New York Fashion Week just wrapped up, and although we weren’t able to attend this year, we definitely kept a pulse on the shows through pictures and articles. In the last few years, I have noticed that Indian designers have started to play a greater role in the international fashion scene by appearing in NYFW events and having their creations worn by celebrities on the red carpet. With detailed embroideries, fine textiles, and so-called “exotic” prints and designs, it is exciting to see Indian designers take center stage.

These are a few designers that have built a name for themselves with their lust-worthy creations.

Naeem Khan

Born in India and educated in textiles by his father and grandfather, who were also designers, Naeem Khan adds a touch of traditional Indian embroideries to his repertoire of sophisticated gowns and dresses. His designs have been worn by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Queen of Jordan, as well as celebrities like Beyonce, Penelope Cruz, and Eva Longoria.

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Falguni and Shane Peacock

Falguni and Shane Peacock have created a signature brand that uses vibrant prints and feathers to create peacock-like imagery in their creations. While I certainly couldn’t carry off any of their runway designs in real life, the colorful and shocking designs have been worn by many celebrities at red carpet events and concerts.

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Prabal Gurung

Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung started his apprenticeship in New Delhi and later at Parsons in NYC. He worked with Cynthia Rowley’s design team before launching his own collection in 2009. I first heard of (and lusted after) his creations when I saw Bollywood stars, such as Sonam Kapoor, wear them. Since then, all the Hollywood A-listers as well as Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton have worn his gowns. Considering he was on unemployment funds when he started off his career, it is especially gratifying to see his success.

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Sachin + Babi

Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia met when they were studying at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and married and launched their own line after graduating (ah, what a cute love story)! What I love about their collection is that it is ready to wear for the everyday wardrobe. While their designs have been used by high-end fashion houses such as Oscar de la Renta and Lanvin, they’ve also created outfits for average folks like us. Their collection is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 6pm.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop, and Anthropologie.

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It makes me proud to see desi designers succeed in the international space and I only expect this to continue in the years to come. What designers have caught your eye lately?

For a review of desis making it big in the entertainment industry, check out our previous post. 

New York Fashion Week – a time when the city, more than ever, turns into a mecca for fashion and glamour. Designers from all over the world showcase their creations in hopes of influencing the tides of fashion, models take to the runway in beautiful and elegant haute couture collections, and fashionistas roam the streets in the season’s must-haves. Really, the excitement, glamour, elitism, and pretention during this week reach a fever pitch...and I wanted in! 

Luckily enough, I was able to snag tickets to the Tommy Hilfiger runway show on February 16. I was hoping to attend a show by one of the fancier designers, such as Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, or Monique Lhuillier. Honestly though, who did I think I was? Anna Wintour? Beggars can’t be choosers, and I was happy to even get tickets to a show. And the show didn’t disappoint. The evening started off with a cocktail reception with free-flowing champagne and hors d’oeuvres. This is the time when people sip cocktails and mingle, steal secret looks at what everyone else is wearing, and take pictures in silly stylish poses to post on social media networks later on (I was guilty on all counts). 

The cocktail reception was followed by the highlight of the evening, the runway show itself. After Mr. Hilfiger gave a few opening remarks, the models took to the runway with Cobra Starship providing a fun and rockin' vibe to the show. The collection was certainly reflective of the all-American casual/preppy/sporty image associated with the Hilfiger brand. It was also clear from the predominant use of stripes, color-blocking, and bright reds and oranges that these trends will continue to go strong this spring and summer season. For someone who doesn’t usually shop at Hilfiger, I found myself eyeing a lot of the pieces in the collection. 

Tommy Hilfiger, the designer himself

Bright red and orange hues

Preppy with stripes

Cobra Starship playing in the backdrop

It was a memorable New York night where I got a taste of the glittering world of fashion. The thing is, I’m not sure I’ve had my fill…hey, anyone friends with Anna Wintour?

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