Designers to watch in 2008

Who will be the next big names in the Indian fashion scene? BT More spoke to some leading designers and industry watchers to find out.

KAUSHIE ADISESHAN

The designer behind the label “Pink Elf” revels in her multicultural frame of reference. Born in Mumbai and based in San Francisco, she debuted on the fashion scene at the San Francisco Fashion Week last year with her Fall/Winter collections. Rave reviews led her to make her Indian debut this year at the Lakme Fashion Week with her Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Working with the three inspirations of euphoria, rapture and bliss, her’s was a ready-to-wear collection in satin and silk. Her style can be clearly said to be classic, fluid and inventive in her use of muted colours to suggest emotion. The confidence with which she carried off her debut offers a tantalising glimpse at her future.

SOUMITRA MONDAL

This young designer from Kolkata created a splash at the Lakme Fashion Week this year with his khadi ready-to-wear lineHis collection, “Chowraha”, put a contemporary spin on this classic cloth by mixing different kinds of khadi with fabrics like georgette, chiffon and satin. Viewed by veterans and peers as a breath of fresh air, his designs cut through the clutter quite well. He set up his own label, Marg, a few years ago. Definitely one to watch.

SHAHZAD KALIM

The rising star of the Indian fashion fraternity first shot to prominence in 2005 when he won the Lakme Fashion House reality TV show, wowing judges and viewers alike with his simply crafted designs. Garnering the admiration of the likes of Donatella Versace, he then went off to Milan to study at the House of Versace. Avant garde, though not quite enfant terrible, great things are expected from him in the future.