A product of the London School Of Fashion, Mandira honed her skills in the art of fashion designing from the international malls of London. Fusion being her mainstay; her clothes exude class and wearability that is reflected in her easy silhouettes, minimal embroideries and in straight and structured cuts.

Wirk describes designing as a “passion turned profession”. She rightly believes that design and style are an extension of a person’s personality and attitude. What sets this passionate designer apart is her vision. She uses a variety of fabrics like Silk, Crepe, Satin, Tussar, Blends, Jamavar, Georgette, Zari and Tissue and creates designs that suit the millennium-working woman. Her creations are a symbol of subtlety and many of her designs bear the forte of being seamless in their style. Her clothes have the simplicity of a genius, with attention to every meticulous detail.

Her first break in the fashion industry was with Rina Dhaka in 1999 and Wirk describes it as a great learning experience. She created a furore in the fashion arena with her 2001 Fall/Winter collection ‘Dawn To Dusk’ at Maurya Sheraton. In 2002, Mandira showcased her spring summer 2002 collection at the Lakme India Fashion Week followed by her highly acclaimed Fall/winter collection 2002.  ‘Mandira Wirk’ is a designer wear label that has evolved over the last decade as a brand. March 2005 saw Mandira launching her prêt label ‘MW2’ with her Spring Summer 2005 collection ‘Colours of Spring’ at the Mist, Park Hotel.

The striking young designer has a presence in Munich, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mumbai. In New Delhi she retails through her own exclusive stores at "The Crescent" at the Qutub & The MGF Metropolitan Mall.

You can get Mandira at:

S – 6 2nd Floor, ‘The Crescent’ at the Qutab

Lado Sarai, New Delhi

It would be unfair on our part not to mention about the commendable contribution made by her to the Indian fashion world as well as its international counterpart. The ease with which she works reflects in her designs as well.

Incidentally she’s one of the designers apart from Ritu Kumar who’s associated with the Indian fashion industry when it was still in it’s nascent stage. Krishna Mehta’s rendezvous with designing began in February 1982.Accomplishing the fashion designing masters in 1978 from the Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai, Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sydenham Collage of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai in 1981 and an extensive training in weaving at the Weavers Service Centre, Mumbai, Krishna joined the family business of garments exports ,way back in 1982. In a span of nine years, she has established herself as one of India’s leading designers. In 1989, Krishna took the fledgling Indian fashion industry by storm with her menswear collection. Her perfectly cut and impeccably finished lines have established her as a respected name in men’s fashion.

  • The first menswear designer.
  • Krishna introduced her Indo-West and fusion lines for women in 1991 which were also the first of its kind to be seen in the country.
  • In order to make her garments within the reach of a larger market, Krishna launched "K2", her label for ready-to-wear garments for women in 1998.
  • The brands ‘Krishna Mehta’ and ‘K2’ are available in her franchisee store in Baroda, Ensemble in Mumbai and Delhi and across all ‘Be’ stores in India and Dubai. Her label is synonymous with classic designs of understated elegance. They are relaxed yet bold, in keeping with the pace of the contemporary life.

Krishna Mehta could easily be called the ‘Priestess of Classicism’ who has continued perfecting her designs and styles, realizing the acute awareness of Indian Fashion internationally. Her creations are miles apart from other designer collections and they can very well be recognized miles away at any place on the globe due to her distinctive style.

You can get Krishna at:

A/1,432, Shah & Nahar Ind.Estate, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Tel: +91 22 24915410 / 12

Fax: +91 22 24915414

krishna@krishnamehta.com

Website: www.krishnamehta.com

‘Kiran Uttam Ghosh’ is a venerable name of Indian fashion renowned for her classic ensembles narrating the story of Indian wear going global. Kiran grew up in Kolkata aspiring and learning niceties of fashion. Nurturing her ambitions she graduated in fashion designing from Sophia Polytechnic in Mumbai and then headed to London under well- known British designer, Jasper Conran where she learnt the art of heeding to details which is so much a part of her work today.

After the successful stint with the British designer, she launched her own label ‘Kimono’ that offered the discerning woman a complete range of prêt, couture and accessories. Her designs combine classic elegance with contemporary flair, shaped silhouettes and drapes offering women a wide range of garments.

Kiran is better known as a designer who has had always denied categorization. She masters the art of skillfully incorporating the traditional Indian designs with International flavour. Her clothes are understated with silhouettes and characteristic texture that refuse to be bracketed by terms such as eastern or western.

Kiran’s designs exhibit high design sensibility mingled with utilitarianism. Over last seven years Kiran created the garments which are beyond just a pragmatic prêt while her couture line embodies a timeless classic appeal whether it is the sari that she has given new dimensions to or other outfits.

Currently, Kiran has her presence in 8 countries and in India she retails from Ogaan in New Delhi and Kolkata, Melange, Ensemble and Crossroad in Mumbai, Ffolio in Bangalore and Chennai and many more.

You can get Kiran at:  
www.kiranuttamghosh.com
 

Kavita Bhartia has been one of the pioneers in the Indian fashion industry and her brand has, over the years, developed a global identity. The Kavita Bhartia label combines Indian craftsmanship with innovative western silhouettes to create an enigmatic, distinctive look. Her collections are elegant with an irrepressible sense of fun and celebration; there is a play of colours, fabrics, prints and embroidery. The blend of traditional techniques, innovative treatments, and modern silhouettes brings an element of surprise to her every ensemble.

  • She was invited to Seychelles to dress ’98 Miss World contestants

  • In September 2000, her collection was shown with Italian Designer Roberto Capucci in Rome

  • In October of the same year, she had her first Solo fashion show in New Delhi, followed by the launch of the Autumn Winter Collection

  • In 2002, she participated in the Singapore Fashion Week

  • Her debut at the India Fashion Week, Mumbai came in 2003

  • In 2005, she participated in PRET-A-PORTER , Paris organised by the France Convention

Kavita is behind the Ogaan fashion designer store in India which first opened its doors in quiet, beautiful Hauz Khas Village in November, 1989. Ogaan, which means “wave” in Sanskrit, was one of the few stores in the country to house Indian designer wear. It was launched with the objective of providing a platform for Indian design, of promoting Indian designers and Indian textile and craft skills under one roof. The Ogaan boutiques can be counted on to have an eclectic mix of clothing, accessories and jewellery.

Kavita Bhartia has been exporting to countries like Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Italy, Greece, France and the U.S. In India, her label is available at the Ogaan stores in Delhi and Mumbai, as well as other stores.

You can get Kavita at:

Web: www.kavitabhartia.com

A Fashion Technology graduate from Wigan & Leigh College, Kolkata,being awarded as the best creative designer, in her graduation show. She has worked with fashion designer J.J. Vallaya in New Delhi, and hails from the well-known Khaitan family associated with Khaitan & Co., solicitors.

Designer Jyotee Khaitan is full of spirit and warmth. Immaculate, poetic and eye-catching reigns supreme in her couture lines, embellished with skilful, sophisticated embroideries and modem sensual drapes, is Jyotee Khaitan label’s trademark, which captures the spirit of the modem woman of today’s world. Having launched her label in October 2005, Jyotee’s vigorous quest for elegance and sophistication has placed her firmly amidst the pantheon of designers to be reckoned with.

Her designs perfectly compliment the new generation, using unconventional embellishments and accessories, imparting freshness in each new collection.  She launched her Spring Summer 2009 line, titled Faux Bauhaus Chic, at Lakme Fashion Week, Mumbai, in October 2008, winning rave reviews from the cognoscenti. For the Autumn Winter 2009 season, she created a collection titled Emancipation, which was shown at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi, and Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai in March 2009. At WIFW, New Delhi in 2010 and 2012, her collection evoked strong response from domestic and international buyer.

Dr.Shashi Tharoor has been a great admirer of her collections which he describes as "stunning and extremely wearable’. Having draped the creme de la creme of the social circuit, and celebrities to the likes of Prachi Desai, Mandira Bedi, Dia Mirza, Konkona Sen Sharma, Raima Sen, Ritupama Sengupta, and many others, her clothes exhibit joie de vivre and celebrate life in all its facets.

Jyotee likes to assist clients to make the right fashion choices which suit them best. Her studio, Jyotee Khaitan on 5 Loudon Street, Kolkata is a posh and expansive 3000 sq. ft., an apt place for the entire experience of buying with a lounge area annexed to the clothes racks, a separate fitting room, and a feeling of quiet luxury. In New Delhi she is retailing from Kimaya and DLF Emporio.

This ‘High priest of Indian Fashion’ firmly believes that elegance achieved through attention to details knows no season. He crafted a sensual fantasy of rich extravaganzas in the finest styles. Born in the princely city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan on October 8, 1967, he initially pursued a career in Accounting at a Chandigarh college after doing his B.Com, but was soon convinced that his heart lied in art. In 1989, he joined the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi to answer this calling and in 1991, he launched his couture label ‘JJ Valaya’. He, in association with his brother TJ Singh launched ‘The House of Valaya’ in 1992. His brother’s entrepreneurial abilities combined with his originality have made ‘The House of Valaya’, a pioneer in the Indian fashion industry. A larger than life approach to luxury fashion & lifestyle has been a signature of this maverick Maharaja ever since! His signature bridal trousseaus and exclusive evening wear for the discerning men and women alike creates an aura of quality that coveys permanence in a world infatuated with the temporary.

  • He was the first Indian fashion designing student to win the coveted ‘Prix D’ incitation at Paris.
  • Won the Thapar-Dupont Medal, The Elyxa award and The KLM-NIFT Trophy.
  • He was a founder Board member of the Governors of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) 
  • Is the first official Brand Ambassador for Swarovski, India.
  • The first Indian couturier to enter Dubai way back in 1994.
  • The first designer to hold four solo shows in the same season.

His impeccable creations reflect images of Indian Royalty treated in a contemporary individual style. He believes that, simple and elegant designs remain in style forever – an heirloom to be passed down generations! Rich Indian textiles, exciting colors, classic silhouettes and the finest of embroideries are what his schema is. His collections always offer watered down, cleaner and more affordable younger look to the wearer. Currently he retails out 

You can get Valaya at:

Valaya Luxury Holdings P. Ltd., House of Valaya, No.4, Sector 4, 
 IMT Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Website: www.valaya.com 

Gaurav Gupta working closely with lines and the motion of fabric has an inimitable take on three-dimensional embroideries and volume play which have created a signature look that is hard to place but is reminiscent of something future primitive. Gaurav graduated from Central Saint Martins (London) after studying at NIFT (Delhi) in 2000. He then went on to work with designers like Hussein Chalayan, Tristan Webber and Stella McCartney and subsequently, took up the post of Art Director at the Turkish prêt brand LTB before launching his label.

  • In 2000 he had been awarded at the Makuhari Grandprix in Japan and at the Admiralty Needle in Russia.

  • 2003, his graduate collection in London was awarded ‘The Future of Couture’ trophy at Altaroma Altamoda, Rome Couture Fashion Week

  • 2003 he also  won ‘The Roots of Creativity’ title at the Mittelmoda Fashion Awards (Italy)

  • 2005 he returned to Mittelmoda as their youngest jury member

  • In 2006 He debuted his eponymous label at India Fashion Week

Gaurav’s aesthetic sensibility is acknowledged for being groundbreaking in terms of its distinct garment construction and untempered experimentation with form and fabric. The brand has been featured on the covers of Vogue, L’Officiel, Elle, Marie Clare and M magazine (India). The designer has been actively collaborating with contemporary artists and musicians, participating in international art festivals such as the Biennial in 2009 (Portugal). While his sensibility is finding appreciation at stores that value authenticity and opinion, his work is parallely being seen as a movement in art.              

Besides designing women’s prêt and occasion wear, the Gaurav Gupta brand has recently ventured into couture and bridal ensembles, launched its menswear and kidswear lines, opened a flagship store, collaborated with Swarovski for accessories and also designed its first collection of couture footwear.

The brand’s collections are available at Alan Bilzerian, H. Lorenzo, Anastasia (U.S.), L’eclaireur (Paris), Myst (Hong Kong) and selected stores across India.

You can get Gaurav Gupta at:

Gaurav Gupta Studio, 321, DLF Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

www.gauravguptastudio.com

Scrupulous attention to details and the last minute finishing touches meted out with excellence, this describes fashion designer Charu Parashar and her designs. Her flawless designs have made her line of attires a symbol of perfection. She’s one of the promising designers of India. At the age of five, when girls of her age would be playing with their Barbies’, she would travel with her mother for block printing and even travel to Banaras for picking sarees and fabrics. She would have been noticed in the fashion circuit earlier if the tragedy of losing her father wouldn’t have struck her at the age of fifteen. As evident, being an enthusiast of Fashion, she attended SDPT, New Delhi where she received her formal education in fashion designing after completing her schooling from Mater Dei School at Tilak Nagar, New Delhi.

She had a very subtle start way back in 1993 when she started her studio, soon after her college with two block printing tables.

  • She launched her label "CHARU PARASHAR" with a solo fashion show at Le Meridian in 1993 with tie n dye collection, which was an instant hit and was sold out.

  • In November 2001 she opened her 1st flag ship store at DLF Galleria with a Fashion show at the IGCC (Indo-German Chamber of Commerce) where she was lauded by the German ambassador who very much admired her designs.

  • In 2002 she showcased her creations after being sponsored by L’Oreal.

  • In the month of July 2004, she organized an exhibition called "UTPALA" at Manhattan, New York. The summer month got hotter with the exhibition with her grabbing eyeballs and getting rave reviews for her designs.

  • She believes in the maxim of “Old Is Gold” and is a strong revivalist of keeping the old art n technique of block printing alive and always putting in efforts to maintain this ancient art and spreading sentience about the art.

Her every creation tries to give a new meaning to women wear and consists of empowering designs for the modern woman of today. She tries to redefine style with vibrant colors and tries to amalgamate modernity with traditionality and power dress the Indian woman.

Currently she retails her label "CHARU PARASHAR" from Anantam, Aura, CTC Mall, Atelier, lemon tree and Gyans.

You can get Charu Parashar at:

UTPALA, M-21, C.R. Park, Basement, New Delhi

www.charuparashar.in