Game Changers: Emerging Fashion Entrepreneurs Redefining India’s Style Scene

India’s fashion industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, and at the forefront are a new wave of entrepreneurs who are reshaping the style landscape. These emerging fashion game changers are blending creativity with innovation, challenging traditional norms, and making a significant impact on how India expresses itself through fashion. From sustainable designs to tech-driven solutions, these visionary entrepreneurs are setting new standards and redefining the future of fashion in the country.

In this article, we introduce you to some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the Indian fashion industry and explore how their innovative ideas and bold approaches are shaping the future of fashion in India. From disrupting the market with sustainable practices to creating unique designs that capture the essence of modern India, these visionaries are setting new trends and redefining the fashion landscape.

Namita Alexander

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, where style reigns supreme, one name that stands out is Namita Alexander. A celebrity stylist with a clientele that includes the likes of Jacqueline Fernandes, Diana Penty, Huma Qureshi, Chitrangda Singh, and Pooja Hegde, Namita has carved a niche for herself with her impeccable taste and creative flair. Her styling for the celebrity wedding of Rajkumar Rao and Patralekha went viral too. Having recently returned from the Oscars, she is now prepping for the Cannes film festival.

Namita was formerly a journalist working with NDTV. Though she had always been drawn to fashion, it wasn’t until 2017 that she stumbled upon an opportunity that would change her life forever. A close friend, who happened to be a celebrity, sought Namita’s advice for an important event. Little did she know that this casual suggestion would mark the beginning of her styling journey.

For the next six months, Namita found herself advising her friend on various outfits and styles. It was during this time that she realized her knack for fashion and the potential it held. As fate would have it, a golden opportunity presented itself at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Namita was entrusted with styling Diana Penty and her appearance at the festival won the title of “Best Dressed” across multiple platforms.

Encouraged by her resounding success, Namita decided to transform her creative calling into a full-fledged business, and Namita Alexander Styling Ltd. was born. Her hashtag #StyledByNamitaAlexander is widely searched to discover new designers and see some different ways of styling clothes. Namita always respected fashion as her art form. In 2022 she Co-founded My Almari with her two partners. My Almari is an e-commerce platform that is revolutionising the way luxury goods are bought and sold.

Namita has learnt invaluable lessons along the way. Now as a fashion entrepreneur, she believes in taking each day as it comes, and planning her calendar to the minute to keep up when her dates are booked months in advance.

She underscores the significance of patience and hard work, as they are the key ingredients for long-term success. In a highly competitive industry, Namita emphasises the need to have a distinct voice and the ability to package and sell that voice in a way that resonates with others.

Namita Alexander’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and seizing opportunities. As she continues to make waves in Bollywood’s fashion landscape, she remains an inspiration to aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs, a beacon of creativity and unwavering determination in the face of challenges.

Divya Aggarwal, Founder & Designer – By Divya Aggarwal

Divya Aggarwal, Founder & Designer of her namesake luxury couture label is on a mission to preserve India’s rich heritage, culture, and craftsmanship through her unique designs. After majoring in Fashion Designing and a minor in Design Management, from Parsons School of Design in New York, she gained valuable experience with brands like KAZO and BL International.

With over 5 years of industry experience, she launched her own label, combining contemporary aesthetics with timeless traditions. Divya’s label blends modern style with traditional Indian fashion, breaking away from common trends and her designs showcase a mix of global fashion influences, featuring distinctive prints, vibrant colors, and visionary designs.

The label aims to set a new standard for Indian fusion and traditional wear, offering bespoke couture that reflects individuality and creativity. While evoking the very spirit of India with blouses, lehengas, and traditional adornments, Divya Aggarwal also hinges on western modernity with fusion skirts, corsets, and jackets. Her collections boast a variety of colors, designs, and prints, allowing for versatile styling and long-lasting wear due to its classic designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

In essence, Divya Aggarwal’s couture label is poised to set trends and make a lasting impact in the world of fashion by bringing forth a unique fusion of urban relevance and timeless Indian charm, promising to be a trendsetter with its alluring and finely crafted creations.

Mussarat Merchant, Founder – Label Frow

Mussarat Merchant is the visionary behind Label Frow, a Western wear clothing brand that brings international fashion trends to women in India. Specializing in occasion-based clothing and custom-made pieces, Label Frow ensures a perfect fit while promoting sustainability by maintaining low inventory and reducing waste.

Determined to create her own fashion brand, Mussarat pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business from the Raffles Institute in Singapore and completed a styling course at Central Saint Martins in London. Her passion for fashion stems from the women in her family, who loved to dress up and were influenced by Western styles, instilling in Mussarat a deep appreciation for the art of fashion.

Mussarat draws inspiration from Victoria Beckham, admiring her brand’s minimal and versatile designs, and aims to elevate Label Frow to a similar level of excellence. Additionally, she looks up to Simon Porte Jacquemus, the founder and creative director of Jacquemus, for his innovative marketing and creative content strategies.

As an entrepreneur, Mussarat has faced several challenges, particularly starting young and without industry connections. She has navigated daily struggles and learning opportunities, and being an introvert has made networking difficult. While she believes that working under an established mentor could have provided valuable experience, learning from her own mistakes has been a significant part of her journey.

Outside of her business, Mussarat enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and traveling to experience new cultures. These activities help her relax and stay inspired.

Mussarat’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on building the right connections and networks, as relationships are crucial in the industry. She also encourages embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.

Starting Label Frow during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging but opportunistic. Mussarat used the downtime to collaborate with influencers, celebrities, and stylists, which helped build brand awareness. Today, Label Frow is recognized for its unique, stylish, occasion-based clothing, showcased by celebrities like Kriti Sanon, Ananya Pandey, Jacqueline Fernandez, Jhanvi Kapoor, and Sonakshi Sinha, as well as fashion influencers like Komal Pandey, Sakshi Sindwani, and Sonam Babani. The brand has also been featured in prestigious magazines such as Cosmopolitan India and Grazia India. Additionally, Label Frow is available on Nykaa Fashion, Myntra Luxe, and Aza, further expanding its reach. Mussarat is proud of how far Label Frow has come and continues to strive for excellence.

Ananya Arora – Fashion Stylist, Founder- Bolt PR

Ananya Arora has built a remarkable career in fashion, drawing on years of experience across diverse roles within the industry. Her journey has allowed her to work with multiple brands, giving her valuable insights into every layer of the fashion business, from design and production to marketing and retail. This hands-on experience has given her the flexibility and adaptability to tackle evolving trends and challenges with ease. Beyond her skills, Ananya’s network is a testament to the connections she has cultivated—enabling her to navigate the fashion world effectively.

Her move into PR felt natural after years of success as a stylist and fashion label owner. Working with brands in this capacity revealed the powerful role she could play in marketing and storytelling, eventually inspiring her to take on PR as a full-time endeavor. Ananya’s own journey has not been without challenges.

A mother to a five-year-old daughter and a committed runner and fitness enthusiast, Ananya has found ways to balance her passions with family life. Her inspiration comes from other women who manage this balance gracefully. Though she feels she may have taken longer than she’d like to prioritize her goals, when she finally did, she gave it her all, bringing her interpersonal skills and transparency to the forefront. It’s her ability to make genuine connections and stay true to her clients that have allowed her to build a sought-after PR agency in just three years. Ananya believes that whenever you set out on a new journey, giving it your full commitment is the key to creating something meaningful.

Anshu Dhawan, Founder – PearlSmith

Anshu Dhawan is a name synonymous with style, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in the fashion industry. As the founder of PearlSmith, a brand known for its innovative and enchanting designs, Anshu has made her mark by blending timeless elegance with modern trends. Her journey into fashion began with a push from her best friend, Shruti, who encouraged her to explore Instagram, setting the stage for her influential career.

PearlSmith is a reflection of Anshu’s vision for fashion that resonates with contemporary tastes. The brand celebrates creativity, offering intricate accessories and bold statement pieces that capture the imagination of fashion enthusiasts. Anshu’s entrepreneurial spark was further fueled by her husband, whose journey from a laid-back individual to a disciplined and successful entrepreneur inspired her to launch PearlSmith.

As a fashion and lifestyle influencer, Anshu has collaborated with esteemed brands like Dyson, Nykaa, and Lakmé, making luxury fashion accessible to her audience. Despite challenges, her unwavering commitment has driven her success, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when her influence surged, leading to significant brand collaborations and the launch of PearlSmith’s website.

Anshu’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in the fashion world.

Vinita Wadhwani, Founder – QOUI

Vinita Wadhwani’s story is one of passion, creativity, and determination. As an interior designer by profession and a fashion enthusiast at heart, she found a way to bring her dreams to life by creating her own clothing brand, QOUI. This leap from designing spaces to crafting unique fashion pieces wasn’t easy, but it was a natural step for someone as driven and creative as her.

Starting QOUI was far from straightforward—it was a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and moments of doubt. But Vinita embraced every hurdle as a learning experience, using each one to grow stronger and more determined. Launching her brand was more than just a milestone; it was a reflection of her resilience and her ability to turn her vision into reality.

Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Vinita spent nearly ten years working in her family business. That experience shaped her work ethic and taught her the importance of persistence, something that has been a constant in her journey. Yet, she always knew her true calling lay in design and fashion. Eventually, she decided to take the leap and build something of her own, a decision that changed her life.

When she’s not busy running QOUI, Vinita makes time for her health and well-being. Working out at least four times a week keeps her energized and helps her stay balanced, even with the demands of managing a business. Travel is another passion of hers—it’s a way to recharge, explore new cultures, and draw inspiration for her work. Every place she visits adds a new layer to her creativity and perspective.

Vinita’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly fulfilling. Her story shows that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to turn your dreams into reality. As she continues to grow with QOUI, she’s excited to see where the journey will take her next.