#BazaarWomenInFocus: Anamika Khanna is still redefining what Indian fashion means

There are few names in Indian fashion as synonymous with reinvention as Anamika Khanna. At the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year 2025 awards, held in Mumbai on October 25, the designer was celebrated not just for her artistry, but for her enduring influence—a legacy that has changed the very vocabulary of Indian couture.

When Khanna stepped up to the stage, elegant as ever, her presence commanded the room. In her trademark understated confidence, she began her speech with warmth and humility, before dedicating her award “to all those women who are such high achievers but don’t get recognised”. It was a moment that summed up everything she stands for—grace, inclusivity, and the courage to keep pushing boundaries.

"I actually want to dedicate this award to all of those women who are such high achievers but don’t get recognised. It’s an honour to be here, and I think an award like this gives me more courage to take some more risks, and that’s what I intend to do. Thank you!" she gushed on the dais.

Khanna’s journey has been one of quiet revolutions. A pioneer of modern Indian design, she was among the first to present Indian fashion on the global stage—showcasing at Paris Fashion Week in 2007, a milestone that not only broke barriers but also redefined how the world perceived Indian craft. Her clothes, intricate yet effortless, traditional yet modern, have always been a dialogue between heritage and experimentation.

Whether it’s her signature draped sarees, structured jackets layered over lehengas, or the deconstructed kurtas that have now become a part of contemporary Indian fashion’s DNA, Khanna’s work has always carried an unmistakable voice.

In recent years, she has expanded her creative empire through her ready-to-wear label AK|OK, which debuted at London Fashion Week to international acclaim. It’s for the woman who dresses intuitively, who blends comfort with art, and who isn’t afraid of contradictions. With AK|OK, Khanna has created a space where global aesthetics meet Indian roots in perfect rhythm.

Khanna's influence extends beyond fashion. For over two decades, she has been a mentor and muse to a generation of designers and stylists who look up to her not just for her craftsmanship, but for her vision. She has been dressing India’s most powerful women—from Bollywood’s brightest stars to business leaders and cultural icons—but what makes her work her legacy is her commitment to authenticity.

At a time when fashion often feels fleeting, Khanna has built something timeless. Her creations are less about trends and more about emotion—about the way a piece makes you feel. 

For Khanna, evolution is the only constant. From Kolkata to Paris, from handloom to haute couture, she has turned Indian fashion into a living, breathing art form—one that belongs to the world.
 

Also read: Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2025: The game-changing winners you need to know

Also read: Kalli Purie’s Heartfelt words on strength, love, and serendipity at Bazaar’s Women of the Year 2025