From Tradition to Trend

India is a land full of colors, traditions, and creativity. One amazing part of India’s culture is fashion. Clothes in India are not just for wearing—they tell stories, show where someone is from, and are full of meaning. Let’s take a journey through the history of Indian fashion designers and see how they made Indian style shine in the world!

Designers make styles that let people show their personality, culture, and mood.

India is a country with an ancient clothing design tradition . Though a handful of designers existed prior to the 1980s. This was the result of increasing exposure to global fashion and the economic boom the economic liberalization of the Indian economy in 1990. The following decades firmly established fashion as an industry across India.

India has a very old and rich history of fashion. Long ago, Indian people wore clothes made from cotton and silk. These clothes were soft, colorful, and often had beautiful patterns. Kings and queens wore fancy clothes with gold, silver, and jewels on them.

In many parts of India, people wore sarees, dhotis, turbans, and kurtas. Each state had its own style! For example, people in Punjab wore salwar kameez, and in Gujarat, people wore colorful lehengas.

India is also famous for embroidery, block printing, and handmade fabrics. These styles are still used today in modern clothes.

Before there were fashion designers, Indian people made their own clothes using what they had around them. Women wore saris, and men wore dhotis, kurtas, and turbans. Each state had its own style. People used cotton, silk, and beautiful embroidery like zari and mirror work. They dressed with love and pride.

Fashion design in India started growing after India became independent in 1947. More people started going to fashion schools. One of the first famous Indian designers was Ritu Kumar. She began using old-style fabrics and designs in modern ways. She helped Indian clothes become popular again.

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 They Use Cool Technology

• Some designers use AI, 3D printers, or even smart fabrics.
• Others design clothes for video games or digital fashion shows Fashion is now about:
• Helping the Earth (sustainable fashion)
• Including all people (diversity}
• Using technology (like fashion in video games or AI)
• Many designers today use recycled or eco-friendly materials.
• They try to make clothes without wasting water or harming animals.
• Designers use social media like Instagram to show their work.
  

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Big names in Indian Fashion Industry

RITU KUMAR

• She is like the grandmother of Indian fashion. She mixes old Indian art with new styles.
• Reviving traditional Indian textiles and embroidery arts.
• She brought ancient Indian textile arts to mainstream and global attention.

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MANISH MALHOTRA

• He won the inaugural Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design for Rangeela (1995) nationaltoday.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2vogue.in+2.
• In 2005, he launched his eponymous couture label, and since then, his designs have become iconic in Indian bridal and haute couture fashion .
• A global figure in fashion, he has featured at events like the Met Gala in 2024 and 2025 and expanded internationally with boutiques in Dubai and beyond

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SABYASACHI MUKHERJEE

• He has transformed Indian textiles—such as khadi, Banarasi silk, and Murshidabad weaves—into globally admired luxury staples.
• Awarded a National Award (2005) for costume design in Black. His bridal and couture pieces have been worn by Bollywood stars and international celebrities
• He uses hand-made fabric and old Indian art to make clothes that feel like royalty.

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TARUN TAHILIANI

• He mixes Indian and Western styles to make outfits that are modern but still Desi.
• He’s a pioneer of Indian luxury fashion, turning age‑old crafts into global style statements without losing cultural authenticity.
• Launched the Tarun Tahiliani Design Studio in Delhi, rooted in the philosophy of “India Modern”—fusing Indian drapes and craftsmanship with Western tailoring.
• Co-founded the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and became the first Indian designer showcased at Milan Fashion Week

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World First Designer

A long time ago, people made clothes just to stay warm and safe. As time went on, people began to make clothes that looked pretty, not just useful. In the 1800s, a man named Charles Worth started making fancy clothes in Paris. He is known as the first fashion designer. After that, more people started designing clothes for fun, work, and special events. Today, fashion is a big part of life, with designers all over the world making new styles every year.

Charles Worth

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The History of Fashion Designing

Fashion means the way people dress. A long time ago, people made clothes just to stay warm and safe. But over time, they started making clothes that looked nice, too. In olden days, people in places like Egypt and Greece wore clothes made by hand.

Now, fashion is a big industry. Designers make clothes for all kinds of people—kids, adults, movie stars, and even pets! New styles come out every year, and many people love to follow fashion trends.

Why Fashion Is Important

Fashion shows who we are and where we come from. It also lets us be creative. Indian fashion is full of colors, art, and history. That’s why it is loved by many people around the world.

Fashion is more important nowadays because it helps people show their personality, culture, and creativity. It also gives confidence and helps us feel good about ourselves. Social media and celebrities share new styles all the time, so people like to follow trends and try new looks. Fashion is not just for looks—it’s also used in jobs, events, and special occasions. Today, fashion is a big business and a way to express who we are in a fun and stylish way! 👗

 Today, fashion designers:

• Draw designs 
• Use computers to make clothes 👚
• Make clothes for shows and stores 🛍️
• Care about the planet and people🌎

Future fashion by technology

“Mushroom leather” is the future of eco-fashion!

• Some fashion designers are now using mycelium, which is the root part of mushrooms, to create a kind of leather. It’s soft, strong, and looks just like animal leather—but it’s 100% plant-based and biodegradable.
• Designers from all over the world, including India, are starting to explore this material to make jackets, bags, and shoes. It’s part of a growing sustainable fashion movement—where looking stylish also means being kind to the planet.

Clothes That Change Color with Your Mood

• Some experimental fashion designers have created mood-sensitive fabrics. These clothes react to your body temperature or touch, and change colors! It’s not common in stores yet, but it’s already been shown on fashion runways.

Smart Jackets That Charge Phones

• Yes, it’s real! Designers are now creating smart jackets with solar panels or power banks inside. You can charge your phone while you walk! Fashion is becoming part of the tech world in awesome ways.

Clothes That Heal Your Skin

• Some new fashion designers are making clothes with vitamin-infused fabrics! These fabrics are mixed with ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E, so when you wear them, they gently help your skin stay soft and fresh. It’s like wearing a skin-care outfit!

Fashion Inspired by Nature’s Geometry

• Designers often look at nature for ideas. For example, Sabyasachi sometimes uses floral symmetry and leaf patterns that are inspired by real plants. Some even use golden ratio patterns, found in seashells and flowers, to make clothes more pleasing to the eye.