On either side of the border, there is always interest as to what is happening fashion-wise. There are some aspects of Pakistan’s fashion world that trump India’s and the same applies the other way around too. Here in Pakistan, whenever we think of Indian fashion, we often think of one name, Sabyasachi. There’s nothing wrong with associating his brand with broader Indian fashion, but there are so many other brands to explore and learn from.

1. Anita Dongre. 

Anita Dongre embodies a lot of traditional work in her collections but likes to put a modern twist to them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtAdQd9g1fW/

One of her recent collections heavily featured gorgeous bird motifs. She paired it with dark colors, really bringing out her modern aesthetic.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsxpxKvg1kz/

Anita also dwells in all-white bridals.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrAXYU8glqr/

2. Raw Mango 

This company is steeped heavily in the heritage and culture of India- their aesthetic celebrates this, and it’s very easy to see.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo_iWwEAe7I/

A lot of their designs rely on raw silk, brocade, and tissue too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq6dJS6gixB/

These fabrics help them to create an old world charm and an aesthetic that is unmatched by their competitors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq1YCsWATTk/

3. Falguni Shane Peacock 

This designer is all about the glam and the ‘wow’ factor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrwzT-ED1GQ/

From lehnga cholis to ball downs, she’s got it all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrwzBgaDOtK/

Falguni Shane Peacock is truly versatile.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtQkhP7BzLC/

4. Sukriti and Akriti

This is clearly a brand whose aim is to go back to simple and clean design aesthetics.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoI6pXDHvv4/

Their designs are clear and crisp.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmIlEQKnCab/

Not to worry, they aren’t afraid of color!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkUemdaHmkM/

5. Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika. 

By far the most fun name, this brand is a modern brand out of India that can compete on an international platform.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs4-ZT1g8Je/

The brand is vivacious and full of life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsshESRA2O9/

While they can go modern, they can go full on haute couture.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpXEwupBZgc/

6. Payal Khandwala 

This is a designer who’s playing around with cuts and silhouettes like no other. Long trails and asymmetric design feature in her collections.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpQp3YLHVRK/

Brocade pants like you’ve never seen them before!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmFsRTSFU47/

Their saris are simply jaw-dropping.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkEwsvGlNv4/

7. The Right Cut 

This brand is definitely quirky in its style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoIwZCOFsgR/

Sometimes drawing inspiration from nature, the dresses they craft are simple and reminiscent of a simpler time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoIwbTflHpB/

But the aesthetic is most definitely vintage and old school.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj31FjSly11/

8. My Global Desi

This is a young and hip brand that caters to an international and fashionable desi audience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtFaHwplco0/

These are everyday fashion items that you can rock.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsvB3rplCNb/

There’s something for everyone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bshi77yFxnf/

9. Pankaj and Nidhi

This brand is colorful, inventive and experimental.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGz42AHQ85/

You can really make a statement with their pieces.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn9Fs3En7Hw/

Just a lot of color and new ideas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnljBhZnRMC/

10. Spring Diaries Stores

Like ‘Global Desi’, this is a young brand that breathes fresh air into daily wear as well as party wear.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br9jDB2l49g/

Clothes for every occasion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn6Gok6lU65/

They have everything from super fancy, to super simple.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsqX6H7lR7D/

11. The House of Masaba

Masaba blends modernity with the East so effortlessly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtIM2D_FNZW/

She’s always recreating her aesthetic and her style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWzhUXFeVz/

But all her designs are mesmerizing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpXG7HlnCR9/

Clearly the fashion scene on the other side of the Wahga is just as dynamic and bustling as it is here. Indian designers have a lot of culture and a lot of materials they can use as reference for their designs and their collections. What Indian designer caught your eye? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Photo Courtesy: @TheRightCut @AnitaDongre @papadontpreachbyshubhika / Instagram