South Asian Fashion Designers Making Waves in the US
Meet some of the South Asian designers that have impressed the crème de la crème in the fashion world.By Taniya Talukdar Many South Asian fashion designers are rapidly becoming favorites in a who’s-who of fashion circles. These designers have drawn inspiration from their heritage for their work. They are young and happening and know the pulse well. Versatile and energetic, these designers have come a long way and are destined for even more success ahead.If you are looking to try out an exclusive new design, then try out one of these designers and you’ll surely be impressed. They’re setting the world of fashion on fire with their global creations. |
 |
 |
Prabal Gurung A favorite of the current first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, designer Gurung is a name synonymous with fashion today. With his roots in Nepal, Gurung is a favorite of many Bollywood personalities and is good friends with some of them including Priyanka Chopra and Sonam Kapoor. Each of his designs are unique and can be worn by nearly anyone. He is versatile with his creations and has won many awards recognizing the same. His name is at the forefront today in the international fashion arena, and he has even been endorsed by the Duchess of Cambridge. Gurung is a recipient of the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear. |
 |
Naeem Khan Born and brought up in Mumbai, India, it was but natural for Khan to get into designing clothes because that is what his father and grandfather did for Indian royal families. Inspired at a young age, he moved to the United States as a teenager and went on to work under well know fashion designer, Halston. Khan is a red carpet favorite and has even dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, the Duchess of Cambridge, and leading hollywood actresses. He was inducted as a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2008. His designs are sold in retail outlets across the world. |
 |
Bibhu Mohapatra Small town boy making it big in the world fashion scene aptly describe Mohapatra’s journey. Hailing from Rourkela, Odisha, India, he is a force to reckon with in the fashion world today. Having been featured in leading fashion magazines like Vogue, Time, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire and more, Mohapatra has an impressive clientele to boast that includes First Lady Michelle Obama. Additionally, Mohapatra works closely with the Odisha government to revive the craft of Sambalpuri back in India. |
 |
Sachin & Babi Ahluwalia The husband-wife duo of Sachin & Babi met while they were studying to be designers at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. They married after graduating and started their own label. The couple’s embroideries are the most sought after by some of the most exclusive couture designer houses. They own a home luxury brand that was an instant hit since its launch in 2004. The likes of Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Alexander Wang, Lanvin, Saint Laurent, and Nina Ricci scoop up the Ahluwalia’s creations often. |
 |
Sheena Trivedi Born to a jewelry designer, Trivedi was always interested in design and grew up with it being an integral part of her life. This 31-year-old designer, who churns out exclusive designs for both men and women, made her debut in 2012 during New York Fashion Week, where she turned heads from the beginning. While she designs her creations in New York, her garments are made in New Delhi. Trivedi’s clothes are stored in boutiques across the country. Though she grew up in the US, her regular trips to India have had an influence on her designs. |
 |
Rachel Roy Though she has been in news for the wrong reasons recently, Roy is still a well known face in the American fashion industry today. Born to a Bengali father and a Dutch mother, Roy boasts of a client list that includes the likes of First Lady Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Sharon Stone, and Penelope Cruz. She has been vocal about being proud of her rich Indian heritage, which has influenced her designs in terms of colors and prints. She visits India often and even took her daughter Ava along in her recent trip. Roy is associated with various philanthropic activities in India. She is also a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. |
 |
Parna Ghose Ghose was the first Indian American fashion designer invited to showcase her creations during Dubai Fashion Week. Known for both traditional ethnic couture and ready-to-wear western designs for fashion-conscious women worldwide, Ghose’s design sell under the brand name, Pure Elegance, which happens to be one of the fastest growing South Asian fashion brands here. She plays a major role in promoting ethnic fashion at a global stage. |
