Here are Women Entrepreneurs in the Fashion Industry
Over the last few years, the fashion industry has incredibly transformed people’s lifestyles, be it in India or across the world. The introduction of exotic prints, luxurious outfits, glamorous colors, and ever-evolving patterns has helped those seeking newness in their personality to explore different styles. There’s no doubt that people of all genders have contributed to designing and curating such masterpieces in the fashion industry. But when we look from the perspective of women empowerment, most female fashion entrepreneurs have appeared in the limelight due to their extraordinary mindset and created ripples in the fashion industry.
1. Anamika Khanna
1. With no prior training in the design field, Anamika Khana, a former painter, and classical dancer launched her first label in the early 90s, which got popular for its non-traditional and eclectic aesthetics. She is a renowned female fashion entrepreneur for her fashion curations and extraordinary work in designing Bollywood film’s attires.
2. Being the first Indian designer to showcase her versatile collection at Paris Fashion Week, she is seen as sartorial and highbrow in equal measure. Moreover, she has made her name into the Business of Fashion 500 list along with presenting her creations in prestigious multiple fashion events like Bridal Asia, Lakme Fashion Week, Wills Fashion Week, and the list goes on. Her vision to express different styles and expertise in the designing field has made her a common name in the top female fashion entrepreneurs in India and all over the world.
2. Masaba Gupta, House of Masaba
1. Masaba Gupta, daughter of the veteran actor Neena Gupta, is known as one of India’s top fashion designers who successfully launched her own brand and won several accolades. She faced several challenges due to her mixed heritage, but her passionate attitude and creative mind have brought her a long way into the fashion industry.
2. She started her career at the age of 19 by creating a collection for Lakme Fashion Week and held a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design. Later, she stepped into the dance world and won several awards in college. When people appreciated her fashion collection, Masaba realized that fashion was her calling. Gradually, she mastered the art of combining creativity, commercial viability, and functionality to run her own label, ‘House of Masaba.’ She was awarded the first Indian designer to run a fashion show through Instagram.
3. From creating her first fashion collection at the age of 19 to collaborating with well-known fashion brands and launching her own label named “House of Masaba”, she proves that persistence is the key to success.
3. Anita Dongre
1. Anita Dongre, a most sought-after name in the fashion industry, is popularly known for her aesthetic styles that have roots in Indian traditions. Armed with a degree in Fashion Design and having an admiration for artisans from rural villages of Jaipur, Anita Dongre’s influences were seen right from her first collection itself. She also empowers rural women by providing them with skill training and livelihood opportunities through The Anita Dongre Foundation.
2. At the age of 54, she successfully owns an eponymous label, a western wear label, and a boho-chic brand Global Desi that shows affinity towards indigenous craftsmanship combined with modern aesthetics. From creating an outstanding outfit for Kate Middleton to creating some of the ecstatic silver screen’s looks on the runway, Anita Dongre’s skills and vision have flawlessly extended in multiple fields. Being a revivalist of rural craft, environmentalist, and an ethical vegan, Anita Dongre, in the current era, is known to be one of the best female fashion entrepreneurs in India.
4. Tina Tahiliani Parikh
1. Tina Tahiliani Parikh, a Stanford University graduate, began her career in San Francisco with The First Boston Corporation as a financial analyst. After returning to India in 1990, she took over merchandising, finance, marketing, and strategic design of the Mumbai Institution Ensemble, which is India’s first designer multi-brand store. Launched with her brother Taraun Tahiliani, a well-known Indian fashion designer , and his wife Sal, Ensemble has now become a reputed platform for several labels and a go-to stop for fashionistas.
5. Falguni Nayar, Nykaa
1. Who doesn’t know Nykaa? Almost every youngster has heard this fashion brand’s name in recent years. Falguni Nayar, the pillar behind Nykaa, founded this platform with a vision to create a multi-brand omnichannel retail business that focuses on beauty. By understanding the customer needs and enabling beauty brands to extend their boundaries in the country, Nykaa turned out to be India’s leading fashion and beauty brand that plays a crucial role in the beauty market.
2. Falguni Nayar graduated from IIM Ahmedabad and started her work in consulting with A.F. Ferguson & Co. Having completed an MBA in finance and spent 18 years in the banking sector, she has won several accolades throughout her career. Falguni Nayar was also listed as Asia’s Power Business Woman 2019 by Forbes Asia and BusinessPerson of the year 2019 by Vogue India. Plus, she has received the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 – Startup Award by Ernst and Young, which shows her passion towards creating a successful business.
3. Ced to make it India’s one-stop-shop for cosmetics and beauty products with over forty-six locations across India. Associated with over 2400+ brands and high-quality products, Nykaa has now become one of India’s largest online shopping stores.
Conclusion: Looking at the inspiring stories of these female fashion entrepreneurs, it is quite evident that no matter the situation, if you have the will to work hard towards your dreams, no one can stop YOU. The only thing you have to do is focus on your inventiveness and tenacity to start something big. Although there will be rises and falls on the path, in the end, success will always come rolling in.
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