India's fashion sector still chases global recognition three decades after liberalisation

India's fashion landscape transformed dramatically following the economic liberalisation of 1991, as multinational brands flooded the market and gave Indian consumers unprecedented access to global luxury and mainstream fashion. International designers and retailers established a strong foothold, fundamentally altering retail dynamics and consumer preferences across major cities.

Yet despite three decades of economic growth and the emergence of a substantial middle class with rising purchasing power, India has failed to establish fashion brands capable of competing on the world stage. While the country possesses a rich textile heritage and skilled craftspeople, homegrown labels have largely remained regional or niche players, unable to translate domestic success into international prominence.

Industry observers attribute this gap to multiple factors, including limited access to capital for emerging designers, insufficient investment in brand-building infrastructure, and the dominance of international players in retail spaces. The influx of foreign competition, while beneficial for consumers seeking variety, inadvertently created a challenging environment for Indian entrepreneurs seeking to scale operations globally.

Today, Indian fashion remains primarily defined by textile exports and heritage crafts rather than recognisable global brands. While some contemporary Indian designers have gained international recognition, they represent exceptions rather than systematic success. Creating the next global fashion powerhouse from within India's own industry remains an unfulfilled ambition of the post-liberalisation era.