Welcome to the colorful world of fashion where creativity knows no bounds! India, with its rich textile heritage, offers a diverse array of Fashion Designing Courses. From traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge technology, Fashion Designing Courses in India cater to every style enthusiast. Whether you’re intrigued by haute couture, sustainable fashion, or digital design, you’ll find a course that suits your passion. Join me as we explore the myriad Types of Fashion Designing Courses in India, where innovation and tradition blend seamlessly to shape the fashionistas of tomorrow.
Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design
A Fashion Design Bachelor’s Degree serves as the cornerstone of education for those with dreams of becoming future fashion designers. Typically spanning a duration of four years, these programs impart students with a well-rounded comprehension of fundamental fashion design principles, encompassing pattern creation, sewing skills, and a rich knowledge of fashion’s historical evolution. Prestigious institutions such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Design (NID) are renowned for their outstanding undergraduate fashion design programs. Also read – How Many Types of Makeup Courses Are There?
Master’s Degree in Fashion Design
If you aspire to enhance your expertise and abilities within the realm of fashion design, opting for a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design emerges as a perfect selection. These advanced academic programs, typically spanning a duration of two years, empower individuals to focus on particular domains like haute couture, textile design, or sustainable fashion, thereby fostering specialized growth. They also emphasize research and innovation in the industry.
Diploma in Fashion Design
Diploma programs in the field of fashion design offer a more concise educational path when compared to their degree counterparts, usually spanning just one to two years. They cater to those in pursuit of a concentrated, practical approach to honing their fashion design skills. They cover various aspects, including garment construction, fashion sketching, and fabric selection.
Certificate Courses in Fashion Design
Certificate courses in fashion design are designed for those who want to get a taste of the industry without committing to a long-term program. These courses are often a few months to a year in duration and offer specialized training in areas like fashion styling, accessory design, or fashion marketing.
Fashion Marketing and Management Courses
Fashion isn’t just about designing; it’s also about marketing and management. Fashion marketing and management courses are tailored for individuals interested in the business side of the fashion industry. These programs teach concepts related to retail management, fashion merchandising, and brand management.
Textile Designing Courses
Textiles are the building blocks of fashion, and textile designers play a pivotal role in the industry. Textile designing courses focus on fabric creation, printing techniques, and textile technology. Graduates of these courses often find employment in textile mills, fashion houses, and even as independent textile designers.
Fashion Styling Courses
Fashion stylists are the creative minds behind the stunning looks seen in magazines, advertisements, and on the runway. Fashion styling courses teach students how to curate outfits, accessorize, and create visually compelling fashion stories. These courses are perfect for individuals with a keen eye for trends and aesthetics.
Fashion Illustration Courses
Fashion illustration is the art of translating fashion concepts into visual representations. Aspiring fashion illustrators can enroll in courses that teach them the techniques of sketching and rendering fashion designs. These skills are crucial for communicating design ideas effectively.
Clothing artisans play a pivotal role in crafting the wardrobe donned by actors in movies, stage performances, and TV series. Courses in costume craftsmanship empower learners with the expertise required to conceive and fashion outfits that harmonize with the character’s identity and the overarching motif of the production.
Sustainable Fashion Courses
As sustainability becomes a paramount concern in the fashion industry, sustainable fashion courses have gained prominence. These programs focus on eco-friendly materials, ethical practices, and sustainable fashion design principles. They prepare students to create fashion with a conscience.
Bridal and Wedding Couture Courses
Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, and bridal couture is a thriving industry. Courses in bridal and wedding couture specialize in designing exquisite wedding attire, including bridal gowns, lehengas, and sherwanis.
Footwear and Accessories Designing Courses
Fashion isn’t limited to clothing; it extends to accessories and footwear. Courses in footwear and accessories designing teach students how to create unique and stylish shoes, bags, belts, and jewelry.
Pattern Making and Garment Construction Courses
Pattern making and garment construction are the technical aspects of fashion design. These courses focus on creating patterns and sewing garments with precision and attention to detail. Graduates of these courses often work as pattern makers or tailors. Also read – How to Hire a DJ for Your Spectacular New Year’s Eve Party 2024
Conclusion
In conclusion, the diverse array of Fashion Designing Courses in India is a testament to the country’s vibrant fashion industry. From traditional textile craftsmanship to cutting-edge technology-driven programs, aspiring designers have a multitude of choices to explore their creative passions. These courses not only nurture talent but also cater to varied interests and career goals. With India’s rich cultural heritage and growing global influence in fashion, Fashion Designing Courses in India provide a dynamic platform for individuals to embark on an exciting and fulfilling journey in the world of style and design.
Also read – TOP 5 HOTTEST AND FITTEST BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES IN 2023
The bride’s attire is frequently the centre of attention when it comes to weddings. Modern brides are embracing distinctive and unorthodox styles that express their individuality and personal taste, although traditional wedding gowns still have a timeless charm. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular dress styles for weddings that are redefining bridal fashion and captivating hearts worldwide.
Bohemian Bliss: The bohemian wedding dress style has gained immense popularity in recent years. Embracing free-spiritedness and a laid-back vibe, boho dresses often feature flowing silhouettes, delicate lace, and whimsical details. With their ethereal elegance, these dresses are perfect for outdoor weddings, beach ceremonies, or intimate garden celebrations.
Vintage Glamour: Channeling the elegance and nostalgia of bygone eras, vintage-inspired wedding dresses are a timeless choice. From the glamorous Art Deco era to the romantic Victorian era, vintage dresses capture the essence of a bygone time with intricate beadwork, lace overlays, and sophisticated silhouettes. Vintage dresses can add a touch of old-world charm to any wedding setting.
Minimalist Chic: Simplicity is the key to this contemporary wedding dress style Clean lines, svelte forms, and modest grace are characteristics of minimalist wedding gowns. These dresses frequently have luxurious materials, such satin or silk, and they have a casual elegance about them. Minimalist chic is perfect for modern, city weddings or for those who appreciate understated beauty.
Non-Traditional Colors: Breaking away from the traditional white or ivory, non-traditional colored wedding dresses are making a bold statement. From soft pastels to vibrant hues like blush pink, champagne, or even black, colored wedding dresses allow brides to showcase their personality and style. These unconventional colors bring a refreshing twist to the traditional wedding ensemble.
Jumpsuits and Separates: For the bride seeking something truly unique and unconventional, jumpsuits and separates offer a contemporary alternative to the traditional wedding gown. Jumpsuits provide a modern, fashion-forward look, while separates allow for mix-and-match options, enabling brides to create their own personalized wedding outfit. These options are ideal for the confident and fashion-conscious bride who wants to make a statement.
Ethereal Whimsy: Embracing fairytale-like enchantment, ethereal wedding dresses capture a sense of magic and fantasy. Delicate tulle, illusion necklines, and intricate floral appliqués adorn these dreamy gowns, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Ethereal wedding dresses are perfect for romantic, outdoor ceremonies or enchanted forest-themed weddings.
Romantic Lace: Lace has always been synonymous with romance and elegance. Romantic lace wedding dresses create a timeless and feminine look that never goes out of style. Whether it’s delicate Chantilly lace or bold floral lace patterns, these dresses evoke a sense of vintage charm and sophistication. Lace can be incorporated into various dress styles, from fit-and-flare to A-line, allowing brides to showcase their personal style while exuding romance.
Statement Sleeves: Sleeves are making a comeback in a big way, adding drama and flair to wedding dresses. From billowing bishop sleeves to intricately detailed illusion sleeves, statement sleeves bring a touch of uniqueness to the bridal ensemble. They can be embellished with lace, embroidery, or sheer fabrics to create a gorgeous focal point and improve the dress’ overall silhouette. For brides who want to make a strong fashion statement while yet retaining a traditional bridal style, dramatic sleeves are ideal.
High-low Hemlines: For brides who want to showcase their footwear or add a playful touch to their ensemble, high-low hemline wedding dresses are an excellent choice. These dresses feature a shorter front hemline that gradually extends into a longer train at the back. The result is a dress that allows for easy movement while maintaining an elegant and chic appearance. High-low hemlines are particularly popular for outdoor or beach weddings, as they allow brides to navigate different terrains with ease.
Cultural Fusion: As our world becomes increasingly multicultural, many couples are incorporating elements of their cultural heritage into their wedding attire. Cultural fusion dresses blend traditional elements with modern design, creating a harmonious representation of diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s incorporating traditional embroidery, patterns, or fabrics from different cultures, these dresses celebrate diversity and honor the bride’s roots.
Sustainable Choices: With the growing emphasis on sustainability, many brides are opting for eco-friendly wedding dresses. These dresses are made from organic, recycled, or upcycled materials, reducing their environmental impact. Sustainable wedding dresses often prioritize ethical manufacturing practices and fair trade. They can be designed in various styles, from boho chic to minimalist elegance, allowing brides to make a positive impact on their special day.
Modern Ball Gowns: For brides who want to embrace tradition with a contemporary twist, modern ball gowns are an excellent choice. These dresses feature the classic silhouette of a voluminous skirt paired with a fitted bodice, but with modern elements such as sleek fabrics, minimalist embellishments, or unique necklines. Modern ball gowns offer a perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern sophistication.
Sheer and Illusion Details: Adding an element of allure and mystery, sheer and illusion details have become increasingly popular in wedding dresses. Whether it’s illusion lace panels, sheer sleeves, or illusion necklines, these delicate and intricate details provide a touch of sensuality while maintaining a sense of elegance. Sheer and illusion elements can be incorporated into various dress styles, allowing brides to showcase their desired level of modesty or playfulness.
floral ornamentation: Wedding dresses seem fanciful and beautiful when embellished with floral details. These delicate elements, which may include 3D floral appliqués, embroidered flowers, or floral lace patterns, give the garment texture, depth, and a hint of natural beauty. Depending on the bride’s preferences and the overall wedding theme, floral embellishments might be delicate and delicate or bold and vivid.
Conclusion:
The variety of wedding dress styles is growing as the bridal fashion industry develops. From modern ball gowns to sheer and illusion details, floral embellishments to convertible dresses, statement backs to two-piece ensembles, brides today have an abundance of options to find a dress that reflects their individuality and makes a lasting impression on their wedding day.
Fashion is a huge industry in India. With global station Indian
Fashion has got a wider platform to display their talents and introduce the
‘Sari’ to the world. India was always known as a country of jungles, snakes and
poverty. But this has changed over the last decade. One of the reasons of India
competing in the race among the leading countries of the world is because of
its sudden burst of fashion exposure – both within and beyond the country.
Fashion Trend in India (Source – http://www.indiamarks.com)
India
is a diverse nation and does not have one particular style to call its own.
However, fashion in India placed itself on the map creating its own unique
identity of FUSION – the beautiful blend and combination od various dressing
styles in the country. Right from the traditional salwar kameez, Anarkali Suits
or sarees to churidars, kurtis, Fancy
Designer Lehengas the semi formal way of wearing it over trousers or jeans,
capris and the higly elegant and contemporary style of draping sarees, from
simply cotton blouses to halter-neck, puffed sleeves, deep necks, and
lycra-fitted blouses. Apart from regional attires, the Bollywood element also
holds a domineering part in Indian Fashion style.
Lets take a look at the current top fashion designers in the
country.
Ritu Kumar
One of the earliest and reputed
fashion diva amongst fashion buffs, Ritu Kumar has developed a unique style of
her own. Her designs reflects the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in
a contemporary fashion. With a background of art history and musicology, which
has enriched her horizons, Ritu Kumar’s understanding of ancient designs and
the innovative use of traditional crafts has created a new classicism. Ritu
holds the status of a revivalist in the Indian fashion industry, which has
successfully bridged the gap between traditionalism and modernity.
Ritu Kumar has been
designing the wardrobes of the three winning Miss India’s , for their
participation in International Beauty Pageants (Miss Universe , Miss World and
Miss Asia Pacific respectively ). In April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new
sub brand, ‘LABEL’. ‘LABEL’ cater today’s woman, who is increasingly
independent, discerning and global. It is a modern offering, focusing on the
cut, color, drape and feel of the garment. This brand has a universal appeal
aimed at today’s mobile lifestyle. It is fashionable, affordable and like all
Ritu Kumar products, it is of the highest quality.
Ritu Beri
She is known as the first
Indian designer to present a collection in Paris. There is no comparison for
her style and elegance. Today her designs have become a highlight in Delhi,
Mumbai, Bangalore, USA, London and Paris. Ritu Beri’s ready-to-wear line is an
impressive couture collection that had the French media raving about her. She
is one of early fashion designer whose collection made it quite big
internationally. Ritu started her illustrious career in fashion when she
created her first line of clothing in 1990, called Lavanya. It was a complete
success for Ritu in India and on the international market, with the range
selling out very quickly.
Ritu graduated from Delhi
University in 1987 and after this she decided to do something artisitc and ever
since being interested in fashion, the natural choice was to try designing
outfits. Ritu enrolled in the newly-opened National Institute of Fashion
Technology in 1988. The tertiary education centre is linked to the F.I.T
(Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York, and had just been established in
Delhi. Lavanya was her graduation collection, if you will, created in December
of 1990, after she became one of the first students to complete the fashion
study course.
Rohit Bal
Titled as the ‘India’s
Master of fabric and fantasy’ by the Time magazine in 1996, Rohit Bal’s sense
of aesthetics is finely honed, and each of his creations is handcrafted to
perfection, with meticulous attention to detail. He has access to the best the
industry has to offer in terms of materials and workmanship. From villages
where local craftsmen weave dreams with magic fingers, to factories, workshops
and outlets where retailers jostle for survival, to the opulent grandeur of
glitzy boutiques and malls at the best addresses in the big cities of high
fashion, Rohit Bal can lead one to the doors of discovery, and he holds the
key.
Rohit Bal graduated from
New Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College with a first class (Hons.) degree in History.
He worked for a few years with his brother’s export company and in 1990 he
created his first line, traditional designer wear for men and the rest history.
Some of his clients include celebrities like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford,
Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova. Most of the Rohit Bal’s
fashion shows in India, New York, Paris, and Singapore are sponsored by The
Swatch Group, and he is the brand ambassador for their Omega Watches, since
2001.
Manish Arora
In 1997 Manish Arora
launched his Label “Manish Arora” and started retailing in India. Three years
later in 2000, Manish represented India at the Hong Kong Fashion Week and
participated
at the first ever India Fashion Week held in New Delhi. The following year
Manish launched his second Label “Fish Fry” and showed this collection in six
leading cities in India and was stocked at Lord & Taylor, New York.
Arora’s
future-in-outer-space inspired line at the Wills India Fashion Week 2007
attracted international viewers. A collaboration with MAC in the pipeline, a
successful eyewear range for Inspecs just launched and two new stores ready to
open in India in the next couple of months Manish Arora is one busy designer.
Chosen for his vision and sense of style and colour references, MAC has
enlisted designer Manish Arora to collaborate on a new, Raj-inspired beauty
range. The Indian designer, known for his colourful fashion shows, has created
a collection of lipglasses, lipsticks, blush and a fabulous eye palette (Eyes
on Manish, £30) with bright shades from Yellow to Bright Pink and Acid Green
for MAC. And, if what’s inside isn’t enough, the packaging is a fashion
accessory in itself. These products will be available from October 2008.
Rina Dhaka
Rina Dhaka is India’s
leading fashion designer who burst onto the fashion world in late 1980s. Winner
of Yuv Rattan Award, she is counted among the creative and innovative designers
of the country. After college, Rina Dhaka did a training project with
Intercraft, and with designer Evan Grandhal. She also set up a ‘Salwar Kameez’
boutique for one of her acquaintances. Around this time ‘Mutiny’ and ‘Ensemble’
were just coming up as fashion houses and she made a line of designs for them.
She is best known for her
theme collections – sheer trousers, crochet, and stretch jersey, woolens and
spider web motifs. Her forte remains western wear, and she prides on the fact
that her pieces can be worn as separates. Rina Dhaka emphasises silhouettes.
She is not afraid of experimenting. In one of her collections, she had mixed
fur and boots with her Indian outfits.
Rina Dhaka has held shows
in London, Paris, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Jakarta. Her
Singapore shows in 2001 and 2002 were major success. International fashion
magazines ‘Vogue’ and ‘Elle’ featured her work. With brothers Shantanu and
Nikhil joining her in late 1990s, Rina Dhaka’ s fashion design has become a
family affair. Her designs are available in at Carma -Delhi, Design
Studio-Mumbai, Kimaya-Mumbai, Selfridges-London, Coin-Italy and Lord and
Taylor-New York.
JJ Valaya
Born and raised in the
historical city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India’s premier fashion designer, JJ
Valaya, has made a name for himself as one of the most original and inspired
designers working today. The revolutionary fusion of traditional crafts and
contemporary haute couture generates an alluring, urbane, one-of-a kind
handiwork is the signature of the House of Valaya. Valaya has rejuvenated and
redefined age-old Indian crafts as a profitable niche within the cosmopolitan
market, allowing the valued artistic processes to live on despite the pressures
of globalization.
In 1994, Valaya became
the first Indian couture label to have a solo show in India. Met with enthused reactions
by fashion critics and buyers, the label opened JJ Valaya Life, India’s largest
single designer store till date. Since 1997, the House of Valaya has shared the
catwalk with many of the world’s top designers in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Bangkok, London, Dubai, New York and Paris. As one of the most respected
designers in contemporary fashion, JJ Valaya continues to wow fashion’s
toughest critics with his two apparel lines, Couture and Diffusion, and his
product labels Valaya Home and Studio Valaya. JJ Valaya’s innovative and
groundbreaking styles assure the majestic era of royal India will continue to
reign well into the present.
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani is one of
the most celebrated fashion designers of India. He acquired a degree from The
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. When Tarun Tahiliani came back to
India, he realized that there was a huge scope in India in the designer wear
sector. He brought a revolution in the field of fashion in 1987, by opening the
first fashion boutique in India, ‘Ensemble’.
He established the Tarun
Tahiliani Design Studio, situated in New Delhi. His own brand label is known
as, Ahilian. The brand is known for its creative style and uniqueness. The
designer clothes created by him are sold in Tokyo, New York, London, Hong Kong,
Dubai and in his stores in New Delhi and Mumbai.
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
‘The boys’, as the
twosome of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are known in the fashion circuit, can be
considered among first names in that made it big, by way of success, attention,
fame and hype. It is a creative alliance that exudes attitude and talent. They
were one of the first to display their creations at Harrods. Ever since, the
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla show is a much awaited, though not so frequent
event.
Though they lack in
professional training, they push ethnic fashion to the limits, almost to the
dictates of their fancies. No wonder they claim that they do not make garments,
they make heirlooms.
Wendell Rodricks
Designer Wendell Rodricks
started out as a catering graduate but found fashion designing was more suited
to his palate. His minimalist chic style is a rage among Indian clothes lovers
and he is known for his passion for white. He has written special features for
Apparel, regular columns for Femina, Goa Today and freelance fashion journalism
in major Indian news media. The multi-talented designer`s work includes theatre
design, advertising styling and forecast portfolios.
In 1994, the Ministry of
Culture displayed the Wendell Rodricks Shiva Temples Collection at the Festival
of India in Peking, Canton & Shanghai. The designer is a keen art patron
and promotes Goan artists through special promotions at the Wendell Rodricks
Couture Salon. The Fundacao Oriente awarded a scholarship to the designer to
intern at the prestigious Museu Nacional do Traje in Lisbon, Portugal. Wendell
Rodricks also interned at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology,
New York to learn costume preservation and conservation
Manish Malhotra
At the age of 25, Manish
Malhotra forayed into Bollywood by designing for Juhi Chawla in Swarg. Today,
at 34, his name is synonymous with style in Hindi films. He revolutionized the
fashion scene in Bollywood by envisioning a ‘look’ for the character. His
tenure as a costume-designer has seen him clothe most of the leading actresses
in the film industry from Sridevi, Urmila Matondkar, Karishma Kapoor, Kajol,
Raveena Tandon, Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Twinkle Khanna, Shilpa Shetty,
Kareena Kapoor, to Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.
High on his success,
Manish Malhotra decided to branch into mainstream designing in 1998 with his
high-profile couture store Reverie – Manish Malhotra. He has done several
wedding trousseaus for reputed families. His popularity soared during this
period when he was exclusively asked to design clothes for Michael Jackson for
his appearance during the Bollywood Awards held in New York. The performer was
so please that he requested Manish to design outfits for his show in Munich and
to design clothes for his children.
Fashion is a huge industry in India. With global station Indian
Fashion has got a wider platform to display their talents and introduce the
‘Sari’ to the world. India was always known as a country of jungles, snakes and
poverty. But this has changed over the last decade. One of the reasons of India
competing in the race among the leading countries of the world is because of
its sudden burst of fashion exposure – both within and beyond the country.
Fashion Trend in India (Source – http://www.indiamarks.com)
India
is a diverse nation and does not have one particular style to call its own.
However, fashion in India placed itself on the map creating its own unique
identity of FUSION – the beautiful blend and combination od various dressing
styles in the country. Right from the traditional salwar kameez, Anarkali Suits
or sarees to churidars, kurtis, Fancy
Designer Lehengas the semi formal way of wearing it over trousers or jeans,
capris and the higly elegant and contemporary style of draping sarees, from
simply cotton blouses to halter-neck, puffed sleeves, deep necks, and
lycra-fitted blouses. Apart from regional attires, the Bollywood element also
holds a domineering part in Indian Fashion style.
Lets take a look at the current top fashion designers in the
country.
Ritu Kumar
One of the earliest and reputed
fashion diva amongst fashion buffs, Ritu Kumar has developed a unique style of
her own. Her designs reflects the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in
a contemporary fashion. With a background of art history and musicology, which
has enriched her horizons, Ritu Kumar’s understanding of ancient designs and
the innovative use of traditional crafts has created a new classicism. Ritu
holds the status of a revivalist in the Indian fashion industry, which has
successfully bridged the gap between traditionalism and modernity.
Ritu Kumar has been
designing the wardrobes of the three winning Miss India’s , for their
participation in International Beauty Pageants (Miss Universe , Miss World and
Miss Asia Pacific respectively ). In April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new
sub brand, ‘LABEL’. ‘LABEL’ cater today’s woman, who is increasingly
independent, discerning and global. It is a modern offering, focusing on the
cut, color, drape and feel of the garment. This brand has a universal appeal
aimed at today’s mobile lifestyle. It is fashionable, affordable and like all
Ritu Kumar products, it is of the highest quality.
Ritu Beri
She is known as the first
Indian designer to present a collection in Paris. There is no comparison for
her style and elegance. Today her designs have become a highlight in Delhi,
Mumbai, Bangalore, USA, London and Paris. Ritu Beri’s ready-to-wear line is an
impressive couture collection that had the French media raving about her. She
is one of early fashion designer whose collection made it quite big
internationally. Ritu started her illustrious career in fashion when she
created her first line of clothing in 1990, called Lavanya. It was a complete
success for Ritu in India and on the international market, with the range
selling out very quickly.
Ritu graduated from Delhi
University in 1987 and after this she decided to do something artisitc and ever
since being interested in fashion, the natural choice was to try designing
outfits. Ritu enrolled in the newly-opened National Institute of Fashion
Technology in 1988. The tertiary education centre is linked to the F.I.T
(Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York, and had just been established in
Delhi. Lavanya was her graduation collection, if you will, created in December
of 1990, after she became one of the first students to complete the fashion
study course.
Rohit Bal
Titled as the ‘India’s
Master of fabric and fantasy’ by the Time magazine in 1996, Rohit Bal’s sense
of aesthetics is finely honed, and each of his creations is handcrafted to
perfection, with meticulous attention to detail. He has access to the best the
industry has to offer in terms of materials and workmanship. From villages
where local craftsmen weave dreams with magic fingers, to factories, workshops
and outlets where retailers jostle for survival, to the opulent grandeur of
glitzy boutiques and malls at the best addresses in the big cities of high
fashion, Rohit Bal can lead one to the doors of discovery, and he holds the
key.
Rohit Bal graduated from
New Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College with a first class (Hons.) degree in History.
He worked for a few years with his brother’s export company and in 1990 he
created his first line, traditional designer wear for men and the rest history.
Some of his clients include celebrities like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford,
Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova. Most of the Rohit Bal’s
fashion shows in India, New York, Paris, and Singapore are sponsored by The
Swatch Group, and he is the brand ambassador for their Omega Watches, since
2001.
Manish Arora
In 1997 Manish Arora
launched his Label “Manish Arora” and started retailing in India. Three years
later in 2000, Manish represented India at the Hong Kong Fashion Week and
participated
at the first ever India Fashion Week held in New Delhi. The following year
Manish launched his second Label “Fish Fry” and showed this collection in six
leading cities in India and was stocked at Lord & Taylor, New York.
Arora’s
future-in-outer-space inspired line at the Wills India Fashion Week 2007
attracted international viewers. A collaboration with MAC in the pipeline, a
successful eyewear range for Inspecs just launched and two new stores ready to
open in India in the next couple of months Manish Arora is one busy designer.
Chosen for his vision and sense of style and colour references, MAC has
enlisted designer Manish Arora to collaborate on a new, Raj-inspired beauty
range. The Indian designer, known for his colourful fashion shows, has created
a collection of lipglasses, lipsticks, blush and a fabulous eye palette (Eyes
on Manish, £30) with bright shades from Yellow to Bright Pink and Acid Green
for MAC. And, if what’s inside isn’t enough, the packaging is a fashion
accessory in itself. These products will be available from October 2008.
Rina Dhaka
Rina Dhaka is India’s
leading fashion designer who burst onto the fashion world in late 1980s. Winner
of Yuv Rattan Award, she is counted among the creative and innovative designers
of the country. After college, Rina Dhaka did a training project with
Intercraft, and with designer Evan Grandhal. She also set up a ‘Salwar Kameez’
boutique for one of her acquaintances. Around this time ‘Mutiny’ and ‘Ensemble’
were just coming up as fashion houses and she made a line of designs for them.
She is best known for her
theme collections – sheer trousers, crochet, and stretch jersey, woolens and
spider web motifs. Her forte remains western wear, and she prides on the fact
that her pieces can be worn as separates. Rina Dhaka emphasises silhouettes.
She is not afraid of experimenting. In one of her collections, she had mixed
fur and boots with her Indian outfits.
Rina Dhaka has held shows
in London, Paris, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Jakarta. Her
Singapore shows in 2001 and 2002 were major success. International fashion
magazines ‘Vogue’ and ‘Elle’ featured her work. With brothers Shantanu and
Nikhil joining her in late 1990s, Rina Dhaka’ s fashion design has become a
family affair. Her designs are available in at Carma -Delhi, Design
Studio-Mumbai, Kimaya-Mumbai, Selfridges-London, Coin-Italy and Lord and
Taylor-New York.
JJ Valaya
Born and raised in the
historical city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India’s premier fashion designer, JJ
Valaya, has made a name for himself as one of the most original and inspired
designers working today. The revolutionary fusion of traditional crafts and
contemporary haute couture generates an alluring, urbane, one-of-a kind
handiwork is the signature of the House of Valaya. Valaya has rejuvenated and
redefined age-old Indian crafts as a profitable niche within the cosmopolitan
market, allowing the valued artistic processes to live on despite the pressures
of globalization.
In 1994, Valaya became
the first Indian couture label to have a solo show in India. Met with enthused reactions
by fashion critics and buyers, the label opened JJ Valaya Life, India’s largest
single designer store till date. Since 1997, the House of Valaya has shared the
catwalk with many of the world’s top designers in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Bangkok, London, Dubai, New York and Paris. As one of the most respected
designers in contemporary fashion, JJ Valaya continues to wow fashion’s
toughest critics with his two apparel lines, Couture and Diffusion, and his
product labels Valaya Home and Studio Valaya. JJ Valaya’s innovative and
groundbreaking styles assure the majestic era of royal India will continue to
reign well into the present.
Tarun Tahiliani
Tarun Tahiliani is one of
the most celebrated fashion designers of India. He acquired a degree from The
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. When Tarun Tahiliani came back to
India, he realized that there was a huge scope in India in the designer wear
sector. He brought a revolution in the field of fashion in 1987, by opening the
first fashion boutique in India, ‘Ensemble’.
He established the Tarun
Tahiliani Design Studio, situated in New Delhi. His own brand label is known
as, Ahilian. The brand is known for its creative style and uniqueness. The
designer clothes created by him are sold in Tokyo, New York, London, Hong Kong,
Dubai and in his stores in New Delhi and Mumbai.
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
‘The boys’, as the
twosome of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are known in the fashion circuit, can be
considered among first names in that made it big, by way of success, attention,
fame and hype. It is a creative alliance that exudes attitude and talent. They
were one of the first to display their creations at Harrods. Ever since, the
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla show is a much awaited, though not so frequent
event.
Though they lack in
professional training, they push ethnic fashion to the limits, almost to the
dictates of their fancies. No wonder they claim that they do not make garments,
they make heirlooms.
Wendell Rodricks
Designer Wendell Rodricks
started out as a catering graduate but found fashion designing was more suited
to his palate. His minimalist chic style is a rage among Indian clothes lovers
and he is known for his passion for white. He has written special features for
Apparel, regular columns for Femina, Goa Today and freelance fashion journalism
in major Indian news media. The multi-talented designer`s work includes theatre
design, advertising styling and forecast portfolios.
In 1994, the Ministry of
Culture displayed the Wendell Rodricks Shiva Temples Collection at the Festival
of India in Peking, Canton & Shanghai. The designer is a keen art patron
and promotes Goan artists through special promotions at the Wendell Rodricks
Couture Salon. The Fundacao Oriente awarded a scholarship to the designer to
intern at the prestigious Museu Nacional do Traje in Lisbon, Portugal. Wendell
Rodricks also interned at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology,
New York to learn costume preservation and conservation
Manish Malhotra
At the age of 25, Manish
Malhotra forayed into Bollywood by designing for Juhi Chawla in Swarg. Today,
at 34, his name is synonymous with style in Hindi films. He revolutionized the
fashion scene in Bollywood by envisioning a ‘look’ for the character. His
tenure as a costume-designer has seen him clothe most of the leading actresses
in the film industry from Sridevi, Urmila Matondkar, Karishma Kapoor, Kajol,
Raveena Tandon, Manisha Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Twinkle Khanna, Shilpa Shetty,
Kareena Kapoor, to Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta.
High on his success,
Manish Malhotra decided to branch into mainstream designing in 1998 with his
high-profile couture store Reverie – Manish Malhotra. He has done several
wedding trousseaus for reputed families. His popularity soared during this
period when he was exclusively asked to design clothes for Michael Jackson for
his appearance during the Bollywood Awards held in New York. The performer was
so please that he requested Manish to design outfits for his show in Munich and
to design clothes for his children.
