New Women Fashion Designers Taking the Internet by Storm

Every girl’s dream is to wear a Manish Malhotra or Sabyasachi on her big day. That’s because these designers have established a strong foothold in the fashion industry. Back in the day, Indian fashion was a domain that was firmly in control of men. Then a few talented and creative women barged into the scene, and fashion got a new meaning altogether. Ritu Kumar, Anita Dongre and Surily Goel are a few women fashion designers who killed it in their era. Today, the world of couture and fashion is redefined. There are several new female fashion designers that are taking the internet by storm. Their collection is edgy, vibrant and one-of-a-kind. It’s something every millennial desires. From renewing traditional forms of clothing to coming up with contemporary pieces, these designers surely know how it’s done.

Top 10 Women Fashion Designers in India

If you’re looking to reinvent your designer wear wardrobe, we have you covered with the most influential female fashion designers in India.

• Ridhi Bansal Varma

Right now, ITRH seems to be every millennial’s favourite ethnic wear brand. Founded in 2019 by Ridhi Bansal, ITRH specialises in exquisitely crafted traditional styles inspired by age-old crafts such as kalamkari, chikankari, madhubani and gota weaving. Ridhi Bansal Varma believes in reviving heirloom treasures and preserving Indian heritage. Her collection features pre-stitched sarees, contemporary lehengas, bold-hued kurtas and sharara sets. If you check out their Instagram page, you’ll see Kusha Kapila, Shanaya Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and several other Bollywood divas wearing her collection.

• Sheena Sood

Millennials today are all about making mindful clothing choices. One such designer who is fully invested in making clothes inspired by travel, vibrant hues and the infinite beauty of nature is Sheena Sood. She is a South Asian-American designer, and the brainchild behind Abacaxi. We’d like to describe her collection as playful. It boasts of abstract prints, bold colours and handcrafted techniques. Each time she visited India, it gave her a deep understanding of her roots. Over the years, her creative project transformed into a growing fashion label. The brand also found momentum through mask-making during the pandemic.

• Neha Agarwal

Neha Agarwal is a graduate in fashion designing from NIFT. She’s been in the fashion space for over a decade. However, she recently launched her label AGAMI, and it’s taken the internet by storm. It is an indo-western label that features dark hues, unique cuts and trendy silhouettes. You’ll find clothes with a lot of geometric patterns too. You can find her collection at all the top multi-designer stores.

• Ruchika Sachdeva

Ruchika Sachdeva is the founder and creative director of Bodice. Her collection is easy, functional and endlessly beautiful. She doesn’t just strive to make clothes. Instead, she wants to become the voice of a generation of women who seek sustainable fabrics and pared-down shapes. Her collection also won the highest honours at the International Woolmark Prize. The contemporary ready-to-wear label stands for modern and effortless elegance. If you’re someone who loves minimal fashion, Bodice should be your go-to brand.

• Nidhi Tholia

Nidhi Tholia is one of the best female fashion designers. Check out her Instagram page and you’ll definitely fall in love with her heavy ethnic wear. Though it’s slightly high on the pocket, her collection is perfect for your wedding trousseau. From sharara sets to heavy lehengas, she has it all. You’ll see a whole lot of colourful bandhani, elaborate zardozi and vibrant hues. If modern festive couture is your thing, check out her stuff.

• Pallavi Singhee

Pallavi Singhee is the brainchild behind her homegrown brand, Verb. Though she’s been in the fashion space for over a decade, her collection is being loved by millennials now. It’s easy-breezy, fun and super vibrant. From playful co-ords to brunch dresses, her brand has it all. Every piece she designs is feminine with a Boho touch. If you’re looking for resort wear for every body type, her brand has you sorted.

• Masaba Gupta

Designer Masaba Gupta needs no introduction. She made her fashion debut at the age of 19 after graduating from SNDT Women’s University. Often referred to as the “queen of prints”, she definitely transformed the face of the fashion industry. Her label, House of Masaba, boasts of quirky, unique and fuss-free silhouettes. After her Netflix series, Masaba Masaba, every millennial considers pieces from her label as a wardrobe staple. Be it a casual brunch, a formal dinner or an extravagant wedding, her clothes fit the bill. Also, they’re so evergreen. Even if you take out a Masaba Gupta outfit from your wardrobe after five years, you can still be the head-turner at a party.

• Vernica Arora

Vernica Arora started Bumble Bee clothing in 2011. Her clothes are easy-breezy, and perfect for a brunch or get together. She is a Delhi-based designer. What we love the most about her collection is that it’s highly affordable for designer wear. You can actually shop for a statement outfit under 10K.

• Richa Khemka

Richa Khemka is an emerging fashion designer based out of Kolkata. She specialises in western and indo-western garments with unique silhouettes. We’d describe her collection as extremely versatile. It’s far from being conventional. She’s completely self-taught and actually hails from a finance background. If you’re someone who loves stylish garments, this label is definitely for you. What’s great about her collection is that you can mix-and-match the pieces. You can team it up the way you like and that’s what makes her stuff so edgy and trendy.

• Varuna Gupta

Varuna Gupta is another women’s clothing designer based in Mumbai. Her creations are a heady fusion of Indian and western wear. If you happen to visit her studio, you’ll find couture featuring flowing fabrics, textured silhouettes and immaculate cuts. What we love the most about her collection is the subtle colour palette. Besides made-to-order apparel, they also specialise in pret-a-porter pieces. Most of her designs are Indian in sensibility with a modern twist. If you’re someone who loves statement pieces in ethereal hues, the Varuna Gupta label has you covered.

These were our favourite top 10 women fashion designers. Do you know of any others who are slaying it in the fashion space right now? We’d love to know in the comments section below.