In this edition of Masala‘s fashion forecast.
By Ashima Sethi
A New Year inspires a lot of us to embrace the idea of ‘out with the old and in with the new.’ This could mean anything from old habits and children’s toys you’ve hoarded over time, to boyfriends and of course, all the fashion clutter lining our wardrobes. Now if you’re looking to spruce up your closet but you’re not sure where to start, here’s Masala’s list of up-and-coming Indian designers to check out in 2022.
Akshat Bansal is the creative spirit behind the cutting-edge Bloni atelier (pictured above) and was the recipient of the Grazia Young Fashion Award in 2020. After training intensively on London’s Saville Row, Akshat honed his skills at design house, Tarun Tahiliani before branching out to establish his own label. Since then, many of his items have been chosen for editorial shoots in some of India’s leading fashion magazines. Each bespoke, couture, and pret piece is meticulously handcrafted using an array of traditional techniques to ensure ethicality. Not for the faint-hearted, his designs pack a punch.
Saloni Lodha, the brains behind SALONI (est. 2011), has gained notoriety because of her elegant fashion collections that feature easy-to-wear silhouettes for the modern, jet-setting woman. A fan of bold prints and embroidered flowers, her pieces can be worn for any occasion and range from tea dresses to gowns. Despite their Western sensibility, many of her items draw inspiration from India’s vibrant markets and the artisans that handcraft and block print traditional saris. With dress sales up 150 percent year-on-year, this designer is a must-watch!
Pallavi Singhee is the up-and –coming designer behind Verb. A brand that produces both pret and couture ensembles, Pallavi combines Western-style silhouettes with Indian patterns, mirror work, and other traditional approaches in order to create a style of her own. With items ranging from beach dresses to co-ords, kimonos, breezy blouses, and more, her fashion is fitting for those who have a free spirit. Celebrities who have been spotted in her garments include Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Raveena Tandon, and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja.
Priyanka Ella Lorena Lama was only 23 when she was launched as a Gen Next Designer by Lakme Fashion Week. A sustainable designer from the get-go, she creates garments under P.E.L.L.A, an artisanal label that’s on the rise that keeps focused on slow fashion and a zero-waste approach to pattern making, garment construction, and design. No machines are used, every piece is made from a single block of fabric, hand rolled, and hemmed by hand.
Jyoti Sharma Bajaj is the designer behind Bhanuni by Jyoti, a brand that takes boho-chic and gives it an Indian twist! With the aim to dress women of all sizes, her silhouettes are fun, breezy, and versatile, ranging from maxi skirts to ruffled dresses, button downs, wrap skirts, and more. A master at combining patterns and striking abstract prints, her items are definitely for women who aren’t afraid of colour. With so many vibrant pieces on offer, check out her page the next time you’re looking for statement items.
