28 Jan India’s Top 10 Fashion Designers Redefining Global Style and Couture

From veterans like Manish Malhotra to the young and bold Masaba Gupta, India has produced a diverse range of fashion designers who continue to inspire aspiring talents across the globe. These designers have carved out unique identities through innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep-rooted respect for India’s cultural heritage. So, let’s take a look at ten famous fashion designers in India who’ve created a special place for themselves in the world of fashion.

India’s fashion industry has evolved into a global powerhouse, thanks to a league of visionary designers who have redefined couture, bridged tradition with innovation, and influenced style worldwide. Here’s a look at the top 10 Indian fashion designers who continue to shape the country’s sartorial narrative.

1. Manish Malhotra: Bollywood’s Go-To Couturier and Global Fashion Icon

Manish Malhotra is undoubtedly the most recognized name in Indian fashion—famed for transforming Bollywood’s style landscape and setting new standards for bridal couture, red carpet glamour, and cinematic costume design. With a career that began in costume styling for films in the 1990s, Malhotra has dressed nearly every major Bollywood star, including Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Alia Bhatt.

His signature aesthetic blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes, creating timeless yet fashion-forward pieces. Whether it’s a lavish bridal lehenga or a sleek sari-gown for the red carpet, Manish Malhotra designs exude opulence, elegance, and drama.

In addition to his dominance in Bollywood and bridal fashion, he has expanded his brand into jewelry, beauty, home décor, and even cinema production, establishing the Manish Malhotra brand as a full-fledged luxury empire.

With decades of influence, countless awards, and a star-studded client list, Manish Malhotra remains the undisputed king of Indian fashion.

2. Sabyasachi Mukherjee: The Maestro of Indian Luxury and Bridal Couture

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is one of the most influential names in Indian fashion today, known for creating opulent bridal wear, heritage-inspired couture, and redefining Indian luxury for the global stage. A graduate of NIFT Delhi, he launched his label immediately after graduation in 1999, and quickly rose to prominence with his signature use of rich textiles, vintage embroidery, and regal silhouettes.

Sabyasachi’s meteoric rise was solidified with multiple honors, including the 2001 Femina British Council Award for Most Outstanding Young Designer in India and the Grand Winner Award at Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Week (2003).

Beloved by celebrities, royalty, and brides across the world, Sabyasachi’s creations are more than garments—they are works of art that celebrate Indian heritage. His brand has expanded into jewelry, accessories, and global luxury collaborations, making him a powerhouse in fashion both in India and internationally.

3. Neeta Lulla: Bollywood’s Iconic Costume Designer and Bridal Couturier

Neeta Lulla is a legendary figure in Indian fashion, best known for her opulent bridal wear and as the visionary behind some of Bollywood’s most iconic costumes. With a career spanning over 35 years and more than 300 films, she is widely regarded as one of India’s most versatile and accomplished fashion designers.

Neeta rose to prominence when she dressed Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai in the visually stunning film Devdas, a turning point that showcased her ability to merge grandeur with cultural richness. Since then, her work has continued to define the aesthetics of Indian cinema and bridal fashion.

She has designed for numerous stars, including Shilpa Shetty, Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, and Isha Koppikar, earning a loyal celebrity following and admiration across the industry.

Whether it’s a film set or a wedding aisle, Neeta Lulla’s creations bring together heritage craftsmanship, feminine silhouettes, and cinematic flair, making her an undisputed leader in Indian fashion.

4. Ritu Kumar: The Queen of Indian Textiles and Heritage Fashion

Ritu Kumar is one of the most iconic and trailblazing fashion designers in India, especially known for her efforts to revive India’s rich textile heritage. A true pioneer in using natural fabrics, hand-block printing, and traditional weaving techniques, she has been instrumental in preserving and modernizing India’s indigenous crafts through couture.

Her global influence is evident—Ritu Kumar has designed wardrobes for contestants of Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss Asia Pacific, showcasing the elegance of Indian fashion on international stages.

In Bollywood, her timeless creations have graced stars like Lara Dutta, Vidya Balan, and Priyanka Chopra, making her a go-to designer for elegant and culturally rooted looks.

With a career spanning decades, Ritu Kumar remains a symbol of authenticity, tradition, and graceful design, earning her a well-deserved spot among the top fashion designers in India.

5. Rohit Bal: The Master of Indian Opulence and Iconic Motifs

Rohit Bal is a name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and artistic flair in Indian fashion. An alumnus of the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), he has carved a niche for himself through his signature lotus and peacock motifs, which have become iconic in the world of couture.

Bal’s design style is a celebration of heritage Indian aesthetics fused with regal drama, making him a favorite for both runway showcases and celebrity weddings. Beyond apparel, he is also an acclaimed jewelry designer, further expanding his creative repertoire.

His contributions to the fashion world have earned him top honors, including the ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the Indian Fashion Awards (2006) and the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Award (2001).

Known for blending bold expression with cultural elegance, Rohit Bal continues to be a powerful force in shaping modern Indian couture.

6. Tarun Tahiliani: Pioneer of Modern Indian Couture

Tarun Tahiliani is one of the most respected names in Indian fashion, celebrated for his luxurious take on contemporary Indian couture. A true industry veteran, he is a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and has been instrumental in shaping the Indian fashion landscape.

In 1987, he co-founded Ensemble, one of India’s first multi-designer luxury boutiques, alongside his wife. He went on to establish the Tahiliani Design Studio in 1990, expanding his influence beyond fashion into interior design and lifestyle aesthetics.

Tarun’s timeless work blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes, making him a top choice for luxury bridal couture and red carpet events. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including the Designer of the Year Award (2004) and Best Womenswear Couture Designer (2007).

With a career spanning decades, Tarun Tahiliani remains a pioneer of elegance, innovation, and Indian fashion excellence.

7. Anamika Khanna: Bridging Indian Tradition with Global Couture

Anamika Khanna is one of India’s most revered female fashion designers, celebrated for her innovative approach to modern Indian couture. She made history as the first Indian woman to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week, placing Indian craftsmanship on a global pedestal.

Her design philosophy masterfully combines traditional Indian textiles, embroidery, and draping with contemporary Western tailoring and silhouettes, creating collections that are both rooted and revolutionary.

Anamika’s work has earned her prestigious accolades like the Fashionably Yours Award by T2 and the Vogue Women of the Year Award, highlighting her influence on both Indian and international fashion.

She’s also a favorite among Bollywood royalty, having styled stars such as Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and Jacqueline Fernandez, making her a key figure in red carpet and bridal fashion alike.

8. Masaba Gupta: The Bold Face of New-Age Indian Fashion

Masaba Gupta is a trailblazer in contemporary Indian fashion and the youngest designer on this list. At just 19 years old, she launched her label House of Masaba, known for its bold prints, vibrant palettes, and unconventional motifsthat challenge traditional design norms.

The daughter of actress Neena Gupta and cricket legend Viv Richards, Masaba brings a fearless, multicultural perspective to her designs. Her creativity and authenticity were spotlighted in Netflix’s hit series Masaba Masaba (2020)—a semi-fictional show based on her life, showcasing her journey in fashion and entertainment.

Masaba also balances a successful career as an actress and entrepreneur, continuing to inspire a new generation with her fresh approach to Indian fashion that blends heritage with bold expression.

9.Ritu Beri: India’s First Global Fashion Ambassador

Ritu Beri holds a prestigious and influential place in the Indian fashion industry—not only for her creativity and couture expertise but also for her pioneering role in globalizing Indian fashion. She launched her career in 1990, a time when Indian couture was still evolving, and quickly rose to prominence for her fusion of traditional Indian aesthetics with global trends.

Her work has been featured internationally, and she became one of the first Indian designers to showcase globally, including in Paris, making her a true ambassador of Indian fashion on the world stage. In 2016, Ritu Beri was honored with the Inspirational Power Brands Glam Award, further solidifying her legacy as one of India’s most impactful fashion figures.

10. Anita Dongre: Champion of Sustainable Fashion and Celebrity Style

Anita Dongre is a powerhouse in Indian fashion—a designer, entrepreneur, and advocate for sustainable style. She’s the creative mind behind many of the stunning looks worn by Bollywood celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, and Kriti Sanon, and her influence extends across multiple fashion labels, including AND, Global Desi, and her couture bridal line.

In addition to clothing, Anita also helms a luxury jewellery brand called Pink City, known for blending Rajasthani craftsmanship with modern design. Recognized for both her creativity and business acumen, she was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, proving her status as a leader in both fashion and entrepreneurship.

In Conclusion

India’s fashion landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of craftsmanship, innovation, and global influence. These ten designers—ranging from heritage torchbearers to bold new voices—have not only shaped Indian style but have elevated it onto the world stage. Whether it’s bridal couture, Bollywood glamour, or sustainable elegance, each of them has left an indelible mark on the industry. For anyone passionate about fashion, their journeys offer inspiration, insight, and a celebration of Indian creativity at its finest.

WRITTEN & CURATED by ozzie small