Vaishali Shadangule Designer and Founder, Vaishali S Vaishali Shadangule realised her passion for textiles at a very young age and founded her own eponymous brand Vaishali S in 2001. Vaishali’s unique designs stem from her affection for the classic Indian weaves. She often dreamed about bringing the forgotten and almost-fading skill of handweaving to mainstream design. This dream came true in 2021 when she became the first Indian woman to showcase at Paris Couture Week in 2021, and later the first Indian woman to showcase at Milan Fashion Week in 2022. Her brand is all about honesty and authenticity. And so, she works with weavers at the loom directly on the fabric composition by exploring and enhancing the textile. Sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship have been the pillars on which her success story has been built. Vaishali is all about sustainability, both in her work and personal life, and so Vaishali tries to follow a lifestyle that incorporates this tenet. In the last decade, Vaishali S has become a window for Indian crafts in both the Indian and international markets. Love for the hand weaves and the weavers’ “I have no regrets. When bad things happen to me, I learn from those experiences and move on.” art, translated in a global language by the designer’s unique creativity and skills in weaving, embroidering, and draping, has earned her a loyal global clientele. Varun Bahl Fashion Designer, Founder Varun Bahl, Karan Johar + Varun Bahl An alumni of National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, Varun Bahl launched his eponymous couture label in 2004. After showcasing his Spring/Summer 2004 collection at White in Italy, he was also chosen to showcase his SS ‘07 and AW ‘07-’08 collections at Milan Fashion Week, making him the first Indian designer ever to participate on the calendar. In 2010, Varun Bahl launched his menswear label in collaboration with the acclaimed Indian film producer and director Karan Johar called Karan Johar + Varun Bahl. Varun has also ventured into the wedding industry with his luxury wedding design company, Aurum by Varun Bahl. He has since also launched another venture in the world of readyto-wear fashion. Bahl marries traditional Indian handcrafted embroideries, with experimental and contemporary silhouettes and is also known as the ‘Couturier of Flowers.” To unwind Bahl believes in spending quality time with his loved ones, taking time out of his schedule to travel and find inspirations everywhere. For him “Embrace challenges, persist with purpose and practice gratitude.” luxury is more than just a concept or a product, “it is an embodiment of excellence & exclusivity. Something that encompasses a sense of timelessness and endures value.” And when it comes to a word of advice for the young ones, he shared, “Create your own voice and be resilient. It is important to develop a mindset that allows you to handle rejection and setbacks. Keep pushing forward, learn from challenges, and remain focused on your goals.” 54 | | 55
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