Industry Connection
Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla
The Godfathers in the world of fashion design in India, known for their ability to infuse Indian craftsmanship and textile heritage with European tailored silhouettes. Being the first in line to introduce couture to India, they are celebrated as artists, designers, and ultimate ambassadors of style. They began their journey in fashion in 1988 and were the first to introduce fashion design in India. The duo is distinguished for laying the foundation in the field of design with their craftsmanship by introducing techniques like mirror-work, crushed, chikankari, and khadi as couture. Classic elegance being their hallmark, these design stalwarts are celebrated as artists, designers, and ultimate ambassadors of style. Along their journey as couturiers under their eponymous label, they also have made a mark into prêt-à-porter and international luxe, their fashion house now boasts three other labels Khosla Jani, Asal by Abu Sandeep, and GULABO by Abu Sandeep.
Tanya Ghavri
Labelled as the most powerful ‘Look Maker’ in Bollywood by leading publications – Tanya is an alumna of Parsons School of Design, New York. With over 13+ years of experience, she has build an unparalleled reputation for her work with most of the leading actors from India like Aishwariya Rai Bachan, Malaika Arora, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, and many more. Apart from Bollywood, she has also made a mark in the International market by extensively styling for Global fashion events like Cannes Film festival, Pre & post Oscar parties and more. In 2015, she also co-founded ‘The Dhoom Dhaam Company’ – a One-Day Pop Up Exhibition showcasing a selection of the leading designers in the country. So far, hitting a mark of successfully putting together 9 shows across India – with over all of 75,000 visitors and over 500 participating designers.
Masaba Gupta
Globally, titled as ‘The Queen of Prints’, Masaba is recognised as a fashion icon and a serial entrepreneur listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 (2017) along with Fortune 40 under 40 list. With over a decade long experience since her debut at the age of 19, she is the first and only Indian Fashion Designer to have a Netflix series made on her life called ‘Masaba Masaba’. Her eponymous label – ‘House of Masaba’ channels her quirky and experimental style sensibilities breaking stereotypes for the modern Indian. Over the years – the brand not only houses apparel, it has also forayed into beauty, fashion jewellery, accessories, menswear, swimwear and many more segments. Lending her voice and platform to multiple relevant causes, her prime focus remains on environment, body positivity, gender equality and women empowerment.
Payal Singhal
Growing up in an environment steeped in fashion, films and art, Payal hails from a design family. Creative thinking drew her to designing at an early age, which led to her first creation at the age of 15. It bagged her a ‘Designer of the Year’ award by Shopper Stop that was worn by Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Her adulation made her pursue her graduation in fashion design, followed with multiple international certificate courses that helped her establish her eponymous label – Payal Singhal – a leading South Asian fashion house established in 1999. A connoisseur of art and culture, she is passionate about giving traditional wear contemporary relevance. Being recognised as an industry innovator she has always focused on building a brand that is accessible, relevant and forward thinking. Her signature aesthetic is minimalistic, with a vintage heart. It’s a renewed outlook that carries new-age relevance making her outfits wearable, chic and trendy. Her label has been rapidly growing into a coveted lifestyle brand with new launches in the field of décor, weddings, stationery and more
Kunal Rawal
One of India’s most renowned luxury menswear designers, who started his journey as amongst the youngest to showcase at Lakmé fashion week. Starting his career at the age of 19, he designed apparel for the most sought after high profile industrialists and A-list actors from Bollywood like Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and Varun Dhawan to name a few. The ‘Kunal Rawal’ signature look is one in which traditional Indian clothing meets contemporary designs with an edgy twist. His multi-functional and non-conformist approach towards design has redefined evening ethnic wear for the modern Indian man. Establishing an eponymous Label – Kunal Rawal, his brand is known for his signature elements like knotting techniques, tonal palates and clever play on textures that make design understated, radical and sophisticated. His embroidery techniques such as French knots, appliquéing, pleating, metallic work, to name a few have garnered recognition within Indian fashion circuit and beyond.
Arpita Mehta
A creative visionary, Arpita Mehta is best known for her contemporary take on ethnic wear. Viewing fashion as a form of self-expression she has mastered her hand in illustrating feminine silhouettes. Gathering inspirations from her travels, her collections carry a global appeal unlike many. She loves the idea of sketching different designs while planning her collections. Chartering her journey in the world of fashion in 2009, her eponymous label is recognised as a new-age force to be reckoned with. Her collections consist of both traditional Indian clothing as well fusion clothing. Her name has consequently become synonymous with her signature aesthetic of hand embroidered mirror work ensembles in trendy and eclectic palettes. Arpita’s illustrious clientele include industrialists, fashion industry stalwarts and celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt, to name a few.
Rhea Kapoor
A producer at 21 and a fashion queen at 32, this ‘Boss Lady’ is a trendsetter. Her first of its kind – urban wear fashion brand ‘ Rheson’ with her sister Sonam Kapoor houses collections inspired by high street fashion which is a sum collective of their personalities. Her global style sensibilities aims to position her Indian retail label on the fashion map across India. Building a homegrown passion for dressing at a scale never seen before, positions her as an entrepreneur where her focus is primarily to be first in line when it comes to fashion. So, hop on the wagon to unleash the potential you have to build a brand you can call your own
Jayanti Reddy
The ‘conscious designer’ in the world of fashion who is a powerhouse for naturally dyed and hand-woven ensembles, under her eponymous label – Jayanti Reddy. Her embroidery brings about a new meaning to opulent dressing that hone modern sensibilities. As she speaks of our glorious history, her bridal wear is labelled as heirloom pieces, that tell a story of intricacy for the generations to come. When we talk about sustainable design, let’s learn small yet impactful ways one can contribute to design. Take this lesson to find out how each of her creation’s waste gets repurposed for better use, be it their potlis made from scraps and leftovers or bridal tassels, that feature as one of a kind!
Gauri Khan
Good design evokes emotion while being functional and nuanced, and Gauri Khan Designs manages to do just that. Amalgamating her sophisticated and elegant style with that of her clients’ ethos, Gauri creates luxurious spaces that are imaginative, persuasive, and inviting. With experience, comes elan, and Gauri Khan brings just that to her Designer’s Class. The versatile designer has created beautiful, livable, nourishing spaces for various industries like restaurants, corporate, home & living, and her attention to detail adds that personal touch to any space she works with.
Rohan Shrestha
Rohan Shrestha is a well-known Bollywood photographer. Starting his career under his father, the ace photographer has carved a niche for himself, and his photographs have appeared in many leading magazines like L’officiel, Verve, Grazia, Filmfare, and Cosmopolitan, among others. Having also studied at the New York Film Academy, his creativity and contemporary style have landed him among the top photographers of the glamour world.
Joseph Radhik
Joseph Radhik is an Indian celebrity wedding photographer, famous for capturing wedding photographs of celebrities like Priyanka Chopra – Nick Jonas, Katrina Kaif – Vicky Kaushal, and Varun Dhawan – Natasha Dalal. Marking his achievements in photography, he has received various awards like International Photography Award, 2015, Sony Artisan of Imagery, India 2021, GQ 50 most influential Young Indians 2021, and many more. Apart from being a photographer, he has also been working as a writer and speaker and has appeared as a guest speaker at various photography seminars and conferences.
Mithun Sacheti
CaratLane was founded in 2008, by Mithun Sacheti, with the objective to make beautiful jewellery accessible, affordable, and forever wearable. They aim to give women access to modern, fine jewellery, that also functions as everyday wear. It is India’s first & largest online jewellery store of its kind. It is one of India’s leading e-commerce companies and has become one of the country’s most visible online brands since its inception.
Mickey Contractor
Bollywood makeup artist Mickey Contractor needs no introduction and has evidently brought Indian beauty trends to the international stage. His subtle contouring and natural palette have won him fans across the world. Known as the makeup guru of Bollywood, he has done makeup and hairstyling for various prominent films such as Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Veere Di Wedding, and many more. Apart from doing makeup for the movies, he has also collaborated with renowned people for magazine covers and modelling campaigns.
Sachin Jain
With a 17-year career in luxury goods and retail, Sachin Jain joined Forevermark Diamonds as the Head of Retail in 2010. Quickly moving up the ladder, he was promoted to Managing Director in 2011 and President in 2013. His passion for retail drives him to work hard, and his vision for the future drives him to succeed. He believes that every diamond has a story to tell just like everyone who dons a Forevermark piece
Tarang Arora
Amrapali was created by sheer passion. Passion for traditional craftsmanship and a love for Indian jewellery. Rooted in Indian culture, the brand has always reflected the ethos of regal India, so much so that when Tarang Arora started helming the brand, it was a no-brainer for him to always retain Amrapali’s strong Indian DNA. The jewellery industry has advanced a lot in the last few years and Amrapali’s forte lies in evolving the brand in a new world, without losing its essence. The brand’s secret lies in understanding its customers and a lot of creative research along with never losing touch with our origins.
Bunty Bajaj Krsala
The House of Couture Jewellery in Hyderabad was conceptualized in 2006 by Bunty Bajaj who offers heritage and tradition in the form of jewellery. Krsala is a collection of royal adornments offered to you and presented in a manner that you and the onlookers will be amazed at. Krsala Jewellery is known for its oneof- a-kind, heritage jewellery revival, and exquisite design. They aim to encapsulate the royal, luxurious touch of the Mughal era into their design for the modern woman.
Devika Narain
Like with most things in life, a career in wedding planning happened to Devika purely by chance. Her love for revelry was put to good use when she chose a career in celebrating one of the most important days in a person’s life, instead of following her initial plan of becoming a journalist. Devika’s forte lies in building experiences that stay with the people and her execution process depends entirely on sourcing local products and services. The wedding scenario in India has evolved from a big fat event to a more intimate affair, and Devika’s goal is to make this once-in-a-lifetime event mindful, uniquely charming, and memorable.
Kaabia and Sasha Grewal
A passion for jewellery and desire for the unorthodox is what brought sisters Kaabia and Sasha Grewal together to launch Outhouse. Sophistication with a flair for the subtle dramatics puts Outhouse in a class of its own. Launched in 2012 by founding sisters, Kaabia and Sasha Grewal, Outhouse’s fast-growing popularity can be attributed to its experimentation and amalgamation of various materials like Swarovski, semi-precious stones, leather, and metals, all set in an aesthetic sense that re-defines wearable art jewelry. The brand has already acquired a high-profile clientele which includes Beyonce, Cardi B, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, Sienna Miller, Ashley Louis James, Tyra Banks, Sonam Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra, to name a few.
Pooja Sheth
As per an anonymous adage, ‘Women love diamonds because they are strong like them’. Women tend to have an infinite affinity for these precious rocks as they illustrate their dignity, status, and contentment in life. Moving one step ahead, an Indian woman entrepreneur Pooja Sheth, took the obligation of creating a luxury niche for lab-grown Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) diamond jewellery worldwide by exactly replicating the diamond creation process that occurs below the earth, in deep tech labs. As the Managing Director and Founder at Limelight Diamonds, her vision is to establish the company as the first sustainable luxury jewellery brand from India, which craft diamonds with the same characteristics and properties as the natural diamonds but do not involve any mining and hence carry no burden of the associated environmental and socials costs.
Ishu Datwani
Ishu Datwani, the visionary founder of Anmol Jewellers, embodies a passion for craftsmanship and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With an innate sense of style and an astute understanding of contemporary aesthetics, Ishu has revolutionized the fine jewellery industry with his design-focused approach. His creative genius and keen eye for detail have positioned Anmol Jewellers as a trendsetter, setting new benchmarks for luxury and elegance. Ishu’s unwavering commitment to quality and his dedication to nurturing the finest artisans have propelled Anmol Jewellers to become a revered name in the world of fine jewellery. Through his guidance, aspiring designers gain invaluable insights into the intricate processes involved in transforming sketches into exquisite, awe-inspiring jewellery pieces.
