India’s fashion scene is straight-up electric, a wild blend of ancient craftsmanship and bold, modern flair. I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I was a kid, sneaking peeks at my mom’s old sarees and dreaming of runways. In 2025, Indian fashion designers are owning it, from Mumbai’s Lakmé Fashion Week to global stages like Paris and New York. These top designers in India are crafting everything from stunning bridal lehengas to edgy couture that’s got everyone talking. Whether you’re planning a wedding or just love a killer outfit, this list of the top 10 fashion designers in India will spark some serious inspo. As a fashion nerd who’s been glued to Instagram Reels of runway shows, I’m pumped to share the famous fashion designers in India making 2025 unforgettable.
Why Indian Fashion Is Everything Right Now
India’s fashion game is on fire. It’s like this perfect mix of rich traditions, think handwoven silks and intricate zardozi, with fresh, global vibes that scream 2025. Lakmé Fashion Week is where fashion designers in India shine, and names like Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee are dressing stars from Bollywood to Hollywood. This year, it’s all about sustainability, bold creativity, and international collabs, making top Indian fashion designers the ones to watch. Let’s dive into the names behind the magic.
The Top 10 Fashion Designers in India
1. Manish Malhotra
Why He’s a Game-Changer
Manish Malhotra is basically Bollywood’s fashion fairy godfather. His designs, glitzy lehengas, sleek gowns, are what dreams are made of. Known as the best fashion designer in India, he takes traditional embroidery and gives it a modern twist that makes every bride feel like a star. I remember watching Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and losing it over Deepika’s Manish Malhotra lehenga.
What He’s Done
- His brand reportedly pulls in over $30 million a year, making him one of the richest fashion designers in India.
- He’s styled iconic Bollywood films, turning movie looks into fashion history.
- His diffusion lines, like Diffuse, bring his glam to more closets.
Star Clients
Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kim Kardashian.
2. Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Why He’s a Game-Changer
Sabyasachi is the guy you call when you want to look like royalty. His designs, inspired by his Bengali roots, are all about lush fabrics and intricate details that feel straight out of a palace. He’s one of the most popular fashion designers in India, and every wedding I’ve been to has at least one Sabyasachi lehenga stealing the spotlight.
What He’s Done
- The only Indian designer to show at New York, London, and Milan Fashion Weeks.
- His jewelry line is as drool-worthy as his clothes.
- Hit 25 years with his label in 2024, a huge win.
Star Clients
Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif.
3. Anita Dongre
Why She’s a Game-Changer
Anita Dongre is my style idol. Her designs, rooted in Rajasthani heritage, are elegant yet so wearable, from her AND and Global Desi brands to her stunning bridal wear. As a top female fashion designer in India, she’s all about sustainable fashion that looks amazing and does good for the planet.
What She’s Done
- Uses eco-friendly fabrics and supports rural artisans.
- Dressed global icons like Kate Middleton and Bollywood’s Dia Mirza.
- Empowers women through her ethical fashion work.
Star Clients
Kate Middleton, Dia Mirza, and Alia Bhatt.
4. Tarun Tahiliani
Why He’s a Game-Changer
Tarun Tahiliani is a master at blending Indian soul with global chic. His draped sarees and tailored lehengas are elegant but comfy, making him a favorite among top designers in India. I love how he takes old-school techniques like chikankari and makes them feel so now.
What He’s Done
- Co-founded Ensemble, India’s first multi-designer store, back in the ‘80s.
- Over 30 years of creating iconic couture.
- Dressed stars like Shilpa Shetty and Aishwarya Rai.
Star Clients
Shilpa Shetty, Aishwarya Rai.
5. Ritu Kumar
Why She’s a Game-Changer
Ritu Kumar is a total legend. Her designs celebrate India’s textile heritage with hand-block prints and embroidery that feel like art. Awarded the Padma Shri, she’s one of the best female fashion designers in India and a pioneer who’s been killing it for decades.
What She’s Done
- Over 50 years of championing handloom textiles.
- Made a huge comeback at India Couture Week in 2024.
- Inspires sustainable fashion with her focus on traditional crafts.
6. Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla
Why They’re Game-Changers
This duo is all about over-the-top luxury. Their designs, packed with zardozi and mirror work, are like something out of a royal court. They’re a staple among the top 10 fashion designers in India, and I’m obsessed with how their lehengas light up any room.
What They’ve Done
- Dressed big names like Isha Ambani and Gigi Hadid.
- Blend art and fashion for jaw-dropping looks.
- Over 30 years of ruling Indian couture.
Star Clients
Jaya Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra.
7. Gaurav Gupta
Why He’s a Game-Changer
Gaurav Gupta’s designs are like fashion from the future, curvy, sculpted gowns that feel out of this world. He’s taken his work to Paris Fashion Week and dressed stars like Beyoncé, making him a standout top Indian fashion designer.
What He’s Done
- Dressed Hollywood A-listers like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
- Known for bold, gender-fluid styles.
- A favorite on global runways.
Star Clients
Beyoncé, Cardi B, Shweta Bachchan.
8. Masaba Gupta
Why She’s a Game-Changer
Masaba Gupta is the queen of fun fashion. Her quirky prints think lipstick or tropical fruits are a total vibe. Drawing from her Indo-Caribbean roots, she’s a favorite Indian fashion designer for young folks and celebs like Rihanna. Her designs are like a party you wear.
What She’s Done
- Started at Lakmé Fashion Week at just 19.
- Expanded into beauty and home décor, showing her range.
- Her prints break all the rules in the best way.
Star Clients
Neena Gupta, Mira Rajput, Rihanna.
9. Anamika Khanna
Why She’s a Game-Changer
Anamika Khanna’s boho-chic designs are pure magic. She was the first Indian woman to show at Paris Fashion Week, and her dhoti pants and draped sarees are iconic. She’s a rockstar among female fashion designers in India for her fresh spin on tradition.
What She’s Done
- Launched “Ana Mika,” a global label mixing Indian and Western vibes.
- Known for bold, creative takes on classic wear.
- Dressed style icons like Sonam Kapoor.
Star Clients
Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan.
10. Falguni & Shane Peacock
Why They’re Game-Changers
Falguni and Shane Peacock bring the drama with their glamorous, edgy designs. Think feathers, sequins, and bold prints that light up red carpets. They’re among the famous fashion designers in India with a massive international following.
What They’ve Done
- Dressed global stars like Madonna and Lady Gaga.
- Blend Western flair with Indian craftsmanship.
- Known for pushing boundaries with experimental couture.
Star Clients
Madonna, Lady Gaga.
Sustainability: The Soul of Indian Fashion
In 2025, sustainability is where it’s at. Indian fashion designers like Anita Dongre, Ritu Kumar, and Rahul Mishra are leading the charge with eco-friendly fabrics and ethical practices. Anita’s work with rural artisans empowers women, while Rahul Mishra’s handcrafted designs, which snagged the Woolmark Prize, weave stories of nature through embroidery. These most popular fashion designers in India prove you can look amazing while doing good.
Rising Stars You Can’t Ignore
The top 10 fashion designers in India are just the start. Here are some new names shaking things up:
- Rahul Mishra: His 3D embroidery and nature-inspired designs have wowed Zendaya and Viola Davis.
- Payal Singhal: Perfect for modern bridesmaids with her boho-chic ethnic wear.
- Shantanu & Nikhil: Known for sharp menswear and bold occasion outfits with Indian heart.
- Rimzim Dadu: Turns materials like metallic wires into sculptural masterpieces.
These designers are bringing fresh energy to the top designers in India scene.
How to Kickstart Your Fashion Design Career?
Dreaming of joining the ranks of India’s top 10 fashion designers? I’ve been there, sketching outfits in my notebook during boring classes. Here’s how to make it happen:
-
Get Schooled: Start with a solid program like KIDAT’s Graduate Diploma in Fashion Designing & Management for a deep dive into design, pattern-making, and brand marketing. If you’re short on time, their 3-Month Fashion Design Course is a fast-track option with hands-on projects.
-
Get Hands-On: Intern with a designer or fashion house to learn the ropes. Nothing beats real-world experience.
-
Show Your Style: Build a portfolio that screams you. Include sketches, mood boards, and actual garments.
-
Network Like Crazy: Hit up events like Lakmé Fashion Week to meet industry pros and make connections.
With passion and the right training from programs like KIDAT’s, you could be the next big fashion designer in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who’s the top fashion designer in India in 2025?
Manish Malhotra often takes the crown as the No. 1 fashion designer in India, thanks to his Bollywood glam and clients like Kim Kardashian. Sabyasachi Mukherjee is right there with his heritage-inspired designs.
Who are the top 10 fashion designers in India for 2025?
The top 10 fashion designers in India include Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Anita Dongre, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, Gaurav Gupta, Masaba Gupta, Anamika Khanna, and Falguni & Shane Peacock—each with their own magic.
Which designer is best for bridal wear?
Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the bridal king, with his royal lehengas loved by stars like Deepika Padukone. Manish Malhotra and Tarun Tahiliani are also amazing for wedding looks.
Who’s the richest fashion designer in India?
Manish Malhotra leads the pack, with his brand reportedly earning over $30 million a year. Anita Dongre’s sustainable empire is a close second.
Who are the top female fashion designers in India?
Anita Dongre, Ritu Kumar, Masaba Gupta, and Anamika Khanna are the top female fashion designers in India, known for their bold and sustainable designs.
Which Indian designers are killing it globally?
Sabyasachi, Gaurav Gupta, Anamika Khanna, and Manish Arora have dressed stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna and shown at major fashion weeks.
How are Indian designers going green?
Anita Dongre and Rahul Mishra use eco-friendly fabrics and support artisans, creating fashion that’s both stunning and ethical.
Who’s the youngest fashion designer in India?
Apeksha Binoj, an 11-year-old from Kerala, is the youngest, designing 105 unique styles by age seven, according to the India Book of Records.
Wrapping It Up
The top 10 fashion designers in India for 2025 aren’t just making clothes, they’re telling stories through every stitch. From Manish Malhotra’s Bollywood dazzle to Anita Dongre’s eco-chic designs, these famous fashion designers in India are putting Indian style on the world stage. Whether you’re dreaming of your wedding look or just love great fashion, their work is pure fire. Ready to jump into the fashion world? Check out KIDAT’s Fashion Design Courses and start creating your own vibe!