This article has been created in collaboration with participating brands/advertisers
There’s something to be said about women creating for women. This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the founders who get it—the ones shaping fashion with intention, leading brands that do more than follow trends. These are the women who sit at the helm of labels spanning the spectrum: sharp western wear that cuts through the noise, Indian wear that remixes tradition with a knowing wink, designer creations that blur the line between art and attire, and size-inclusive lines that say, simply, everyone belongs.
In this listicle, we’re celebrating the women who carry their vision to life, those who see what we need and deliver it with unflinching style.
17:17 by Simmi Saboo is a tasteful fusion of heritage and modernity, where opulent golden embroidery meets striking digital prints. With over eight years in the industry, Saboo has redefined contemporary Indian fashion, crafting elegant collections like fluid saree gowns, breezy lehenga cholis, and beautifully tailored kurta sets. Luxurious fabrics like silk and tissue lend an air of sophistication, preserving cultural richness while embracing a Western aesthetic. With flagship stores in Jaipur, Mumbai, and Surat and a presence in 16+ multi-designer boutiques across India, London, and Dubai, the label has gained popularity. A Lakmé Fashion Week regular, 17:17 by Simmi Saboo, has been embraced by many celebrities who have helped bring its vision to life.
Aza Fashions stands at the forefront of Indian luxury, curating the finest designer wear for over two decades. Founder Dr. Alka Nishar’s business acumen and keen eye for craftsmanship are the driving force behind Aza’s rapid growth and leadership, setting an example for all women in business. Expanding this vision, the brand launched its e-commerce platform, spearheaded by Managing Director Devangi Nishar Parekh, bringing the best of Indian couture to a global audience. Devangi felt compelled to bring this vision to life after spending over a decade in the U.S., noticing that while traditional fashion was central to the cultural identity of Indians living abroad, it remained inaccessible. Together, this mother-daughter duo continue to build their legacy, balancing tradition with a modern retail approach.
Founded in 1990 as a premier export house, Ganga Fashions has spent over three decades blending India’s textile heritage with contemporary sophistication. Under the creative direction of Karishma Dalal, the brand expanded into the Indian market in 2007, crafting traditional ensembles that evolve with the discerning tastes of modern women. Dalal aims to create designs that speak the language of artistry and authenticity. With a deep reverence for innovation and adaptability, Ganga Fashions is dedicated to embracing global trends and introducing the shifting fashion landscape to India.
At the intersection of engineering and artistry lies Fioletowy, a Bengaluru-based label that brings together Japanese minimalism, European elegance, and the soulful traditions of Indian craftsmanship. At the heart of Fioletowy Studio is its powerhouse founder, Samatha Chandrashekar, an engineer turned fashion designer who brings a unique technical precision to every couture art piece. With showings at Milan and New York Fashion Weeks, Fioletowy is steadily making its mark, proving that homegrown talent can hold its own on the global stage. But beyond the runway, their commitment to inspiring the younger generation is woven into the very fabric of the brand, encouraging aspiring creatives to pursue their ambitions relentlessly.
Armed with a master's in Business from London, Millie Mohan has been navigating fashion’s wild currents for seven years while finding her footing in the industry. Elle’M Store, a testament of her lifelong dream, dresses the modern, dynamic woman—those who juggle professional ambition, creativity, and adventure with equal ease. The label aims to create pieces that empower women with their wardrobe staples that strike a balance between structure and fluidity, a collection that ranges from bold to understated. Now, Elle’M plans to expand its horizons from fashion to lifestyle with their next chapter that introduces leather accessories, luxury pret and a kids’ collection.
Wear Equal, founded by Preeta Chaudhuri Ghosal, is India’s first 100% circular intimate lifestyle brand, committed to sustainability and social equity. Drawing from her experience in social development and UN missions across India, Ghosal recognised the barriers rural women face in accessing underwear—an issue that directly impacts menstrual hygiene. Today, her brand, Wear Equal, upcycles surplus textile and fabric waste into carefully created pieces of loungewear and intimate wear. Their circular ethos shines brighter with their Takeback Program, recycling worn threads into décor and using profits to fund safe periods for marginalised women. Wear Equal champions equity while staying dedicated to protecting the environment, proving that beauty thrives in inclusivity and ingenuity.
At ReRack, luxury meets sustainability in a seamless rental experience that empowers women. Founded by Khyati Gupta, this women-led, women-operated business makes high fashion accessible, offering curated racks of designer pieces for every occasion. With a “Rent, Wear, Return” model, ReRack champions circular fashion, allowing women to experiment, refresh their style, and reduce waste. The brand aims to be your personal stylist that has democratised access to give you a handpicked rack of fashion items to choose from. Gupta believes that the hallmark of a true luxury experience is one that ensures exceptional hospitality where customers are looked after at every step. This ethos is woven into ReRack’s seamless rental process and extends to its growing online sisterhood.
At Shruti & Smriti, every piece is a labour of love, blending heritage artistry with a cosmopolitan edge. Founded by twin designers Shruti and Smriti Gupta, the luxury wedding and cocktail wear label blends Eastern elegance with Western sophistication, drawing from their global journey through Tokyo, Milan, and London. Each piece is handcrafted using rich silks and adorned with intricate embroidery, Swarovski embellishments, and metallic accents—designs that shimmer, move, and transform with the woman who dons them. With an additional proficiency in jazz dance, movement and rhythm are central to their creative DNA, influencing the flow and structure of their designs and campaigns.
Founded by Deepa Mahadevan, IshqME transcends fleeting trends, embracing originality through intricate prints and exquisite karigari. Each collection is a woven narrative designed to evoke a deep connection between women and their wardrobes. IshqME isn’t just about clothing; it’s about storytelling, creating pieces that resonate deeply with women who seek meaning, authenticity, and a touch of wanderlust in their choice of fashion. Every piece is a testament to individuality and self-expression, whether it’s drawing inspiration from Japanese artistry or the Moroccan heritage. Beyond fashion, IshqME champions empowerment through its Love Who You Are initiative, fostering a community where style meets purpose and where confidence is celebrated in every thread.
