GlobalSpa
22-Oct-2024
As the festive season approaches, the air fills with excitement and anticipation—not just for the celebrations, but for the chance to express our unique style. The Indian fashion landscape is woven with history, colour, and craftsmanship. However, amidst the celebrated stalwarts, a vibrant wave of new designers is emerging, transforming the way we think about traditional attire.
From the sculptural elegance of Amit Aggarwal to the playful charm of Papa Don't Preach, these upcoming designers are creating entirely new narratives that celebrate India's rich heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. From stunning bridal lehengas to chic festive ensembles, their collections are bursting with personality, making them perfect for Diwali celebrations and wedding festivities alike. So, whether you’re looking to make a statement at a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special, why settle for the same old designer names when you can explore a world of creativity and innovation?
1. Arpita Mehta
Since launching her label in 2009, Arpita Mehta has quickly risen to prominence in the Indian fashion landscape, captivating fashion enthusiasts with her unique fusion of ethnic and contemporary styles. Her signature aesthetic—characterized by exquisite hand-embroidered mirror work—transforms traditional motifs into modern masterpieces, making her a go-to designer for fashion-forward brides and trendsetters alike.
With trendy cuts that flatter a variety of body types and eclectic colour palettes ranging from bold jewel tones to soft pastels, each piece reflects her keen understanding of today’s fashion sensibilities. With a minimalist yet fashion-forward approach, Arpita Mehta is crafting clothes that resonate with the modern woman. Her designs have graced numerous celebrity wardrobes and fashion events, solidifying her position as one of the rising stars in Indian fashion.
2. JADE by Monica & Karishma
Founded by Monica and Karishma, JADE is a brand that blends the artisanal heritage of India with modern couture. Each JADE garment tells a story, often inspired by traditional Indian arts and crafts. The brand’s philosophy revolves around personal storytelling, luxury craftsmanship, and cultural sustainability. JADE’s collections feature unique colour palettes and intricate detailing, ensuring that each piece is both timeless and contemporary. For those seeking couture that blends the past and the future, JADE offers the perfect combination.
3. Label by Divya Aggarwal
As the founder and designer of her label, Divya Aggarwal bring a modern flair to traditional Indian fashion. Over the past five years, she has expanded her brand into the couture space, offering a range of lehengas, corsets, and skirts. Divya Aggarwal’s designs are known for their versatility and can be worn in multiple ways, making them timeless additions to any wardrobe. Her contemporary approach to Indian wear, combined with global fashion influences, makes Divya Aggarwal’s couture a label to watch..
4. Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika
Founded in 2010 in Mumbai, Papa Don’t Preach is an unapologetic and playful brand that aims to challenge traditional fashion norms. Known for its luxury ready-to-wear (RTW) and bridal couture, the brand merges unconventional styles with a strong social consciousness. Their collections are bold and vibrant, reflecting rebellion with humour. Beyond fashion, the brand is committed to artisan welfare through campaigns like Care for Karigars. Papa Don’t Preach’s designs embrace inclusivity, catering to a wide spectrum of people across gender, size, and race, facilitating inclusivity.
Shubhika’s designs often incorporate playful graphics, unexpected silhouettes, and vibrant prints that make a statement while remaining wearable. This fearless approach resonates especially with the younger generation, who are eager to break free from conventional fashion norms. Each piece tells a story—be it a fun take on traditional attire or an avant-garde bridal ensemble—inviting wearers to feel empowered and confident. As you explore the festive season offerings, Papa Don’t Preach promises a delightful blend of whimsy and sophistication.
5. The Little Black Bow
The Little Black Bow stands out for its literary and cinematic inspirations. Blending Wes Anderson’s pastel palettes with minimalistic garments, the brand focuses on creating timeless designs rather than following fleeting trends. The founders of The Little Black Bow aim to preserve traditional craftsmanship, with a strong emphasis on hand-loomed textiles. Their chic ensembles, often inspired by old-world nostalgia and intricate detail, bring together modern aesthetics with a deep respect for India’s heritage.
6. Ivory by Dipika
Established in 2016, Ivory by Dipika has become synonymous with understated elegance. Specializing in luxury pret and occasion wear, the brand offers timeless ensembles that seamlessly combine Indian crafts with modern designs. Ivory’s collections focus on comfort, all while maintaining an edge of sophistication. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the rich heritage of Indian artisanship.
7. Marwar Couture
Drawing inspiration from the cultural heritage of Jodhpur, Marwar Couture reimagines its royal legacy through its bold and ageless designs. The brand’s creations fuse vibrant hues, traditional motifs, and modern silhouettes to create statement outfits that are perfect for the discerning Indian bride. Every piece exhibits an air of royalty, offering a unique blend of luxury and contemporary flair. For brides looking for something unique and extravagant, Marwar Couture delivers a rich cultural narrative in each ensemble.
8. Gaurav Gupta
With an unparalleled aesthetic, Gaurav Gupta has been a trailblazer in the Indian fashion industry since 2005. His designs are known for their exceptional nature, blending art and technology. Gaurav Gupta is the only Indian designer to collaborate with IBM to create an AI-inspired sari gown. He has also worked with global initiatives like The Elephant Family, reflecting his dedication to social causes. His collections push the boundaries of traditional couture with an innovative touch, making him a standout designer in the industry.
9. Amit Aggarwal
Amit Aggarwal’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in science and engineering, inspired by his childhood spent observing his father’s engineering projects. He has been known for creating structured, futuristic silhouettes. His brand is built on the pillars of emotion, evolution, and eternity, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Amit Aggarwal’s designs offer a fresh take on couture, blending architectural forms with sustainable practices.
10. Astha Narang
After graduating from The Pearl Academy of Fashion in New Delhi, Astha Narang made her debut at Lakme Fashion Week with a collection inspired by origami folds. Her brand has evolved to include traditional Indian craftsmanship, such as silma and sitaara work, which she seamlessly incorporates into contemporary silhouettes. Astha Narang’s luxury fusion label expresses a sense of craftsmanship and uniqueness in every piece. Her blend of modernity with tradition makes her a designer to keep an eye on.
