Five Indian-origin designers who made their smashing debuts at international fashion weeks in 2024

Fashion weeks across the globe have seen Indian designers making bold, beautiful statements, with collections that marry heritage with modernity. From Moscow to London, Dubai to Australia, these showcases weren’t just about breathtaking silhouettes or experimental styles—they were celebrations of culture, craftsmanship, and individuality. Whether it was Nitin Bal Chauhan’s edgy Future Noir, Aartivijay Gupta’s poetic ode to Kashmir, or Mastani’s culturally rich bridal extravaganza, these designers are taking Indian fashion to dazzling new heights. Here’s a closer look at the visionaries redefining the runway.

Nitin Bal Chauhan

Hold onto your hats, fashionistas! Nitin Bal Chauhan sent Moscow Fashion Week 2024 abuzz with his collection Future Noir. Think sleek silhouettes in pristine whites, pale yellows, coral, blues, and blacks. The collection was both edgy and elegant—short dresses, voluminous pants, and sheer overlays brought about a relaxed feel while the metallic pin detailing gave a bold spin to it. The hero piece? A Picasso-printed sheer dress. This collection was out-and-out global in both look and feel.

Prakhar Rao

Eleven looks, each of empowerment and self- expression—that’s Prakhar Rao for you. This September, his contemporary luxury label, Zero Tolerance, made a debut showcase at the London Fashion Week. The collection titled Karm was handcrafted by skilled artisans in Lucknow. Think experimental silhouettes in Khadi with contemporary motifs—the looks by Rao promoted South Asian history and heritage.

Aartivijay Gupta

 

The designer who owns an eponymous label presented her Spring/Summer ’25 collection, Postcards To Kashmir, at the London Fashion Week this year. This edit was nothing short of a love letter to the region’s history, beauty, and complexity. It featured earthy prints and dyes that represented the clear blue skies, green pastures, and mountains of the region. Silhouettes ranged from drop-shoulders to anti-fit printed blazers with oversized lapels, fit-and-flare dresses, and co-ord sets.

Mohit Rai and Ridhi Bansal 

 

Drama alert! Mohit Rai & Ridhi Bansal’s brand, ITRH, showcased for the first time at the Dubai Fashion Week with a collection titled Natak. The edit—a stunning combination of volume, texture, and colour—was heavily inspired by Indian theatre and played with dichotomies. Think bold meets romantic, gentle meets fierce... Natak was all about drama.

Kudrat Makkar
 

 

The label Mastani made history at the Australia Fashion Week this year as Makkar became the first Indian-Australian designer to lead a solo runway. Her collection 13, was a joyous celebration of colour, diversity, and romance—the big fat Indian wedding being her inspiration. The opulent designs blended traditional craftsmanship and modernity with ease. Makkar’s show was a proud cultural moment that spotlighted the workmanship of her team and the beauty of inclusiveness of ethnicity, age, and body type.

Lead image credits: The brands 

This piece originally appeared in the November- December print edition of Cosmopolitan India.

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