7 Indian Designers Who Are Making Their Mark Globally

From Manish Malhotra to Rahul Mishra, these designers are taking Indian craftsmanship worldwide.

updated 6 months ago

13 May 2024, 07:13 GMT

7 Indian Designers Who Are Making Their Mark Globally

Events like the Dior pre-fall 2023 collection launch in Mumbai, featuring craftsmanship by Indian artisans, and the inauguration of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, where international celebrities adorned South Asian designs, signify a trend that’s now commonplace. Whether it’s Michelle Obama donning Naeem Khan or Kate Middleton captured in Anita Dongre, Indian fashion is progressively garnering worldwide acclaim. As more designers expand their global reach, here are seven Indian designers who have left an indelible mark internationally, perpetuating the influence of Indian fashion:

Here, Hello! curates a list of 7 leading Indian designers who are making their mark globally 

Manish Malhotra

With over 1,000 films to his credit and a roster of global icons such as Jennifer Aniston in “Murder Mystery 2” and Mindy Kaling for the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art’s 100th Anniversary, his brand epitomises luxeIndian fashion both domestically and internationally.

Notably, his curation of stunning showcases and design of 1500 costumes for “Civilization to Nation, The Great Indian Musical” at NMACC, his innovative Air India uniform design and the most significant and recent opening of his flagship store in Dubai Mall, further showcase his artistry and mark a significant leap in his global influence and fashion legacy!

Rahul Mishra  

Rahul Mishra’s signature floral embroidery has propelled him to global recognition, marked by several milestones. His journey began with an iconic win at the Woolmark Prize in 2014, a first for an Indian designer. Subsequently, he made history again as the first Indian to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week in 2020, where he now continues to be a fixture. 

While his creations have previously graced Frieda Pinto and Priyanka Chopra, Mishra’s acclaim skyrocketed further when international fashion icons Zendaya and Gigi Hadid showcased his masterpieces at the NMACC launch, as well as global stars like Selena Gomez opted for his designs at multiple events. Now, with his new Ready-to-Wear label AFEW, Mishra is set to dominate the fashion scene globally and locally.

Falguni Shane Peacock

From dressing music legends Beyoncé and Lady Gaga to being the first to shoot at the Taj Mahal, Falguni and Shane Peacock’s trajectory is punctuated by milestones. Their influence even reached the international screen, as seen in the second season of “And Just Like That,” where Carrie Bradshaw sported their designs, marking it a pop-culture phenomena. 

However Falguni believes that their game-changing moment was when they styled Fergie for the FIFA World Cup 2010. Their latest collection at New York Fashion Week 2023, featuring ace Hollywood stylist Law Roach as creative director,only further solidified their reputation as fashion innovators on a global stage.

Gaurav Gupta

Gaurav Gupta is another name that is reshaping perceptions of Indian fashion. His journey from showcasing at Paris Haute Couture to dressing Beyoncé three times during her recent Renaissance tour is proof of his international impact. A favourite among celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Lizzo, Gupta’s designs epitomise glamour and that extra edge that many designers today lack.

His debut ready-to-wear collection continues to be a hit on international e-commerce platforms and in esteemed stores like Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Invited to Paris Couture Week earlier this year, he stands as the second Indian designer ever to receive this prestigious honour, solidifying his position on the global stage.

Sabyasachi

Over the past decade, Sabyasachi had solidified his position globally through a series of strategic moves. Winning countless grants and awards in his early stages, appearing on TV with “Band Baajaa Bride,” and dressing influential figures like Oprah Winfrey were pivotal moments that catapulted him to fame. Today he has numerous international collaborations to his name including Christian Louboutin, H&M, Asian Paints, Pottery Barn, ForeverMark, L’Oréal, Starbucks, Thomas Goode and Morgenthal Frederics – and most recently Estée Lauder.  

His distinct “Sabyasachi bride” aesthetic became a symbol of aspiration for women worldwide, after it was donned by countless celebrities including Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. From debuting at Bergdorf Goodman in New York to showcasing at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, his presence extends across continents, marking him as a true global force in fashion.

Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla has steadily climbed the global ladder, making waves at prestigious venues like Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London, and Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in America. 

Since their inception in 1986, they’ve been pioneers in showcasing Indian heritage crafts worldwide, attracting an array of international stars like Beyonce and Gwen Stefani. When costume designer Lindy Hemming donned their striking ensemble at the Oscars and Dame Judi Dench chose AJSK attire for the Bafta awards- it only further cemented an international vision that Indian actors like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai had already championed.

Anita Dongre

With a flagship store in New York and a clientele that includes royalty and influential figures like the Duchess of Cambridge and Arianna Huffington, Anita Dongre has solidified her position as a fashion powerhouse. With multiple stores across the nation including, a new line of vegan accessories and three fast-paced growing brands (Grassroots, AND, Global Desi) under the label: The House of Anita Dongre is in expansion mode.

In 2020, her debut collection on Ounass.ae marked a significant milestone in the Middle Eastern market. Now, as she gears up to open her inaugural boutique in Dubai, it’s a perfect full-circle moment for Dongre.

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@FalguniShanePeacockIndia

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