ELLE Graduates 2023, presented at Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai, is a distinguished celebration heralding in the future of Indian fashion. This annual event serves as a platform for recognising and elevating emerging designers while affording them mentorship from seasoned industry stalwarts.
Our event boasts an esteemed panel of industry experts, meticulously selected from leading brands across the nation. Through a rigorous evaluation process, these individuals scrutinised entries in five prominent categories: Designer of the Year—Ready to Wear (Western), Designer of the Year—Ready to Wear (Indian), Designer of the Year—Fashion Accessories & Jewellery, Designer of the Year—Men’s Wear, and Designer of the Year—Sustainable Wear.
Meet the Jury for ELLE Graduates 2023
Arpita Mehta
Fashion Designer
Having dressed a legion of leading ladies in Bollywood, from Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor to Shilpa Shetty and many more, Arpita Mehta is now a prominent name in the Indian fashion industry. Known for her unique blend of contemporary and traditional techniques, the designer has carved a niche for herself with creations that often reflect her style.
Alaya F
Actor
Alaya F, also known as Aalia Furniturewala, isn’t just a rising star in Bollywood. She’s swiftly becoming a fashion icon for the Gen-Z crowd. Beyond her acting prowess, Alaya displays her versatility. She effectively combines modernism and grace, leaving a lasting impression on the media and fashion industries. Her effortless style and indisputable charisma place her in a notable position, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Aastha Sharma
Stylist
Renowned stylist Aastha Sharma, known for curating looks for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, and Disha Patani, has carved a niche in both Indian and international celebrity circles. Initially an editorial stylist, she seamlessly transitioned into commercial styling, founding the startup Wardrobist. With a versatile Cannes Film Festival portfolio since 2015, Aastha’s journey reflects a mastery of transforming red carpet aesthetics and solidifies her status as a key player in the world of celebrity, fashion, film, and wedding styling.
Ainee Nizami Ahmedi
Editor-in-Chief, ELLE India
As the Editor of ELLE India and the Founding Editor of The Midlife Crisis, Ainee Ahmedi brings her expertise to the forefront. Armed with a degree in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, her focus on digital-first properties underscores her strengths. Her impressive 14-year career has seen her make major contributions to the fashion, lifestyle, and beauty industries.
Dolly J
Fashion Designer
Admired for her diversified bridal and occasion wear, Dolly J is a patron of handwoven textiles and antique embroidery. She skillfully incorporates these traditional elements into modern cuts, structured silhouettes, and intricate craftsmanship. Her creations capture a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary elegance, appealing to those who need something different.
Mevin Murden
Director of Education, Istituto Marangoni School of Fashion and Design, Mumbai
With a decade of international luxury industry expertise across the globe, Mevin Murden has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Renowned for affiliations with iconic brands like Cerruti, Armani, Cartier, and Rolex, he excels in luxury brand marketing. Awarded for his teaching prowess at Istituto Marangoni, Murden, a strategic marketing expert, integrates innovation and addresses industry shifts, focusing on sustainability and technology. His impactful collaborations with industry giants, including Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, underscore his influential role in shaping the fashion and design landscape.
Nikhil Thampi
Fashion Designer
Renowned for his avant-garde designs, Nikhil Thampi stands as a stalwart in the Indian fashion industry. With a keen eye for innovation, he effortlessly combines traditional design elements with a modern touch. Thampi’s creations, marked by clean lines and bold silhouettes, have graced prestigious runways, earning him accolades. His distinctive style has garnered a celebrity following, making him a go-to designer for those seeking cutting-edge fashion.
Nachiket Barve
Fashion Designer
Nachiket Barve, the creative force behind his eponymous label, is a visionary in the Indian fashion space. Renowned for experimental fabric choices, vibrant colour play, and intricate detailing, his designs transcend norms. Barve’s philosophy is a commitment to making fashion inclusive of all races, ages, sizes, and body types.
Tanya Ghavri
Fashion Stylist
Tanya Ghavri is not merely a fashion stylist; she’s also a connoisseur of fine taste and a savvy businesswoman. The co-founder of Dhoom Dham Company not only commands attention behind the scenes but also captivates us with her exceptional style and confidence through her Instagram posts and stories.
Vaishali Shadangule
Fashion Designer
Vaishali S’s couture journey is an exciting and freeing experience. She works with Khadi to weave motifs inspired by nature onto a variety of fabric palettes. Her signature style is characterised by complex silhouettes with textured weaves. Her approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern methods, creating a harmonious blend of age-old techniques and innovative, modern aesthetics.
Zoha Castelino
Fashion Editor, ELLE India
As ELLE India’s Fashion Editor, Zoha Castelino rolled into the creative scene in 2011, discovering her knack for crafting beautiful things. After collaborating with Creative Director and stylist Nikhil Mansata for nearly a decade, Zoha has excelled in styling individuals and mastering grand fashion events. Her passion lies in boosting local brands and showcasing the diverse aspects of Indian fashion, making her a pivotal force in the industry.
Title Sponsor: Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai
Associate Sponsor: Crimsoune Club
Style Partner: Ajio Life
Hydration Partner: Evocus Water
Also read, ELLE Graduates 2023: A Preview Of The Talented Nominees
