(July 17, 2025) From Hyderabad to New York, Aisha Rao’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Her label, known for its vibrant colours, revived appliqué work, and commitment to upcycling, has found a place on global shelves — from London and Toronto to New York and Chicago. With each collection, she fuses Indian craftsmanship with a modern, playful edge, building a loyal community of wearers around the world. Now, as she prepares to showcase her new collection “Wild at Heart” at India Couture Week in New Delhi, it marks an important moment in her career. With every collection, she brings together traditional Indian techniques and a fun, modern style — and has built a strong community of fans around the world.
Aisha came very close to becoming a lawyer. Coming from a family of lawyers, she was expected to follow suit — and she was working towards it. In fact, she had already completed her law degree.
Aisha Rao
But her creative streak just wouldn’t let her go. It prevailed and changed the trajectory of her life completely. Fashion fascinated Aisha and by following her heart, she turned that passion into a successful career. “The decision to enrol at a design school and pursue fashion soon after graduating from law school was purely instinctive,” smiles fashion designer Aisha Rao, in a chat with Global Indian.
What began as a small bridal label in Hyderabad in 2017 only got bigger with Aisha Rao label dressing up leading A-listers in Bollywood, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, while also showcasing her creations on major platforms — building a loyal community across the world.
The Making of the Label
Aisha launched her brand with a love for bold colours, detailed craftsmanship, and the idea of designing more consciously. “It all began with upcycled occasion wear—taking fabric waste and turning it into vibrant appliqué pieces, layered with aari, zardozi, and macramé. Over time, that become our signature,” says Aisha, known for reviving appliqué work with a contemporary lens, fusing traditional handcraft with modern motifs and colour theory.
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One aspect that always stays consistent, is her love for pop colours. “No matter the mood or theme of the collection, there’s always a bit of whimsy. Bold prints and bright hues are just my way of adding joy to the clothes,” says the designer, whose collections are stocked across key markets including London, New York, Toronto, and Chicago, via leading retailers like Aashni + Co, Estic Couture, Studio East6, Sia Bridals, NDNY and Nyraa.
In a span of seven years, Aisha Rao’s footprint has expanded across India with three standalone stores in New Delhi (at Ambawatta One, DLF Emporio, and Dhanmill), one flagship studio in Hyderabad (Banjara Hills) and one in Mumbai (Kala Ghoda) — marking a strong and growing national presence. All manufacturing is in-house and Aisha operates three units employing 190 members.
Beyond Bridal: The Expanding World of Aisha Rao
Aisha weaves magic with fabrics — from raw silk to organza, zari tissue, and lurex jacquards. “Our latest collection, Matilda, feels like a step forward. It’s more intricate and refined, with soft Benarasi silks, expressive prints, and heirloom-inspired details, but still very much rooted in the vibrant, joyful energy that defines the brand.”
The brand’s prêt and accessory lines – Trencadis, Starboard and Port, and Kinfolk, continue to expand its offering beyond bridalwear, redefining how maximalism meets modern wearability.
Aisha Rao Debuts ‘Wild at Heart’ at India Couture Week
Aisha Rao is currently busy with the upcoming India Couture week, scheduled for July 29 in New Delhi. She will be debuting with her collection “Wild at Heart” – a major milestone in her journey.
“Wild at Heart, a collection made in collaboration with Kohler is a love letter to nature in all its untamed glory ; a maximalist ode to the wilderness, wrapped in metallics, softened with whimsy and structured with intention,’ says the designer.
For the very first time, Aisha’s romantic silhouettes find companionship in molten metallics, brushed rose golds, lush berry tones and antique glints of champagne. “At its core, Wild at Heart is an invitation to live a little louder, to wear your joy like second skin and to turn everyday moments into visual poetry.”
The India Couture Week marks a pivotal moment for her brand, entering a platform that has long defined the landscape of Indian high fashion, she says.
Parsons: Where the Craft Became a Calling
For Aisha, studying at Parsons was a formative experience. “New York wasn’t just the backdrop, it shaped me in so many ways. The city’s energy and diversity felt familiar, almost like India, and it quickly started to feel like home,” recalls the designer, who studied Sewing & Garment Construction at Parsons.
It was at this school that Aisha learned the grammar of garment-making: how to drape on a mannequin, how to draft patterns, and more importantly, how to tell a story through fabric and form.
“Every assignment pushed me to think beyond aesthetics, it was about intent, about meaning. New York gave me more than just skills. It gave me perspective and a real sense of creative freedom,” she says.
From Hyderabad to High Fashion: A Journey of Creative Courage
Aisha grew up in Hyderabad and had always been drawn to the arts, from painting and visual storytelling to experimenting with form and material. “I was always inclined towards fashion for as long as I can remember but I come from a family of lawyers and so like my parents and elder brother, I was expected to follow that path,” says the Hyderabad-based designer, whose studio is located in Banjara Hills.
But that was not where her heart was and she soon realised that her interests were better aligned with creative expression.
After graduating from the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata, Aisha was apprehensive if she should give fashion a chance, given the lack of formal training and experience. She went head anyway, enrolled herself in IED, Barcelona and then to Parsons in New York.
“I worked really hard those few years to grasp as much as I could given the short schooling period. The structure of my legal education and the freedom I found in design school together shaped the way I think and work today,” says the gifted designer, whose work has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue India, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, The Voice of Fashion amongst others for innovation in embroidery, colour theory, and surface development.
Next Stop: The World
“Over the past year, we’ve focused our energy on expanding Aisha Rao’s footprint through strategic trunk shows in the United States and a growing roster of international clients,” informs Aisha. These engagements have not only deepened her label’s presence in key global markets but also opened doors to exciting collaborations that are currently underway.
“As we continue to scale thoughtfully, our vision is set on widening our global reach while staying rooted in our craft-first ethos,” says Aisha’s whose brand will be debuting at India Couture Week this year, marking a major milestone in its journey. It marks a pivotal moment for the brand, entering a platform that has long defined the landscape of Indian high fashion, says Aisha, who loves visiting bookstores.
With her upcoming debut at India Couture Week, Aisha finds herself at a turning point — one that feels less like a finish line and more like a beginning. What started with scraps of leftover fabric and a head full of ideas has grown into a label with a voice of its own. Quietly confident, rooted in craft, and full of colour, Aisha Rao isn’t just shaping clothes — she’s shaping a world where tradition and individuality walk side by side.
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