Meet the export experts

Khadi crop-tops in Spain, faux-leather hoodies in London, fairytale wedding gowns in the UAE. See how some desi labels are killing it on foreign shores

- Sneha Krishnan

Outside of the glossy world triangulated by Gaurav Gupta, Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani, Indian fashion looks different on foreign shores. Smaller designers, relatively unknown in India, are in demand as far away as Russia, Spain, the UAE and the UK. They're making luxe, sustainable dresses and jackets; chic hoodies and streetwear; and exquisite, customised wedding gowns for fussy brides. Is a new India story brewing?

Shafaque Ali, 29
Shafaque

The Mumbai label is only a year old and doesn't retail on Indian platforms yet.

But it's already been to Moscow, Madrid and Paris, and will soon be in NYC. Ali does contemporary European classics, using Indian craftsmanship and modern, sustainable practices. Think backless blazer dresses made from indigo-dyed khadi, or halter-neck crop-tops in Maheshwari silk.

Ali earned her Master's degree from Polimoda Institute in Florence, Italy, and worked at Hugo Boss in New York. "My main target is international audiences who appreciate craftforward designs," she says. These are buyers who like items that they can layer for different seasons, style for the day and night, and use for years.

And, as Ali is learning, they're willing to pay for quality. Ali's collection is stocked at the upmarket French department store chain Galeries Lafayette.

"We thought we'd price them between 400 and 500 euros, and did a quick survey on the floor," she recalls. “People said the outfits looked chic and premium. The fabrics felt rich.