India's Top Designers

The free use and abuse of this term is what has led to the increase in the number of so called ?designers? and a decline in the quality of designs. Nonetheless, there exists true talent out there, breathing, thriving and marking its territory of original innovation. We like to address the possessors of this talent as ?Fashion Artists?, because they don?t just manufacture garments, they ideate and create. Their vision of beauty is what shapes fabrics and results in the conception of costumes of art. We are not romanticising the work fashion designers do, but we are exploring the idea of them as artists; the one?s whose art is by far the most accessible to the layman and which seeps into the society, straight from the ramp to the local store (and eventually the duplicates of which adorn road side stalls).

Manish Arora: rnrnThis is the man who made psychedelic trendy. Manish Arora?s work is larger than life, loud, bold and in your face. He has made it clear to the world that India is a fashion destination to reckon with and that Indian designers are a force to be taken seriously. Often dubbed as the ?John Galliano? of India, in his long career which spans more than a decade, Manish has westernised Indian motifs, colours, idols and designs. To carry off his creation, you need a personality that is edgy, off the beaten track and audacious.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee: rnrnThink elegance, understated beauty and perfection and you are bound to think of Sabyasachi Mukherjee. A petite man with a vastly imaginative and artistic mind, Sabyasachi brings beauty to everything he does. His work has a very strong Indian influence, and it is said that all things Indian and pretty come out of Sabyasachi?s stable. Originally from Kolkata, he is a designer who uses Indian fabrics, motifs, long forgotten designs and brings them to life in his earthy creations. To note, he is the designer of choice for brides-to-be.

Falguni and Shane Peacock: rnrnThis wife-husband duo is best known for their futuristic, chic, sleek and feminine creations. In a very short period of time they have become the go-to designers for individuals who are looking to combine Indian sensibilities with distinctly Western styles. Their brand is known to create luxurious prêt and evening wear. Not only are they innately inventive, they are also astute business people. It is due to this than in a span of ten years, their brand and business has grown tenfold. They sell retail in London, Miami, Dubai, Manchester and Marbella and have an enviable international clientele. To point out, international stars like Fergie, Ozzy Osborne and Naomi Harris have chosen to wear their creations.

Nachiket Barve: rnrnNachiket Barve is an artist whose style and sensibility sets him apart from the rest. He is one artist who chooses to play around with textiles, fabrics, cut work, embroidery, appliqué, and dyeing techniques. His focus lies largely on the material he is working with than the motifs and designs. This shift in treatment is what sets him apart from his fellow professionals. A simple walk on the beach is enough to clear his mind, inspire him and help him create beautiful breath taking garments.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla: rnrnThis duo can be credited with reviving lost Indian art and technique. ?The boys? as they are fondly called, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, are the artists which are Indian in very every which. No westernised influences, just plain simple desi designs that are provoking and enchanting enough to attract foreign clients. The duo has made their mark in the fashion circuit solely on the basis of their talent and hard work. They have also diversified into interior designing and have designed the home of Amitabh Bachchan among others.

Ritu Kumar: rnrnNo fashion list is complete without the name of Ritu Kumar. India?s darling designer, Ritu Kumar is the queen of simple design, elegant artwork and rich outfits. She dapples with all that is traditionally Indian and gives it a contemporary look that dazzles and enchants modern India. Ritu Kumar has been credited with using embellishments tastefully on textures and weaving them into gorgeous silhouettes. In our eyes, she is an artist par excellence.

Shantanu and Nikhil: rnrnThere is nothing understated about the creations of Shantanu and Nikhil. Their work embodies sexy, larger than life garments, free flowing silhouettes, subdued elegance and in your face charisma. Cricketers, Bollywood starlets, and style conscious women have all dressed in the creations of this brother duo. They cater primarily to the effervescent and stylish youth who are well rooted in their upbringing. Shantanu and Nikhil have brought colour and glamour into the lives of their buyers with their peculiar and exuberant style and creativity.rnrnAn artist is who lives beyond his years through his work. We know for sure these artists will live through their works for generations to come. We strongly believe that the legacy these artists are leaving behind will be that of genius masterpieces and timeless creations.