Pioneering Voices Emerge
Fashion often celebrates youth, but the Indian fashion industry thrives on the wisdom and creativity of its seasoned professionals. These influential figures,
many in their sixties and beyond, demonstrate that experience, perspective, and a deep understanding of craft are invaluable. They have collectively built and sustained the industry, showcasing resilience, experimentation, and unwavering commitment. Their journeys, marked by years of dedication both on and off the runway, prove that true style transcends age, resting instead on vision, skill, and passion. These icons are the bedrock of Indian fashion, carrying its rich heritage forward while continuously innovating.
Anita Dongre's Vision
Anita Dongre, at 62, is a prominent architect of modern Indian fashion. Her eponymous label, established in 1995, has blossomed into a global fashion empire that masterfully blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Dongre's philosophy emphasizes designing with conviction and authenticity, believing that true resonance comes from what feels genuine. She champions the preservation of artisanal techniques like Gota Patti, ensuring rural artisans remain integral to her brand. Dongre wisely notes that while creativity opens doors, business acumen keeps them open, advocating for decisions guided by both instinct and data. Her international acclaim surged after the Princess of Wales wore her design. Dongre's work consistently embodies modern Indian elegance while championing sustainability, ethical production, and women's empowerment. Her core advice to designers is to nurture the inner child, the source of honest creativity, while maintaining high standards.
Neeta Lulla's Legacy
With over four decades in the industry, Neeta Lulla is an iconic figure in Indian cinema and couture. At 61, she is renowned for her opulent bridal wear and intricate costume designs for numerous films. Lulla's creations artfully fuse classic Indian textiles with modern silhouettes, resulting in garments that feel both timeless and current. She believes fashion's true power lies in authenticity and self-expression, enabling individuals to tell their story without words. Her significant contributions to cinema have cemented her status, defining visual aesthetics for iconic Bollywood films, particularly those with historical grandeur. Lulla embraces change as a catalyst for growth and reward, encouraging others to step beyond their comfort zones and approach work with passion as a learning process. Her enduring career is a testament to imagination, meticulous detail, and an intuitive grasp of evolving tastes.
Mukta Singh's Reinvention
At 61, Mukta Singh exemplifies a refreshing perspective on age within the modelling industry. Her entry into fashion occurred later in life, following years dedicated to family and a passion for painting. Singh, who once felt inadequate due to rigid beauty standards, now advises her younger self to let fashion reflect her evolving identity rather than trying to conform. Life's obligations delayed her personal ambitions, but during her mother's illness, she embraced self-care and her greying hair. A serendipitous invitation to model at a wedding marked a turning point. Despite initial skepticism regarding her age, Singh persevered. Her current style philosophy centers on self-acceptance and continuous evolution, asserting that grace and style are cultivated through embracing uniqueness and confidence. She emphasizes that true style stems from self-awareness and authenticity, not merely staying relevant.
Ritu Kumar's Revival
Ritu Kumar, an 81-year-old luminary, is a foundational figure in Indian fashion. Long before the industry's global recognition, Kumar championed India's rich textile heritage. Starting with a small team and workspace, she focused on revitalizing historic embroidery and hand-block printing techniques. Her work revolutionized the perception of Indian craft by presenting traditional artistry through a contemporary design lens. Kumar was instrumental in establishing India's boutique retail culture, offering curated fashion experiences that merged heritage with modern sensibilities. Her label has expanded significantly, consistently celebrating the opulence of Indian textiles. Kumar's legacy is deeply intertwined with the preservation and innovative reinvention of cultural craftsmanship.
Anju Modi's Narratives
Anju Modi, 68, has dedicated decades to exploring the profound connections between textiles, history, and storytelling in her designs. She is widely celebrated for collections inspired by philosophy, architecture, and diverse regional crafts. Modi's work often reflects extensive research and collaborations with master artisans across India, resulting in garments rich with intricate details and cultural narratives. Her expertise extends to costume design for cinema, where her period ensembles have significantly influenced the visual language of several prominent films. Modi's creations consistently highlight the depth of Indian craftsmanship while maintaining a distinct contemporary identity. Her contributions underscore fashion's potential as a powerful bridge between heritage and modern expression.
Dinesh Mohan's Journey
Dinesh Mohan's path to becoming a prominent runway figure began far from the fashion world. Prior to his modeling career, he worked in Haryana's education department, leading a predominantly sedentary lifestyle that impacted his health. A pivotal decision to leave his government role marked the start of his personal transformation. In his mid-sixties, Mohan emerged as a distinctive presence on the runway, recognized for his silver hair, confident demeanor, and signature mustache. His professional modeling career launched in 2016, leading to collaborations with prominent designers and appearances in campaigns and fashion shows. Mohan's story powerfully challenges age-related assumptions in fashion, demonstrating that reinvention is achievable at any life stage.
Tarun Tahiliani's Vision
Tarun Tahiliani, 64, is widely credited with defining the modern Indian couture aesthetic. His work consistently showcases a sophisticated fusion of traditional artistry and global design sensibilities. Early in his career, Tahiliani played a key role in evolving India's retail sector by co-founding Ensemble, considered the country's first luxury multi-designer boutique. He remains passionate about Indian fashion, inspired by the nation's evolving style landscape, which he sees as moving beyond textile focus to embrace structure and innovation. Tahiliani's design philosophy is characterized by expert draping, intricate embroidery, and fluid tailoring that embodies contemporary Indian elegance. His collections have gained international recognition while staying true to artisanal techniques, and his pioneering efforts in retail infrastructure have been crucial to the global growth of Indian couture.
Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla
As the creative duo behind the renowned couture house Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have spent decades defining maximalist Indian luxury. Now in their sixties, their distinctive design aesthetic—characterized by opulent embroidery, mirror work, and intricate craftsmanship within dramatic silhouettes—has become synonymous with grand Indian celebrations. Their creations are frequently seen on global red carpets and high-profile events, and they have played a role in reviving traditional embroidery through a modern lens. Khosla has also applied their ornate aesthetic to interior design. Reflecting on their four-decade career, they emphasize a relentless pursuit of innovation and elevated design, creating wearable art without compromise. Their passion for fashion remains undimmed, driven by a hunger to create anew, always devoted to the pursuit of beauty and flawless detail.
Sunil Sethi's Leadership
Sunil Sethi has profoundly influenced the structural development of Indian fashion. As Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, he has steered the organization through significant expansion, solidifying its role as a crucial platform for designers and industry professionals. Sethi's business initiatives have also been pivotal in connecting Indian craftsmanship with international markets, promoting Indian design globally and fostering collaborations. He continues to shape the broader ecosystem supporting the fashion industry through his advocacy. Sethi advises younger generations to embrace the process, learn thoroughly, and show loyalty, rather than rushing through careers ('lily padding'). He encourages them to explore the nuances of craft and textiles, avoid trend addiction, and seek out artisans preserving heritage, emphasizing a deep appreciation for the journey of discovery.
