‘Gen Z is redefining luxury as personal, purposeful, and progressive’: Amit Aggarwal on adapting his craft, the future of Indian couture, and more
“Young style today is about confidence and authenticity, so my craft adapts by offering versatility and a strong visual impact that complements their unique personalities,” said Amit Aggarwal.
Amit Aggarwal gets candid about his craft (Source: Instagram/@amitaggarwalofficial)
With the global spotlight firmly on Indian craft, Amit Aggarwal stands at the crossroads of heritage and modernity. Known for blending tailoring precision with structural fluidity, the couturier is pushing Indian craftsmanship into the future. His latest couture line, EXON, unveiled recently, reimagines vintage Banarasi gowns with his signature corded tessellations — contemporary yet rooted in tradition.
Ahead of the festive season, Aggarwal spoke to indianexpress.com about Gen Z’s evolving fashion choices, adapting his craft for modern icons, and the future of Indian couture. Read the edited excerpts below:
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Q. Your latest barware collection draws inspiration from the French Alps and glacial structures — how has French fashion inspired your work?
Amit Aggarwal: The crystalline stillness of the French Alps — glaciers fracturing light, icy skies, snowy calm — became the soul of this collaboration with Grey Goose Altius. I translated that glacial serenity into translucent layers, metallic sheens, and architectural forms that embody both stillness and strength. For me, design is elemental, bold, and ever-evolving, much like nature sculpting itself.
Q. Your craft is well-loved among youth icons like Janhvi Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Ananya Panday. How do you adapt your craft to resonate with the young and modern style?
Amit Aggarwal: Fashion is an evolving dialogue. To connect with this generation, I balance innovation with wearability — bold designs that still feel effortlessly personal. Experimenting with materials, textures, and silhouettes is key, but always with space for individual expression. Young style today is about confidence and authenticity, and my craft adapts by offering versatility and a strong visual impact that complements their unique personalities. The goal is to empower them to make a statement on their own terms.
Amit Aggarwal with Sharvari and Ibrahim Ali Khan at his latest barware collection showcase (Source: PR Handout)
Q. How does Gen Z define luxury in terms of fashion?
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Amit Aggarwal: For Gen Z, luxury is not just about exclusivity or labels. It’s about authenticity, sustainability, and experiences that carry meaning. They value pieces with stories, innovation in design and material, and fashion that aligns with their values and intersects with technology. Above all, it’s about self-expression and individuality. Gen Z is redefining luxury as personal, purposeful, and progressive.
Q. A celeb you have the most fun working with?
Amit Aggarwal: I genuinely enjoy working with individuals who are open to experimentation and embrace innovation in fashion. Every collaboration brings unique energy, but when someone approaches design fearlessly and authentically, it makes the process dynamic and inspiring. Seeing muses bring garments to life with their own confidence is always rewarding.
Q. With craft and tradition taking the centre stage in global fashion lately, what does the future of Indian couture look like? How can it stand apart in the days to come?
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Amit Aggarwal: Indian couture has a powerful opportunity to redefine itself on the global stage. The future lies in embracing heritage while pushing innovation — age-old techniques blended with contemporary design and sustainable practices. Tradition should inspire progress, not confine it. By experimenting fearlessly and creating a dialogue between past and future, Indian couture can stay relevant, aspirational, and truly unique on the world stage.
Ishika Roy is a Sub Editor for the lifestyle desk at The Indian Express. She shares a keen interest in reading, writing and researching on all things beauty, entertainment, pop culture and lifestyle. Ishika holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Miranda House, Delhi and a Post-graduate degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune. ... Read More