Each year, we handpick the most exciting labels-on-the-rise and turn the spotlight on them. Pankaj & Nidhi, Nimish Shah, Nikhil Thampi, Rahul Mishra, Payal Khandwala – all the names that are changing Indian fashion as we know it right now – they began their journey, right here, as ELLE Graduates. The class of 2015 is blindingly bright too; we introduced you to finalists Dhruv Kapoor, Sahil Kochhar, Rina Singh (of Eka), Anavila Misra and Rashmi Varma in our December 2015 edition.
Each presented a show for our stellar panel of judges: designers Tarun Tahiliani, Anita Dongre, Aashti Bhartia (of Ogaan), Raj Anand (head of promotions for Who’s Next Premiere Classe), Vasanth Kumar (Executive Director, Max Fashion) and, of course, editor ELLE India, Aishwarya Subramanyam.
There was an equally sparkling line-up on the runway, with Allia Al Rufai walking for Dhruv Kapoor, Elena Fernandes for Sahil Kochhar, Prerna Malhotra for Eka, Prarthna Singh for Rashmi Varma and Ira Dubey for Anavila. Actors Kriti Sanon and Bhumi Pednekar were on the front row to applaud the Graduates too.
At the end of the evening, we had two big winners: Sahil Kochhar won the chance to create a commercial high street line with retail giant MAX Fashion. Rina Singh won an all-expenses-paid opportunity to showcase at the coveted international trade show for emerging designers, Who’s Next Premiere Classe, in Paris.
This year, we also introduced new categories of awards to recognise and celebrate the stars of tomorrow in fashion and film.
Here’s the complete list of winners!
Breakout Debut of the Year: Bhumi Pednekar
Photographer of the Year: Bikramjit Bose
Stylist of the Year: Allia Al Rufai
Social Media Star: Masaba Mantena
Rising Star: Kriti Sanon
Photographs: Deepti Hiranandani
ELLE Graduates powered by Max. Trade partner: Who’s Next. Bespoke partner: Da Milano. Hair and make-up partner: – Jean Claude-Biguine. Trophy partner: Creative Awards. Alcohol partners: Peroni and Fratelli Wines. Venue: Vivanta By Taj.
