Emerging Designers of 2025

Meet the trailblazers who are redefining the landscape of menswear in India.

- SALONI DHRUV

AYUSHI AND ANUSHREE AGARWAL
COFOUNDERS, KISSA-GOI

What began as an experiment between two sisters has blossomed into a purposeful journey of creativity and sustainability. Kissa-goi-founded by Ayushi Agarwal, a former investment banker, and Anushree Agarwal, an FAD International Academy alumnus-reflects its founders' commitment to intentional design and eco-conscious practices.

Launched in 2019, the brand initially focused on occasionwear, but things changed at their first pop-up in Surat. "It was during this pop-up that we introduced embroidered shirts for men, almost as an afterthought, and they unexpectedly resonated with customers. This moment sparked the realisation of a niche in contemporary men's shirts, which became the foundation of our brand," Ayushi recalls.

From the start, Kissa-goi has championed a made-to-order model to minimise waste. Over time, they incorporated upcycled and export-surplus fabrics and now offer atelier services to repair and repurpose garments, promoting a culture of longevity over disposability. For 2025, the Goabased designer duo is envisioning a transformative space-part store, part creative haven which will showcase their diverse products and also serve as a hub for skillbuilding where visitors can learn embroidery, stitching and repair techniques, or bring in their clothes for restoration. "It's more than just a store; it's an extension of the life we aspire to live," they share.

MAYANK BHUTRA
FOUNDER, ERODE

WHAT'S ON THE RACKS: Embroidered shirts, jackets and outerwear in the indigenous Jamakkalam fabric, pleated veshtis and denims with 3D embroidery.