One of the most promising new-age fashion designers, Ragini Ahuja is somebody to watch out for in the coming year. After her striking debut at the Lakme Fashion Week 2013, Ahuja went on to win the Elle Graduates 2014 award for the most promising young designer.
Today, she has built a brand, ikai, that boasts of introducing leather cutwork and bandhini prints for the first time in India. Using fabric appliqué, unconventional ornamentations, shibori tie-dye, earthy hues and metal rivets, Ahuja has introduced a clothing line that’s practical and wearable. In a market where skinny fits make the most business, she made an entrance with her anti-fits.
Unwonted and free-spirited is her motto. Therefore, it’s no surprise when she drapes a traditional chanderi saree with an uber sultry leather bustier or belted appliqué jackets. Ahuja also manages to be lauded for her outlandishness every time. She does a plethora of styles such as leather appliqué tunics, pleated pants, kaftan tunic—all reeking of her signature non-conformist discernment.