Indian fashion designers. / Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Gaurav Gupta, Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor, Anita Dongre and Manish Malhotra

In recent years, Indian fashion has significantly gained recognition and influence on the world stage. Indian designers, marrying age-old crafts with a modern vision, are captivating audiences globally. Here’s your guide to the top Indian designers that are gaining international acclaim. Bookmark this guide for an India proud moment!

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Sabyasachi is a brand synonymous with timeless elegance and intricate artistry. Mukherjee’s maximalist creations showcase the beauty of Indian heritage textiles and age-old techniques. From spectacular bridal wear to striking jewellery, Sabyasachi’s creations have adorned Hollywood celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Sofai Vergara, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Rihanna. The reclusive designer was relatively unknown in the United States until he showed at New York Fashion Week in 2006. Presently, he is one of the most popular Indian designers worldwide.

Gaurav Gupta 

Well-loved for his one-of-a-kind, sculptural creations, Gaurav Gupta has captured the attention of Hollywood. A few years ago, Gupta made his Paris Haute Couture Week debut, which catapulted him to the international stage. His futuristic silhouettes and innovative approach have made him a favorite among international influencers such as Beyonce and Cardi B. Gaurav Gupta stands out from other Indian designers thanks to his avant-garde, indo-western design aesthetic. 

Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor

A month ago, Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor hosted a trunk show in New York City, which was very well received and garnered significant attention. Celebrated for her delicate embroidery work, contemporary designs, and traditional yet modern silhouettes, Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor is a sought-after name, especially for bridal wear. Her creations showcase intricate detailing and an exquisite aesthetic, appealing to a discerning global clientele looking for chic and culturally rich Indian outfits. 

Anita Dongre

Anita Donger has dressed royals such as the Duchess of Cambridge as well as Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Hollywood celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Sophie Turner among others. An advocate of sustainable and ethical fashion, Anita Dongre has left a mark for her commitment to eco-friendly practices and the empowerment of rural artisans. Her brands, including 'AND' and 'GlobalDesi', mix traditional Indian crafts with modern styles, appealing to a global audience. Her beautiful bridal collections are an ode to India from a bygone era. 

Rahul Mishra  

As the first Indian designer to exhibit at Paris Haute Couture Week, Rahul Mishra is well-loved for his dedication to slow fashion and the preservation of traditional Indian arts. His creations, crafted in collaboration with skilled artisans, showcase a philosophy of sustainability and empowerment. Mishra’s outfits have been worn by celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Ashley Park. 

Manish Malhotra

A renowned figure in Indian fashion, Manish Malhotra is celebrated for his glamorous Bollywood-inspired outfits. His collections showcase a diverse palette of fabrics, hues, silhouettes that oscillate between the old-world regalia and the modern repertoire. His creations have been worn by international celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston, and been showcased on global platforms. Malhotra’s recent entry into establishing a permanent presence in Dubai exhibits his expanding international footprint.

Studio Verandah 

Known for its ‘vacation chic’ style, Studio Verandah by Anjali Patel Mehta has gained international acclaim through its feature in the series ‘The White Lotus.’ The brand’s effortless style and relaxed silhouettes inspired by luxury travel resonate with a wider audience, elevating it to a global stage.

New India Abroad spoke to the Indian American community to learn about their thoughts on Indian designers making waves globally. Here’s what they had to say. 

“It's so exciting to see Indian designers finally getting the recognition they deserve on the global stage. Recently, I was watching the latest season of the wildly popular TV show ‘White Lotus' and was so thrilled to see actors wearing chic resort wear pieces from an Indian brand—Verandah by Anjali Patel Mehta. Indian designers have finally arrived and the world is taking notice,” mentioned Anisha Kapoor, a New York-based marketing manager and fashion enthusiast. 

“I feel so proud to see mainstream global mega celebrities like Beyonce, Cardi B, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, and Paris Hilton, wearing Gaurav Gupta, who is one of my favorite Indian designers. What I love about his work is that he’s always pushing the envelope to craft avant-garde silhouettes that complement women of all sizes and ethnicities,” concluded Ekta Gupta, a Los Angeles-based therapist.