Manish Arora
One of the most celebrated and inspiring contemporary designers in the fashion world today—Manish Arora is known for his unique play on colours that are inspired by Indian heritage but are infused with an unmistakable contemporary vibe.
His design aesthetic first made its debut in 1997, with the launch of his label ‘Manish Arora’—the success of his label eventually snowballed into his exhibit at the London Fashion Week in 2005. Two years later, he showcased his collection at the Paris Fashion Week. In the same year (2007), he became a member of the distinguished French Federation of Prêt-à-Porter. In 2011, Manish was appointed Creative Director for the iconic French fashion house, Paco Robanne, where he designed two successful collections for them.
Notable Collaborations: Walt Disney, Swarovski, Swatch, Reebok, Barbie, Mono Prix, Nespresso, Pommery, Portico New York and Amrapali.
Eye-catching: His trademark palette of pink and gold.
International Stars Spotted in Manish Arora: His rich and colourful designs have been worn by a bevy of international stars including Rihanna, Nikki Minaj, Lady Gaga, M.I.A. and Katy Perry.
Naeem Khan
Many of the world’s most stylish women are devotees to one of the biggest names in fashion: Naeem Khan. Born in India, Naeem grew up surrounded by the beauty of its culture, architecture, history and design. His vast knowledge of textiles was cultivated under the guidance of his father and grandfather, both well-known in India for designing intricate clothing that was worn by the royal families. As a teenager, Naeem moved to the United States and began his apprenticeship with Halston where he absorbed the ethos of modern restraint and learned the secrets to draping and cutting fabric to create clean, elegant and timeless silhouettes. Between the equally opulent but aesthetically opposing worlds of his father and that of Halston, Naeem’s style was nurtured and his personal aesthetic was born.
In 2003 he launched his collection and began selling at Bergdorf and Goodman, Harrods, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. His runway shows are some of the most anticipated at the New York Fashion Week.
Eye-catching: Impeccably cut dresses, sophisticated gowns and chic separates—all embroidered by hand.
International Stars Spotted in Manish Arora: Beyoncé, Eva Longoria, Penelope Cruz, Carrie Underwood, Katherine Heigl, Debra Messing, Brooke Shields, Taylor Swift, Emily Blunt, Kim Cattrall, Michelle Obama and Queen Noor of Jordan.
Shane and Falguni Peacock
The duo have built a career in fashion by following their own set of rules. With unique styling and attention to detail, Shane and Falguni Peacock, “enjoy the challenge and the process that goes into creating each and every finished product.” We love their unique take on fashion as listed on their website where they write; “It’s the minute aspects and the small unexpected twists that flavour a garment and make it unique. A dress must make, in an instant, a statement without the help of accessories.”
Eye-catching: Their signature use of feathers, sequins and prints and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity and fluidity and severity.
International Stars Spotted in Falguni and Shane Peacock: Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Kelly Rowland, Taylor Cole, Michelle Williams, Fergie, Eva Marcille, Cheryl Cole, Nicole Scherzinger, Kesha and Nikki Minaj.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Indian-American fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra moved to New York City to enroll in the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1997, where he was awarded the Critics’ Award for Best Evening Wear Designer of the Year. After F.I.T., Halston hired him as an assistant designer and then in 1999 he was named Design Director of the French fur house, J. Mendel. Over the next 10 years, Bibhu shifted the emphasis of J. Mendel to a more youthful look and at the same time expanded its ready-to-wear collections. Following J. Mendel's Spring 2008 collection, Bibhu resigned in order to establish his own label: Bibhu Mohapatra. Since then, he has presented many collections of luxury women's ready to wear, couture and fur, under his name in New York during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and in Mumbai during Lakmé Fashion Week. His collections are sold by Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Neiman Marcus around the United States, and Lane Crawford in China and other boutiques around the world.
Eye-Catching: Minimalist designs with a touch of bold print.
International Stars Spotted in Bibhu Mohapatra: Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong'o, Cobie Smulders and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Gaurav Gupta
Gaurav Gupta, one of the most easily recognised names in Indian fashion has magically created collections that are ‘future-primitive’. An alumnus of Central Saint Martin’s College, London, Gaurav’s work began to gain recognition early on with honours such as ‘The Future of Couture’ at the Rome Couture Fashion Week and ‘The Roots of Creativity’ title at the Mittelmoda Fashion Awards in Italy besides other recognitions in Japan, Russia and India as a breakthrough designer.
Eye-Catching : Working closely with the motion of fabric, embroideries in three dimensions, volume play and extempore draping and experiments with wool and felt.
International Stars Spotted in Gaurav Gupta: Paris Hilton, Lady Victoria Hervey, Shakira and Hofit Golan.
Written by Nazneen Joshi on Aug 14, 2014