Arushi SakhujaÂ
India’s diversity isn’t restricted solely to food and culture. Fashion is one of the most prominent spaces where designers attempt to bring to life exquisite craftsmanship and techniques from the lesser-known gems of India. Hyderabad is one such city known for its fashion heritage. However, it has been explored in-depth only by a relatively more niche population of Indians and tourists. After Delhi and Mumbai, if there is a city that is entering the conversation, it is Hyderabad. Hyderabad is emerging as a promising fashion destination, with more demand for high-end fashion.
The city boasts a multitude of homegrown, local designers and jewellery artisans. Luxury couture multi-designer Ensemble was the newest member to foray into this city. Nestled in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, the new Ensemble store opened doors to its fifth store nationwide as the band embarked on its 35th year.
The brand thrives on showcasing and promoting Indian designers, and shelves are stocked with most of the industry’s marquee designers. From Anamika Khanna, Anjul Bhandari, Tarun Tahiliani, Aseem Kapoor, Chandrima, and Aikeyah, Kshitij Jalori, Shweta Kapur and more; the true hidden treasure of homegrown labels with smaller boutiques often gets lost amidst the herd. Luxebook took a deep dive to discover some of the best homegrown fashion boutiques worth exploring in Hyderabad.
The city offers flagship stores of many coveted Indian designers from Anita Dongre to Shantnu and Nikhil and Sabyasachi to Manish Malhotra, to name a few. And while Banjara Hills is the ultimate fashion destination in the city, there are lesser-known brands worth adding to the list. Given the rise in demand, some of the better-known names include Anushree Reddy, Mrunalini Rao, Jayanti Reddy and Label Shriya who have opened shop in Hyderabad.
A couple of years ago in 2007, Hyderabad hadn’t made much of an appearance in the fashion scene, but as Ganesh Nallari and Chic Pea Studios opened in the city, some designers followed suit. As time passed, the fashion scene in the city evolved drastically — consumers were willing to explore new styles and experiment with clothing. This led to a massive increase in the number of homegrown boutiques, and a key difference between the mainstream designers and these boutiques focus on championing tradition and style. Scroll on to know all about the best boutiques in Hyderabad.
Plantation House
Minimal, ethical and unstructured; Plantation house is a small boutique in the city that champions handlooms. Unconventional silhouettes are met with a soothing setup and the brand pushes the boundaries by using embellishments, geometric prints, cuts, and colours. If you are someone who loves to wear minimal and unstructured clothing, making a stop here is non-negotiable. On the racks, you can find earthy colours and androgynous western clothing.
Where: 89/90, Ground floor, Annapurna studios lane, Road Number 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
Bhargavi Kunam
A well-known designer and stylist for Telugu films, Bhargavi Kunam is a big name in Hyderabad when it comes to Indian wear. Known for her traditional banarsi and chanderi sarees as well as her distinct floral prints, her collection can fit all age groups.
Where: 8-2-293/82/L, 39A, Rd Number 12, near Omega Hospital, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
IssaStudio by Chetana & Swathi
The highlight of fashion in Hyderabad is that designers are always breaking cliche styles and trying something new, and boutique IssaStudio proves just that. With a focus on prints, indo-western styles and modern construction, Issa is a must-visit when in the city. With multiple options ranging from dresses, one-piece gowns, sarees and lehengas you will be sure to find something pleasing.
Where: 1350, 68, Road No. 2, Park View Enclave, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033
Kavitha Gutta
Kavita Gutta describes her couture as luxury bridal wear with a mix of modernism and old-world charm. Unlike other mainstream designers, the price points are fairly lower — you can find outfits from INR 30,000 to wedding lehengas for INR 1.5 lakhs — but the embroidery and attention to detail standouts. Exquisite zardozi work with gold thread is her USP that makes the ensembles look regal.
Where: 1359, Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033
Anushree Reddy
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Yet another name who has helmed the fashion industry is Anushree Reddy. Reddy is originally from Hyderabad and hence the city holds a special place for her when she began her journey as a trousseau designer. What drew the audience towards her was her approach to bridal wear which was modern and minimal. Blending modern elements with ethnic wear, her contemporary ensembles are unlike what we’ve seen before.
Where: Bougainvillea, Survey no.128/82, 8-2-293/174/A/28, 8-2-293/174/A/28, Road No. 2, beside One Hyd Park, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
Asmita Marwa
The beauty of Asmita Marwa’s designs are that are rooted in nature. Being a firm believer in sustainable fashion, she believes in taking the road less travelled and her collections fuse traditional and global aesthetics through her avant-garde sensibilities, her forte being boho chic resort wear. Vibrant colours, flowy silhouettes and quirky designs shine bright in her collections.Â
Where: Studio 924G, Aryaman, Road No. 46, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, TS, India. +91 82977 88182
Ganesh NallariÂ
Ganesh Nallari opened his label, Chic Pea Studios, back in 2007 and was one of the first designers of Hyderabad. It was after him that others flourished in the city. The designer has been forefront across a variety of fashion weeks in the city, but unlike other designers, his craft is unique and rooted in tradition. celebrating the gorgeous weaves of South India and the brand’s uniqueness lies in its approach towards adapting classic Indian art forms into chic futuristic urban designs. Ganesh strongly feels that life is an oxymoron and so is designed with various multitudes of styles and materials, giving him an opportunity to explore what’s seen and what’s unseen.
Where: Â Innovative Cyberview Apartments, T-1, 4th Floor, HUDA Techno Enclave, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Shilpa Reddy
Being born and brought up in Hyderabad Shilpa Reddy is a familiar name. From being a socialite to a model, Shilpa has a rich design background. Today her eponymous label is coveted for her understated designs that are rooted in her cultural tradition but also influenced by global modernisation. Known for her empowering designs and intricate work that is culturally rooted, her work has been internationally accorded as well.
Where: 2-22-99/A First Floor, Allwyn colony road, Kukatpally, Hyderabad-500072
From designs that celebrate authentically South Indian craft to designed
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