Aisha Rao
Aisha Rao is an Indian designer label founded in 2017 by designer Aisha Rao and based in Hyderabad. It is known for maximalist couture lehengas, saris and occasionwear with bold colour and intricate appliqué.
| Founded | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Aisha Rao |
| Base | Hyderabad, India |
| Training | Parsons |
| Style | Maximalist, colour and appliqué |
| Website | aisharao.com |
What is Aisha Rao?
Aisha Rao is the eponymous label of a Hyderabad based designer who launched it in 2017. Rao began her career with a law degree before training as a couturier at Parsons, and her work has drawn on both Indian craft and her experience of New York.
Products and positioning
The label is defined by a maximalist, "more is more" aesthetic, with bold use of colour and intricate appliqué. A white, blue and orange lehenga became the brand's signature piece, and its designs have been worn by Bollywood celebrities.
- Couture lehengas and occasionwear
- A pret line of sequin and ruffled saris
- Printed collections such as Pastiche, Juna and Trencadís
Rao made her debut at India Couture Week with the collection Wild at Heart. In its early years the label worked with upcycled fabrics; as it scaled, it developed a line of prints to sit alongside its embellished pieces.
Why it matters
Aisha Rao represents a younger generation of Indian designers who are reinterpreting bridal and festive dress with a contemporary, playful sensibility. Her early use of upcycled textiles also connects the label to wider conversations about sustainability in Indian occasionwear.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Aisha Rao?
Aisha Rao is a Hyderabad based Indian fashion designer, trained at Parsons, who launched her eponymous label in 2017.
What does Aisha Rao design?
The label designs couture lehengas, saris and occasionwear known for bold colour and intricate appliqué.