Indian Women Designers Redefining Ethical Luxury
For years, high-end fashion brands have depended on Indian craftsmen for embroidery and elaborate textiles. Yet, the individuals responsible for these works have often taken the backseat. These skilled artisans have laboured in obscurity, lacking recognition and job stability. Nonetheless, a fresh movement of women-led enterprises in India is confronting this entrenched situation, guaranteeing that the real guardians of craftsmanship are recognised and empowered. By integrating artisans into the core of their business strategies, these companies are changing the narrative, demonstrating that ethical luxury and traditional artistry can coexist harmoniously.
1. Eka by Rina Singh
Born and raised in Kurukshetra, Singh’s upbringing instilled a deep appreciation and reverence for Indian artisanal and agricultural traditions that effortlessly make their way into her designs. Eka works alongside weaver families nationwide, exploring various thread counts, yarn types, designs, and colour schemes while honouring the integrity of traditional textiles.
The Summer 2024 collection, for instance, features a partnership with block printers employing an impressive 28-set block printing method, ensuring the preservation of ancient crafts while reimagining them for modern viewers. With ten years dedicated to assisting nearly 500 weaver families, Eka exemplifies that fashion can be meaningful and lasting.
2. The Whole Nine Yards by Neha Chawla
From Kashmir’s exquisite tilla embroidery to Assam’s detailed weaving techniques, The Whole Nine Yards (TWNY) aims to safeguard and innovate India’s vibrant textile heritage. Neha Chawla established the brand, representing a slow fashion ethos where skill and artistry take centre stage over transient styles.
TWNY’s range includes carefully crafted garments that fuse age-old practices with clean, modern designs. By collaborating closely with artisans, Chawla guarantees that every item transcends mere apparel, becoming a story that reflects India’s rich textile legacies, handed down over time. TWNY exemplifies how dedication to sustainability and genuine craft can produce fashion that is enduring and profoundly connected to culture.
3. Anavila by Anavila Misra
With an emphasis on slow fashion and quiet luxury, Anavila celebrates India’s rich textile heritage, specifically through their use of khadi, linen and zari. Established in 2011, the label merges contemporary aesthetics with age-old handloom methods, frequently partnering with artisans to develop creations that maintain cultural artistry.
Anavila’s creative textile applications, such as linen enhanced with zari and hand appliqué sourced from Jharkhand, emphasise the designer’s dedication to sustainability and for the upliftment of local populations. Misra’s simplified style, grounded in cultural sustainability and admiration for craftsmanship, distinguishes the brand, providing a distinctive perspective within the fashion sector.
4. Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva
Built on a design ethos that values the return to fundamentals, Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva blends local fabrics and age-old weaving techniques with a contemporary, minimalist approach. Taking inspiration from Sachdeva’s life, following her journey from West Delhi to the London College of Fashion and her experiences with Vivienne Westwood and Giles Deacon, the brand emphasises meticulous architectural lines, sleek silhouettes, and geometric dimensions, presenting a sophisticated yet flawed aesthetic.
Dismissing the ephemeral allure of trends, Bodice produces garments that effortlessly shift from day to night, embodying an international perspective grounded in tradition. The label’s creations, marked by functionality, minimalism, and refined craftsmanship, empower the wearer to feel self-assured in their attire.
5. Pero by Aneeth Arora
Péro, founded by Aneeth Arora, seamlessly blends global aesthetics with indigenous craftsmanship, creating apparel rooted in Indian tradition yet resonant with international appeal. The name ‘péro,’ meaning ‘to wear’ in Marwari, reflects the brand’s deep connection to Indian textile heritage.
Each garment is handcrafted by skilled artisans, capturing the spirit of Indian culture while fitting effortlessly into global fashion landscapes—from the streets of Paris to those of New Delhi. Guided by a timeless philosophy, Péro favours attitude over age or season, embracing a relaxed, locally inspired style that defines its wearers as quiet trendsetters. With degrees in textile and fashion, Arora draws inspiration from the distinctive dress and fashion sensibilities of local communities—true innovators of modern style.
6. Lovebirds by Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh
Founded by Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh, Lovebirds is a modern ready-to-wear brand that celebrates Indian craftsmanship through a contemporary lens. With a strong focus on sustainability, the label partners with artisans to develop bespoke fabrics, all while embracing a clean, architectural aesthetic. Lovebirds offers a fresh take on Indian luxury—rooted in craftsmanship, yet free from traditional ornamentation.
Women-led brands are reshaping fashion by championing craftsmanship and sustainability. As conscious consumerism rises, so does appreciation for artisanal skills and heritage textiles. Yet, challenges like automation, waning youth interest, and economic shifts persist. The focus now is on building sustainable ecosystems that help these crafts thrive—not just survive.
Education and skill-building are key. Many brands work closely with artisans, blending innovation with tradition while ensuring fair pay and steady employment. This bridges the gap between legacy craftsmanship and modern markets.
Digital platforms have further amplified this shift, enabling artisans to reach global audiences. Through social media and e-commerce, women-driven brands spotlight the stories behind each piece—fostering transparency, valuing slow fashion, and weaving tradition into modern luxury.
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