitely contemporary and silhouette centric.

Shane & Falguni Peacock

Falguni & Shane Peacock love to dress their women in ultra-feminine and glamourous clothes. The brand is synonymous to high luxury pret, resort and evening wear. The peacock label focusses on dresses that are dreamy, romantic, youthful with a strong sense of colour, drama, and makes a style statement. The designers like to wrap the female form with fluid silks that blend into animal prints with complex textures, in a few words slick, chic and glamorous.

Swapnil Shinde

A NIFT graduate with a diploma in fashion styling from Milan Italy, Swapnil Shinde was one of the final six in the reality TV show, “Lakme Fashion House”. His brand “SWAPNIL SHINDE” revolves around trying to find the possibility of a balance between the two extreme terms, 'sexy' without being cheap or crude, and 'elegant' without being boring or matronly. The SWAPNIL SHINDE woman is everyone. It’s all about figuring out that hidden quality, and it’s the much sort after 'x factor' which the brand aspires to provide.


Tarun Tahiliani

Levi’s® jeans – born in 1873 in the Gold Mines of San Francisco – have adorned Kings and Queens, been worn by Presidents and Rock Stars, inspired Artists and Poets, and captured the attention, imagination, and loyalty of generations of diverse individuals. This Lakmé Fashion Week, master designer Tarun Tahiliani presents his exquisite vision for this icon – featuring a never-before-seen collection of hand-crafted, jeweled, Luxury Jeanswear for women. A stalwart of the Indian fashion scene, and one of the most influential evangelists of Indian fashion over the last two decades, Tarun Tahiliani’s distinctive signature – which has evolved as a fusion of textile detail, refined luxury, and meticulous tailoring – now combines with the allure of Levi’s® to create a collection that is contemporary in its sensibility, yet timeless in its appeal.

Vikram Phadnis

Often referred to as Bollywood`s ace designer, Vikram started his career as a choreographer before rising to fame as a fashion designer. He currently adorns the wardrobes of the biggest names in the glamour industry. Besides his passion for designing, Vikram is a very good stylist, making celebrities of today what they are. Vikram’s efforts have always been to achieve synthesis of popular avant-garde tastes. This has been his unique selling point in his bridal and prêt-a-porter wear. In the fashion and film industry, he has created for himself a place, which can be filled by none other.

Woven Gold

Rohit & Abhishek : The collection by Designer duo is sophisticated and wearable. With the revival of heritage and culture as their base, the garments speak about the rustic and rich old world charm. There is always a surge of Power and Strength in ensemble designed by Rohit & Abhishek. To put it shortly the collection is for Men who are Style conscious and for Women of Substance.

Zubair Kirmani

Zubair Kirmani, who describes today’s luxury as the synthesis of mystery and apparent casualness. His fashion code enhances the figure with the style that fuses together both, contemporary minimalism and a classic heritage inspired from his birthplace…KASHMIR. Zubair always had a clear design philosophy and point of view about being modern, sophisticated, clean and minimal. With attention to detailing, the accent is on intricate hand embroideries, planned patchworks, color blocking and geometric patterns. This time the runway will witness his new language of fashion: ‘Handstiched Garments’.