From Underground to Spotlight: The Rising Icons of the Indian Fashion Industry 2024

In the ever-evolving tapestry of India’s fashion landscape, a vibrant shift is underway as we witness the ascent of trailblazing talents from the underground to the spotlight. The year 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Indian fashion industry, as a new generation of visionaries emerges, redefining the conventional norms and making an indelible mark on the sartorial scene. From the hidden corners of creativity to the dazzling limelight, join us on a journey to discover the rising icons shaping the very essence of Indian fashion in 2024.

Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba

Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.

Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.

Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands. From her inaugural collection at 19 to the establishment of ‘House of Masaba,’ her journey underscores the profound impact of persistence on the road to success.

Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre, a luminary in the fashion realm, is celebrated for her distinctive style deeply rooted in Indian traditions. With a degree in Fashion Design and a profound appreciation for artisans in Jaipur’s rural villages, Dongre’s design journey reflects her cultural influences, evident from her inaugural collection. Beyond her creative pursuits, she has become a beacon of empowerment for rural women, championing skill training and livelihood opportunities through The Anita Dongre Foundation.

At 54, Dongre stands at the helm of her eponymous label, a western wear line, and the boho-chic brand Global Desi, showcasing a harmonious blend of indigenous craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics. Notably, her designs have graced both international royalty, such as creating an exceptional outfit for Kate Middleton, and the enchanting allure of the silver screen, manifesting on the fashion runway.

Anita Dongre’s multifaceted expertise extends beyond fashion; she is a revivalist of rural craft, an environmentalist, and an ethical vegan. In the current landscape, she rightfully claims her position as one of India’s foremost female fashion entrepreneurs, leaving an indelible mark with her commitment to tradition, sustainability, and innovation.

Richa Kar, Founder – Zivame

Hailing from Jamshedpur, Richa Kar’s journey is a testament to entrepreneurial courage and determination. After completing her engineering at BITS Pilani in 2002 and earning a master’s degree from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in 2007, Richa embarked on her professional journey with roles at SAP Retail and Spencers, gaining invaluable exposure to the retail market. Her association with Limited, the parent company of lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret, revealed a stark gap in the availability of branded lingerie in India, coupled with the hesitancy women felt in this realm.

Motivated to bridge this gap and empower women to overcome societal taboos surrounding lingerie shopping, Richa Kar conceived the idea of Zivame, an online lingerie store aimed at simplifying the shopping experience for women. Undeterred by societal norms and armed with a vision, she leveraged her savings and borrowed from friends to bring her concept to life. Zivame not only addressed the discomfort many Indian women faced but also shattered taboos surrounding lingerie shopping.

Despite facing initial resistance from her parents, Richa’s unwavering commitment to her vision propelled her to triumph over challenges, turning Zivame into a successful venture that transformed the lingerie retail landscape in India.

Khushboo Wason, Founder – LABEL KW

Khushboo Wason, the visionary Founder of LABEL KW, has seamlessly woven a narrative of cultural diversity in clothing for men, women, and kids. With a distinct focus on blending different cultures and their unique styles, LABEL KW emerges as a symbol of social status, self-expression, and group identity.

With a remarkable seven-year journey in the fashion industry, Khushboo’s trajectory began with her entrance into fashion college. Today, she stands as a resilient and independent woman, balancing her roles as a contented wife and a mother to a baby girl.

In a realm where personal style intertwines with identity and values, Khushboo emphasizes that fashion serves as a powerful form of expression. Regardless of individual designer preferences, her brand resonates with the belief that fashion allows individuals to convey their unique styles and trends.

Khushboo’s heartfelt message echoes a commitment to empowering hardworking women entrepreneurs. She envisions a world where every woman can embrace the freedom to be the person she aspires to become. Through LABEL KW, Khushboo exemplifies the transformative power of fashion as a means of self-discovery and empowerment.

Cheshta, CEO – Sugar Candy

Cheshta, the dedicated CEO of Sugar Candy, shares her journey and passion for the fashion industry in a compelling narrative. Her love for experimenting with looks since childhood fueled her ambition, leading her to reject multiple job offers to pursue her dream.

Reflecting on the pivotal moments, Cheshta highlights the success of Sugar Candy’s exhibition in Mumbai, where positive feedback and customer appreciation inspired her to propel the business further. Embracing the “Made in India” ethos, Cheshta emphasizes her commitment to working with Indian artisans, understanding the needs of Indian customers, and contributing to the fashion industry’s growth.

Despite facing challenges, Cheshta remains resolute, continuously working on new ideas and believing in their success. Her best decision, opening her brand, brings her immense happiness as she channels her creativity to propel the brand forward. Cheshta condemns the sheepish behavior prevalent in the fashion industry, advocating for originality and urging fellow women entrepreneurs not to give up.

With aspirations to make Sugar Candy a renowned Indian brand, Cheshta acknowledges the support of her team and partners. While recognizing the achievements so far, she remains focused on the journey ahead, determined to combat the imitative nature of India’s fashion industry by creating something uniquely her own.

Manika Chaudhry, Founder – Lime By Manika

Manika Chaudhry, the visionary Founder of Lime By Manika, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey driven by a desire to balance motherhood with a fulfilling career. Leveraging her background from a family of jewelers and her lifelong passion for crafting, Manika swiftly acquired the skills needed to launch her business, initially focusing on handmade accessories.

Navigating the challenges of sustaining a homegrown business in Mumbai, Manika found her breakthrough by embracing online platforms, allowing Lime By Manika to reach a broader audience. Despite slow growth, the decision to prioritize family while pursuing a career became Manika’s best choice, marking over a decade of successfully offering unique jewelry for both kids and brides-to-be.

While gaining fame for her distinctive Gota jewelry worn during Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies, Manika pioneered festive and ethnic jewelry for little girls, carving a niche in the market. Lime By Manika stands out for creating one-of-a-kind, fun, and practical jewelry, tapping into the passion of dressing up little girls for various occasions.

Manika’s transition from a hobbyist to a career entrepreneur was transformative, leveraging her advertising and corporate communications background to establish Lime By Manika as a recognizable brand. Looking ahead, her goal is to expand online presence across major fashion platforms and collaborate with exclusive kids’ wear stores, aiming for a nationwide reach.

In the ever-evolving trends of kids’ jewelry, Lime By Manika adapts to occasion-based preferences, currently focusing on floral designs for the festive and wedding season. Manika encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start without waiting for the “right time,” emphasizing continuous learning and the plethora of available online courses.

With a keen eye on the resurgence of Indian ethnic and cultural jewelry, Lime By Manika incorporates timeless styles like Kundan, polki, Gota, and contemporary beaded designs in their collections, contributing to the revival of rich heritage jewelry specific to Indian culture.

Somansh Arora, Founder – The Clothing Factory

Somansh, the innovative Founder of The Clothing Factory, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Transitioning from architecture to the family export business, he immersed himself in the intricacies of fashion, eventually founding his own clothing brand.

The Clothing Factory’s journey began with repurposing surplus fabrics and deadstock into unique designs, transforming challenges into creative possibilities. What started as a side gig alongside Somansh’s architectural pursuits organically evolved into a purposeful venture, guided by passion and intention.

Facing logistical hurdles and evolving challenges, The Clothing Factory prioritizes a customer-centric approach, emphasizing responsiveness and continual improvement. The brand’s success is marked by each collection release, a testament to its ability to not only survive but thrive in a highly competitive market.

Somansh believes in influencing the Indian fashion industry with a fashion-forward ethos, pushing boundaries with experimental and distinctive styles. The brand recognizes its dedicated labor force as the true backbone of the industry, emphasizing positive influence on a global scale.

Innovative approaches set The Clothing Factory apart, rooted in tailoring global fashion trends for the Indian market. Meticulous fit checks and a commitment to crafting pieces with the Indian customer in mind contribute to a tailored experience.

The pivotal moment of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards focusing on the brand’s website and curating collections tailored for customers, reflecting the industry’s transformation. The Clothing Factory continues its growth trajectory with collaborations, including a partnership with Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” and envisions venturing into offline retail.

Offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Somansh emphasizes originality, contributions to the industry, and community benefits. The Clothing Factory’s aspirations include exciting collaborations and the anticipation of upcoming trends, such as the metallic aesthetic for women and the embroidered resort look for men, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and growth in the dynamic fashion industry.

Kajal Manjani, Director – House of Kajal Kreations

Kajal Manjani, the force behind House of Kajal Kreations, is making waves in the garment manufacturing scene. Her three distinct brands, Rabb Couture, Manka Closet & The Story of KOHL weave together creativity and quality, offering customers a mesmerizing fusion of style and innovation.

Embarking on her entrepreneurial journey in 2017, Kajal’s story is one of dedication and grit. A graduate from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, she shifted from hospitality to the IT sector before turning her lifelong dream of entrepreneurship into reality in the fashion realm.

Kajal doesn’t shy away from challenges, embracing the universal rollercoaster of entrepreneurship with resilience. She’s no stranger to self-doubt but firmly believes that comebacks are always sweeter.

Beyond the business hustle, Kajal is a people person. She cherishes connections with friends, finds joy in cooking, and kicks back watching TV. Her message to budding women entrepreneurs? Dare to dream, take that leap of faith, and follow your heart. She’s a firm believer in the power of women to create wonders and urges them to be independent, lace up their shoes, and march confidently toward turning their goals and visions into reality.

Mitali Vakil, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Mitali Vakil, a luminary in the realm of celebrity makeup artistry with a decade-long expertise, specializes in the nuanced art of subtle glam and soft-focus makeup. Her journey, an embodiment of passion transformed into a fulfilling career, stands as a testament to her discerning skills.

Commencing her odyssey at the prestigious Delamar Academy of Makeup in London, Mitali underwent comprehensive training in makeup and prosthetics. Upon her return to India, she honed her craft through assisting roles until her pivotal break eight years ago, working alongside Sonam Kapoor in “Padman.” Since then, Mitali has adorned the faces of various leading actresses, including Parineeti, Yami, Ananya, Alaya, Tabu, and Ileana.

Navigating the dynamic landscape of the industry, Mitali acknowledges the challenges posed by constant changes and unpredictability. Yet, her versatility and commitment to staying abreast of industry norms have been pivotal in her journey, steering her clear of major challenges.

Reflecting on her journey, Mitali emphasizes the importance of adaptability, asserting that egos find no place in their line of work. Her overarching lesson underscores the significance of kindness, a trait that transcends and garners recognition in the competitive world of celebrity makeup artistry.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, Mitali imparts the wisdom of focusing on the present task at hand, discouraging the pursuit of quick fame or monetary gains. Her message echoes the sentiment that genuine dedication and a steadfast commitment to the craft are the true catalysts for success in this dynamic industry.

Sakshi C Kumar, Director – Tulsi, Founder – Canvas

Sakshi C Kumar stands as a beacon of tradition and innovation in the world of fashion, continuing the visionary legacy of her mother-in-law, Neeru Kumar, through Tulsi, a revered women’s wear brand entrenched in handcrafted fabrics and Indian culture for over four decades. With a background from the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), Sakshi seamlessly integrated her design prowess into the family business, marking a natural progression fueled by her marriage into the Kumar family.

Inspired by her parents’ progressive outlook and unwavering support, Sakshi embarked on her journey, guided by her father-in-law’s mentorship and her mother-in-law’s exceptional design acumen. Despite entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sakshi found herself enveloped in a supportive environment, championed by her husband Siddharth and a team of individuals committed to fostering equality and respect.

Throughout her journey, Sakshi has encountered challenges, as every entrepreneur does, but her steadfast commitment to authenticity and teamwork has been her guiding light. She recognizes the importance of staying true to oneself, believing in one’s strengths, and navigating the inevitable highs and lows with resilience and grace.

Beyond her role in the business realm, Sakshi finds fulfillment in nurturing her family and cherishing moments of togetherness. Whether it’s watching movies, staying active through workouts, or relishing cozy evenings with loved ones, she embraces life’s simple joys.

To aspiring women entrepreneurs, Sakshi offers a message of empowerment and perseverance. She encourages them to embrace their unique journey, trust in their abilities, and cultivate an environment of collaboration and support. Success, she believes, knows no bounds when fueled by authenticity, determination, and a shared vision.