From Small Towns to Global Runways: The Rise of India’s 4 Young Fashion Designers

Fashion knows no boundaries, emerging from the unlikeliest of places, whether in the bustling heart of a metropolis or a quiet small town. For four young designers from the serene locales of Nainital, Bijnor, Almora, and Ramgarh, their humble beginnings serve as the launchpad for their bold ambitions. Their unique journeys highlight how art and creativity can flourish beyond conventional settings, redefining what it means to be a designer in today’s world.

Ikshit Pande, Mansi Chauhan, Shweta Gupta, and Ashish Karmali each bring distinct influences from their small-town origins, transforming them into innovative fashion narratives. Their designs blend personal history, cultural heritage, and avant-garde techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion.

Ikshit Pande: Crafting QUOD with a Contemporary Twist

Ikshit Pande’s brand, QUOD, stands out for its daring reimaginations of classic fashion elements. Born and raised in the picturesque town of Nainital, Ikshit’s aesthetic is deeply rooted in his experiences at a Catholic school. This unique background finds its way into his designs through playful, yet structured reinterpretations of traditional attire, merging his heritage with a modern sensibility. His collections often feature a juxtaposition of sharp silhouettes and whimsical details, reflecting a balance between discipline and creativity. QUOD is not just a fashion label—it’s a narrative of blending the old with the new, creating pieces that are both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

Mansi Chauhan: Sustainability and Style Interwoven

Hailing from the small town of Bijnor, Mansi Chauhan brings a fresh perspective to the fashion world with her commitment to sustainability. Her brand is a testament to the belief that fashion can be both high-end and environmentally responsible. Mansi’s designs are characterized by their use of upcycled materials, transforming fabric scraps into striking, wearable art. Her creations stand out for their intricate patchwork, vibrant colours, and unconventional silhouettes. By turning waste into fashion statements, Mansi challenges the industry’s norms and pushes the boundaries of sustainable design. Her work not only showcases her creativity but also advocates for a more conscious approach to fashion.

Shweta Gupta: Weaving Tradition into Modernity

For Shweta Gupta, growing up in Almora, a town known for its rich handloom tradition, was a significant influence on her design philosophy. She seamlessly weaves this heritage into her contemporary collections, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. Her work features handwoven fabrics, natural dyes, and traditional weaving techniques, reimagined in modern silhouettes that appeal to a global audience. Shweta’s pieces are a celebration of her roots, embodying the spirit of the mountains she calls home. Each garment tells a story of craftsmanship, culture, and the timeless beauty of Indian textiles, making her a champion of slow fashion and cultural preservation.

Ashish Karmali: Artisanal Craftsmanship Reimagined

Growing up in Ramgarh, a village known for its artistic community, Ashish Karmali was surrounded by craftsmanship from an early age. His designs reflect a deep respect for this artisanal heritage, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Ashish’s collections often feature intricate embroidery, hand-painted motifs, and luxurious fabrics, each piece bearing the mark of meticulous craftsmanship. He strives to create fashion that is not just visually appealing but also meaningful, connecting wearers with the story behind each garment. By incorporating elements of his childhood and local craft traditions into his designs, Ashish is preserving and promoting the artistry of his region on a global platform.

Shaping the Future of Indian Fashion

Together, these four designers are shaping a new narrative for Indian fashion. They are not just creating clothes but also carving out spaces for voices that are often underrepresented in the industry. Their journeys from small towns to global runways challenge the conventional idea of where creativity can flourish. As they continue to grow and inspire, they pave the way for future generations of designers who dare to dream big, proving that fashion is a universal language that transcends borders and backgrounds.