India's fashion industry is a dynamic fusion of creativity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Over the years Indian designers have revolutionized traditional fashion and have set global trends. Their creations blend innovation with traditions, mesmerizing people across the globe, from Bollywood to international red-carpet events.
From wedding wear to festive styles, these Indian fashion designers have redefined the luxury fashion scene with their iconic collections. Let's take a look at India's top 10 fashion designers, what makes their designs special and celebrities who swear by them.
1. Manish Malhotra - Bollywood's Favorite Couturier
Manish Malhotra, a name linked to Bollywood style, has an influence on Indian haute couture with his mix of glitz and custom. His exquisite range of red-carpet gowns and bridal wear have caught the eye of many stars and changed modern Indian fashion. The collection of Indian dresses features fancy embellishments, detailed embroidery and a Bollywood inspired aesthetic. He is a Bollywood favorite designer for weddings, award shows and personal events. Recently, Priyanka Chopra wore a custom blue designer lehenga by Manish Malhotra for her brother Siddharth Chopra's wedding, exuding glamour and mermaid-like grace.
2. Sabyasachi Mukherjee - The Royal Revivalist
The epitome of royal grace and tradition, Sabyasachi is known to bring back old craft skills to make timeless wedding clothes. His collection often includes hand-woven fabrics, intricate gold thread works and designs that give a feeling of vintage fashion. The designer has maintained the standard of luxury with the use of rich fabrics, intricate hand embroidery and a nostalgic touch of royalty. A Sabyasachi clutch is one of the most loved designer accessories by celebrities worldwide. For Aadar Jain's wedding ceremony, Alia Bhatt made a grand entrance in a dreamy powder pink sequin saree. She paired it with a statement necklace from Sabyasachi High Jewellery.
3. Ritu Kumar - The Textile Pioneer
For over a decade, Ritu Kumar has pioneered Indian fashion, masterfully integrating traditional weaves and crafts into her designs. Her work honors India's rich textile heritage, seamlessly blending classic styles with contemporary silhouettes. Globally, her brand is celebrated for its use of intricate embroidery, indigenous weaves and effortless grace. She has a long history of dressing up Indian celebrities. Notably, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently captivated everyone at Aadar Jain's wedding ceremony, wearing a stunning red saree featuring aari gold embroidery and delicate lace details.
4. Rohit Bal - The Regal Visionary
Rohit Bal was a legendary Indian fashion designer who left behind a legacy of unparalleled grandeur in the world of fashion. His designs ooze grandeur and a deep tribute to Indian heritage. The collection of Indian attire showcased by the brand is renowned for its romantic designs, exquisite embroidery, opulent patterns and regal color palettes. The designer has gained widespread acclaim for its mastery in Kashmiri needlework, flower motifs and dramatic, royal silhouettes. For Diwali last year, Sonam Kapoor picked a Rohit Bal classic couture white gown with cape to celebrate the late designer's legacy and signature luxury style.
5. Tarun Tahiliani - The Draping Maestro
Tarun Tahiliani, a master of drapes, artfully blends timeless craftsmanship with modern architectural silhouettes. His dress designs feature intricate draping, meticulous embroidery and a captivating fusion of Indian and Western aesthetics. He is widely recognized for creating Indian wedding dresses highlighting structured drapes, Mughal-inspired detail and use of high-end fabrics. Katrina Kaif recently graced the red carpet at IIFA's 25th anniversary event in a floral embroidered mermaid lehenga matched with a corset and crystal-draped details.
6. Anita Dongre - Pioneer of Sustainable Luxury
Anita Dongre redefines luxury with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and artisanal mastery. The collection of luxury dresses is a timeless heirloom and is generally handmade using detailed gota patti, hand-painted patterns, and fine embroidery. What truly sets Anita Dongre apart is her ability to evoke a sense of refined luxury while championing eco-friendly practices. Recently, Prajakta Koli picked a custom Anita Dongre lehenga for women with hand-painted Pichhwai designs for her wedding day, showcasing skilled craftsmanship.
7. Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla - The Kings of Splendor
Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla are synonymous with opulent Indian couture. Their signature lies in the masterful fusion of traditional techniques like gota, chikankari, zardozi, and mirror work. Their designs often look breathtakingly grand and exude pure luxury. Widely known for their classic embellishments, intricate embroidery and dramatic silhouettes. They set the standard for luxury Indian wear. Actress Tamannaah Bhatia recently made an appearance in a designer outfit inspired by Mughal 'Sehra,' featuring rubies, pearls, and emeralds, with small pearl tassels and Bandhani dupattas.
8. Anamika Khanna – The Avant-Garde Innovator
Anamika Khanna has mastered the art of contemporary couture, excelling at detailed craftsmanship and modern designs. Her designer creations strike a balance between cutting-edge drapes and classic Indian embroidery, earning her worldwide fashion acclaim. The designer brand is famous for offering sculpted silhouettes, exquisite details and Indo-western styles. Radhika Ambani wore a custom Anamika Khanna couture saree for wedding at her reception. The saree design appeared traditional, yet it possessed a unique contemporary flair.
9. Masaba Gupta - The Print Revolutionist
Masaba Gupta's vibrant, whimsical prints and power styled fusion Indian wear have made her a millennial style icon. Her bold and catchy patterns and use of traditional motifs give designer Indian clothes a modern spin. Her influence in today's fashion scene of India is undeniable. Her designer brand House of Masaba created one-of-a-kind silhouettes and offers a whimsical aesthetic. Kiara Advani recently promoted her film ‘Game Changer’ in a structured white corset dress with intricate embroidery, a draped skirt teamed up with a tasseled stole.
10. Lashkaraa by Sumeer Kaur - The Modern Bridal Expert
Lashkaraa is transforming the wedding fashion scene by making luxurious couture accessible for everyone. Sumeer Kaur is the mastermind who is known for incorporating vivid hues, vibrant embellishments and contemporary silhouettes to Indian bridal wear. The designer brand has cultivated a devoted following among modern fashion enthusiasts. Its unique selling proposition lies in offering affordable luxury, modern bridal couture and trend-driven styles. Jahnvi Kapoor was seen wearing a lavender color designer sharara set for the promotion of her film ‘Mili’.
India has become a powerhouse of luxury fashion. From Bollywood to bridal couture, these famous Indian designers have made an indelible mark on the Indian and global fashion landscape. With their signature style and constant innovation, they continue to set new trends in the Indian fashion industry.
